A Practical Guide through Dental Bridges & FAQs

I know it can be overwhelming to understand the options your orthodontist tells you about, so if you’ve been thinking about getting dental bridges and are confused, I’m going to make this simple and easy to follow.

Let’s break down everything about dental bridges—the process, costs, safety, and how they compare to implants. 

Beginning with, what is a Dental Bridge?

It’s a permanent restoration solution that uses the two teeth next to a missing tooth as anchors to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. So the adjacent healthy teeth (referred to as abutment teeth) on the sides become anchors and a false tooth (pontic) is placed between them, creating a “bridge” over the gap.

These abutment teeth are carefully shaped and pontic teeth is placed over them so this gives a natural looking result since the pontics are made of materials that blends with your teeth, 

So Lets further understand the materials dental bridges are made from,  

Most common choice of material is Porcelain or Ceramic is it looks natural and blends beautifully with your existing teeth, there are more ceramic options as well like E-Max and Zirconia which are high strength and more durable. 

Earlier bridges were also made of metal alloys and gold which is less common nowadays but maybe used for back teeth.

Now let me take you through the process for getting a dental bridge – 

1. Evaluation & Preparation: the dentist will analyse if a bridge is what you need by checking the damaged or missing tooth, if you’ll require a bone graft in case there is decay or broken teeth, and then the two neighboring teeth are shaped to make space for the bridge.
   
2. Not everyone qualifies for a bridge. Here’s what your dentist will check:

Height and Length of the Gap, longer the bridge, the higher the risk of failure, so the gap should be shorter and there must be enough vertical space to place a proper bridge. And lastly health of your adjacent teeth is also evaluated.

3. Temporary bridge: Molds are taken and sent to the dental lab. You’ll leave with a temporary bridge to protect the area.
   
4. Permanent Bridge Fitting: After a couