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Children’s Dentist Missing teeth can create challenges that go beyond appearance—they affect how you eat, speak, and feel about smiling. If you’re considering a dental bridge procedure to replace one or more missing teeth, understanding what happens at each stage can help you feel prepared.
Dental bridges offer a reliable, time-tested approach to tooth replacement. They’re fixed restorations that literally “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. Unlike removable options, bridges stay in place and feel similar to your natural teeth once you’ve adjusted to them.
- Dental bridges are fixed restorations that replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
- There are four main types: traditional bridges (crowns on both sides), cantilever bridges (single-sided support), Maryland bridges (minimal preparation), and implant-supported bridges (anchored to titanium posts).
- The standard procedure requires two to three appointments over several weeks, including consultation, preparation of adjacent teeth, and final placement of the bridge.
- Good candidates have missing teeth, healthy adjacent teeth, adequate jawbone density, and a commitment to oral hygiene.
- Implant-supported bridges require three to six months of osseointegration before placement.
- Most patients adjust within a few days to two weeks after placement.
- Proper aftercare includes daily brushing and flossing with special tools, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding very hard or sticky foods.
- With consistent care, dental bridges typically last 5-15 years, depending on individual factors.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. The restoration uses artificial teeth, called pontics, that are anchored to the teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Once placed, the bridge stays in your mouth and functions like your natural teeth.
How Dental Bridges Work
The bridge creates a literal “bridge” across the space left by missing teeth. The structure consists of several key components that work together:
Pontics are the artificial replacement teeth that fill the gap. These are custom-crafted to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth.
Abutments are the supporting teeth or dental implants positioned on either side of the gap. These serve as anchors that hold the bridge securely in place.
Crowns or frameworks fit over the abutment teeth (or attach to implants) and hold the pontics in position. The entire structure is cemented, creating a stable, functional restoration.
Materials Used in Dental Bridges
Bridges can be made from various materials, each offering different benefits. Porcelain and ceramic bridges look very natural and work well for front teeth, where appearance matters most. Metal alloys provide strength and durability, making them suitable for back teeth that handle significant chewing forces. Many bridges combine materials—using metal for strength with a porcelain coating for aesthetics.
How Bridges Differ from Other Options
Dental bridges are fixed restorations, which means they’re attached and can’t be removed like dentures. You don’t need to take them out for cleaning or sleeping—you simply care for them as you would your natural teeth.
Each tooth replacement option has different advantages depending on your oral health, timeline, budget, and personal preferences. Your dentist will discuss which approach is most suitable for your specific situation.
Dental bridges consist of three main components. The abutment teeth are the natural teeth on either side of the gap that support the bridge. These teeth are prepared with dental crowns that anchor the entire structure. The pontic is the artificial tooth (or teeth) that fills the gap where your natural tooth (or teeth) were missing. These components work together to form a stable, functional restoration.
There are four main types of dental bridges, each suited to different situations. Traditional bridges are the most common type, with crowns attached to abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. Cantilever bridges attach to an abutment tooth on only one side of the gap, used when teeth are present on just one side. Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back surfaces of adjacent teeth, requiring minimal tooth preparation. Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, combining the stability of implants with the efficiency of replacing multiple teeth in one restoration.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridges:
Traditional bridges are the most common type and consist of one or more pontics supported by crowns on both sides. These crowns fit over the natural teeth adjacent to the gap, called abutment teeth, providing strong, stable support.
This design works well when you have healthy teeth on both sides of the space. Traditional bridges can withstand significant chewing forces, making them suitable for back teeth, where you do most of your chewing. They’re strong enough to replace multiple consecutive teeth if needed.
The dental bridge preparation for this type involves reshaping the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns. Your dentist removes a small amount of enamel, typically 1-2mm, to create space for the crowns to fit properly over the prepared teeth.
Cantilever Bridges:
Cantilever bridges attach to only one adjacent tooth rather than two. The single crown supports the pontic on one side, creating a cantilevered structure. This design is useful when you have a healthy tooth on only one side of the gap.
Because cantilever bridges have support on just one end, they’re generally recommended for front teeth only. These areas experience less biting force than back teeth, reducing stress on the single supporting tooth. Cantilever bridges cannot withstand the same forces as traditional bridges, so they’re less commonly used and are typically used only in specific situations.
Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges:
Maryland bridges take a more conservative approach that preserves most of your natural tooth structure. Instead of crowns that cover entire teeth, these bridges use thin metal or porcelain wings that bond to the back of adjacent teeth.
Because Maryland bridges require minimal tooth preparation—often none at all—they preserve your natural teeth better than other types. The wings attach to the back surface of teeth adjacent to the gap, holding the pontic in place without the need for crowns.
Implant-Supported Bridges:
Implant-supported bridges attach to dental implants rather than natural teeth. Titanium posts are surgically placed in your jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. After these implants heal and integrate with your bone (a process called osseointegration), the bridge attaches to them.
This approach offers stability and doesn’t require preparing any natural teeth. If you’re missing several consecutive teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them all without affecting neighbouring healthy teeth. The implants also help preserve your jawbone, which naturally shrinks when teeth are missing.
Comparison Summary:
No single type of bridge works for everyone. Your dentist will consider multiple factors when recommending an option. These include the location of your missing teeth and the condition of adjacent teeth. Your oral health, timeline, and budget also matter.
Different situations call for different options. Your dentist will assess which type is most suitable for your circumstances and explain why that approach makes sense for you.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
General Candidacy Factors:
Good candidates for dental bridges typically share several characteristics. You have one or more missing teeth, creating gaps you’d like to address. Your overall oral health is reasonably good, without active infections or untreated problems. For traditional or cantilever bridges, you have healthy teeth adjacent to the gap that can support the restoration.
Adequate jawbone density matters, particularly if you’re considering implant-supported bridges. The implants need sufficient bone for secure placement and integration. You’re also willing to maintain careful oral hygiene to keep your bridge and supporting structures healthy in the long term.
Conditions That May Affect Candidacy:
Certain oral health conditions may need to be addressed before bridge treatment can proceed. Active gum disease must be treated first, as healthy gums are essential for supporting the bridge. Significant tooth decay in adjacent teeth may need restoration before those teeth can serve as abutments.
If you have insufficient jawbone density or volume, particularly for implant-supported bridges, bone grafting might be necessary first. Some medical conditions or medications can affect healing and may influence the treatment approach or timeline your dentist recommends.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) doesn’t rule out bridges, but it may require additional considerations. Many people who grind their teeth wear night guards to protect both their natural teeth and dental restorations.
Importance of Professional Assessment:
Only a qualified dentist can determine whether you’re actually a suitable candidate for a dental bridge. This assessment happens during your dental bridge consultation and involves several components.
Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral health evaluation, including a check of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. X-rays provide detailed information about structures below the gum line that aren’t visible during visual examination. Your dentist will also analyse your bite to understand how your teeth come together and how forces are distributed when you chew.
During this visit, you’ll discuss your goals, concerns, timeline, and budget. All these factors influence which approach makes the most sense. Your dentist might identify issues you weren’t aware of that need attention first, or they might suggest alternative options based on their findings.
Age Considerations:
Dental bridges are generally not recommended for children or teenagers whose jaws are still developing. The bridge would need replacement as facial structures change and grow, making it impractical for younger patients.
For adults of all ages with appropriate oral health, bridges can be suitable. Whether you’re in your twenties or your eighties, age alone doesn’t determine candidacy—your oral health and individual circumstances matter more.
The Dental Bridge Procedure - Step by Step
Most dental bridge procedures require two to three appointments spread over several weeks. The exact timeline and steps vary based on the type of bridge you’re getting and your individual circumstances, but the overall process follows a similar pattern.
Each step is designed so that your bridge fits properly, functions well, and looks natural. Here’s what typically happens from your first visit to your final placement.
STEP 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
What to Expect:
Your journey begins with a comprehensive dental bridge consultation. This first appointment focuses on evaluation and education rather than treatment. Your dentist needs to thoroughly understand your oral health before recommending a specific approach.
During this visit, your dentist conducts a detailed oral examination. They’ll look at your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. X-rays provide additional information about your jaw structure, the roots of adjacent teeth, and bone density. These images reveal details that aren’t visible during the visual examination alone.
You’ll discuss your dental history, current concerns, and your goals for treatment. Your dentist will ask about any symptoms you’re experiencing and how missing teeth affect your daily life. This conversation helps them understand not just your clinical needs but also your personal goals.
Based on their findings, your dentist will assess whether you’re a suitable candidate for a dental bridge. If bridges are appropriate, they’ll explain which type makes the most sense for your situation and why. They’ll walk you through the recommended treatment process, discuss the expected timeline, and review costs and payment options.
STEP 2: Preparation Appointment (First Treatment Visit)
Anaesthesia and Comfort:
Before starting any work, your dentist administers local anaesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. The injection numbs the area completely, and you typically won’t feel pain during the procedure—though you may feel pressure or movement.
Tooth Preparation (for Traditional and Cantilever Bridges):
For traditional and cantilever bridges, your dentist needs to prepare the abutment teeth to accommodate crowns. This preparation involves carefully reshaping these teeth.
Using precision instruments, your dentist removes approximately 1-2mm of enamel from each abutment tooth. This creates the space needed for the crown to fit over the tooth without feeling too bulky. Preparation is done with care to maintain the tooth’s strength while creating the proper crown shape.
Throughout this process, your dentist protects the inner parts of your tooth and checks if the preparation matches the design requirements for your specific bridge.
For Maryland Bridges:
Maryland bridges require minimal or no tooth preparation since they don’t use full crowns. Your dentist cleans and prepares the back surfaces of the adjacent teeth where the wings will bond. This preparation is much more conservative than what’s needed for traditional bridges.
Impressions and Imaging:
Maryland bridges require minimal or no tooth preparation since they don’t use full crowns. Your dentist cleans and prepares the back surfaces of the adjacent teeth where the wings will bond. This preparation is much more conservative than what’s needed for traditional bridges.
Temporary Bridge Placement:
While your new bridge is being made, you won’t be left with exposed, prepared teeth. Your dentist places a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your appearance and function.
This temporary restoration is custom-made to fit your mouth during the waiting period. Your dentist will provide specific care instructions for the temporary bridge. It’s not as strong as the new one, so you’ll need to be careful with what you eat and how you clean around it.
Fabrication Period:
The fabrication period is when your new bridge is carefully crafted in the laboratory. Technicians create a restoration designed specifically for your mouth, matching the impressions and shade information your dentist provided.
STEP 3: Final Placement Appointment
Preparation for Placement:
Your dentist begins by carefully removing the temporary bridge and thoroughly cleaning your prepared teeth and the surrounding area. If needed for your comfort, the area may be numbed again, though some patients don’t require additional anaesthesia for this appointment.
Fitting and Adjustment:
Your dentist positions the new bridge carefully and checks multiple aspects of the fit. They’ll verify that the bridge seats properly on the prepared teeth. Your dentist checks your bite and confirms the appearance matches your natural teeth.
You’ll be asked to bite down carefully so your dentist can assess how the bridge affects your bite. They’ll check whether the height feels right or if any areas feel too high when you close your mouth. Adjustments can be made at this stage to maintain comfort.
Your dentist will also verify that the colour matches your surrounding teeth and that the bridge looks natural in your smile. Throughout this process, your feedback is important—you’ll be asked how the bridge feels and whether anything seems off.
If adjustments are needed, your dentist makes them before cementing the bridge. This might involve carefully reshaping small areas or adjusting the bite slightly.
Cementing Process:
Once your dentist confirms that everything looks and feels right, they’ll cement the bridge in place. Dental cement is applied to the bridge, which is then carefully positioned on your prepared teeth.
You’ll be asked to bite down gently while the cement sets. This pressure helps keep the bridge seated fully and that the cement distributes properly. After the cement hardens, your dentist removes any excess material and polishes the bridge for a smooth, finished appearance.
Final Verification:
Even after cementing, your dentist performs final checks. They’ll verify your bite again with the bridge in place, assess the appearance one more time, and check if you’re comfortable. If any final adjustments are needed, they can often be made at this stage.
Post-Procedure Instructions:
Before you leave, your dentist provides care guidelines for your new bridge. You’ll receive information about eating restrictions for the first 24 hours and oral hygiene instructions specific to bridge care. Your dentist explains what to expect and schedules your follow-up appointment.
If needed, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check on your adjustment and address any concerns.
STEP 4: Follow-Up and Monitoring
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled, typically one to two weeks after placement. During this visit, your dentist checks how you’re healing and adjusting to the bridge. They’ll assess whether the fit still feels right and whether any final adjustments are needed.
This appointment is also an opportunity to reinforce oral hygiene instructions and address any questions that have arisen since placement. Your dentist can address minor concerns and provide additional guidance on caring for your bridge.
Section 5: Implant-Supported Bridges – A Different Timeline
Why the Process Differs:
Traditional bridges attach to natural teeth that are already present in your mouth. Implant-supported bridges require creating new “tooth roots” from titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jaw. These posts must heal and fuse with your bone before they can support a bridge.
This process takes more time but offers unique benefits. Implant-supported bridges don’t require preparing any natural teeth, which preserves your existing healthy teeth. The implants also stimulate your jawbone, similar to natural tooth roots, helping prevent the bone loss that typically occurs when teeth are missing.
Extended Timeline:
The dental bridge placement process for implant-supported bridges typically takes several months from start to finish. Here’s how the timeline generally unfolds:
- Surgical Consultation:
Your dentist assesses your bone density, medical history, and suitability for implant surgery. Detailed imaging helps plan the exact placement of implants. - Implant Surgery:
Titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone under local anaesthesia (and sedation if you prefer). The number of implants depends on how many teeth you’re replacing. - Healing Period (Osseointegration):
After surgery, the implants need time to fuse with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. This typically takes three to six months, though the timeline varies between individuals. During this period, the titanium posts gradually integrate with the bone surrounding them, creating a stable foundation. - Abutment Placement:
Once healing is complete, small connector posts called abutments are attached to the implants. These protrude slightly above the gum line and will eventually hold your bridge. - Impressions:
After the abutments are in place and any tissue has healed around them, your dentist takes impressions for your custom bridge. These impressions capture the position of the implants and the shape of your mouth. - Bridge Fabrication:
Your custom bridge is created in a dental laboratory, typically over two to three weeks. - Final Placement:
The completed bridge attaches to the implant abutments. Because implants are already stable, this placement process is typically straightforward.
What to Expect:
During the healing phase, your dentist monitors the integration process to check if everything is progressing well. Regular check-ups help identify any concerns early. Proper healing is essential before moving to the next stage, so rushing the process isn’t advisable.
Your dentist will assess your individual healing and determine when you’re ready for each next step. Healing time varies among individuals based on factors such as bone density, overall health, and adherence to post-surgical care instructions.
Recovery and What to Expect
Immediately After Procedure:
Once your appointment ends, you’ll still feel numbness from the local anaesthesia for typically two to four hours. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot until this numbness subsides completely—you could accidentally burn your mouth without realising it.
Some sensitivity in the prepared teeth is normal during the first 24 to 48 hours as you adjust to your new bridge. This typically feels like mild tenderness or awareness of the teeth rather than sharp pain.
First 24-48 Hours:
During this initial period, stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Cut food into small pieces to make eating easier. When you chew, try using the opposite side of your mouth, if possible, to avoid putting pressure on the new bridge.
Continue with proper oral hygiene, being careful around your new bridge. Brush softly and avoid aggressive flossing in that area for the first day. Your dentist will provide specific instructions about dental bridge aftercare during this initial period.
First Week:
During your first week with the bridge, you’ll gradually adjust to how it feels. The bridge may feel foreign initially—this awareness is a normal part of the adaptation period. Your tongue naturally explores new things in your mouth, which makes you very conscious of the bridge at first.
Speaking and eating will feel more natural as the week progresses. You might notice slight changes in how you form certain words initially, but your mouth adapts quickly. Most people find that these sensations get better within days.
Signs That Require Dental Attention:
While mild discomfort is normal, certain symptoms warrant contacting your dental clinic:
- Severe pain or pain that increases rather than decreases over time
- Significant swelling around the bridge or in your gums
- The bridge feels loose or a crown that seems to rock slightly
- The bridge feels too high when you bite down, even after several days
- Persistent sensitivity that doesn’t improve beyond a few days
- Any concerns about healing or how the bridge functions
Your dentist can address these concerns and determine whether any adjustments are needed. Don’t hesitate to call if something doesn’t feel right—that’s what follow-up support is for.
Adaptation Period:
Most patients adjust to their dental bridge within a few days to two weeks. During this time, the initial awareness of the bridge gradually fades. Some people adapt within a few days, while others take the full two weeks to feel completely comfortable.
This variation is normal and doesn’t indicate any problem with the bridge. Your mouth is simply adjusting to something new, and everyone’s adaptation timeline differs slightly. If discomfort persists beyond two weeks, contact your dentist to check if everything is fitting properly.
Long-Term Adjustment:
Once the adaptation period is complete, your bridge should feel similar to your natural teeth. You’ll chew, speak, and smile without thinking about it. Most people report that they forget they have a bridge after the initial adjustment period ends.
Individual experiences vary, but the recovery process is typically manageable and relatively quick. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions and attending any scheduled follow-up appointments helps maintain the smoothest possible adjustment to your new dental bridge.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Daily Oral Hygiene:
- Brushing:
Brushing remains your foundation for oral health. Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Clean your bridge surfaces the same way you’d brush natural teeth, using circular motions. - Flossing:
The pontic portion of your bridge doesn’t have spaces on either side like natural teeth do. Traditional flossing techniques won’t work in that area. - Rinsing:
Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash can complement your brushing and flossing routine. Mouthwash helps reduce plaque buildup around your bridge and supports healthy gums. Follow your dentist’s recommendations about which products work well for your situation.
Foods to Approach with Caution:
You don’t need to avoid certain foods completely, but being mindful helps protect your bridge. Very sticky foods, like caramel or gummy candies, can pull on the bridge. Hard foods that require significant force—like ice, hard candy, or whole nuts—put stress on the restoration.
Foods that easily get stuck, such as popcorn kernels or small seeds, can lodge under or around your bridge. This doesn’t mean you can never enjoy these foods—just be thoughtful about how you eat them and clean your teeth thoroughly afterwards.
Professional Care:
Regular dental check-ups, typically every six months, are essential for monitoring your bridge’s condition. During these visits, your dentist examines the bridge, checks the surrounding gum tissue, and confirms that everything continues to fit and function properly.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t address. The hygienist can thoroughly clean around your bridge, reaching areas that are difficult to clean at home. These appointments also provide opportunities to catch any developing issues early, when they’re easier to address.
Habits to Avoid:
Chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or fingernails can damage bridges over time. If you grind your teeth (bruxism), discuss this with your dentist. A custom night guard can protect both your bridge and natural teeth while you sleep.
Smoking affects gum health and can lead to problems around your bridge. If you smoke and have been considering quitting, the investment you’re making in your bridge might be additional motivation.
Lifespan Expectations:
With proper care, dental bridges typically last between five and fifteen years. Some bridges last longer when patients maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental appointments. Individual factors—including your oral health, bite forces, grinding habits, and how well you care for the bridge—all affect longevity.
Longevity varies based on care, oral health, and individual factors. Your dentist can give you a better sense of what to expect based on your specific circumstances, but consistent care gives you the results you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
The dental bridge process typically involves two to three appointments over several weeks, though implant-supported bridges require additional time for healing. Multiple bridge types are available, and the selection depends on your individual needs, oral health, the location of missing teeth, and your treatment goals.
While some initial adjustment is normal after placement, most patients adapt well within one to two weeks. With proper dental bridge aftercare, including daily oral hygiene and regular professional care, bridges can last many years. Individual experiences vary, but the treatment offers established results for addressing gaps in your smile.
At Karrinyup Dental Centre, our experienced team can assess your situation and discuss whether a dental bridge is suitable for you. During your consultation, we’ll examine your oral health, explain your options, and provide a personalised treatment plan.
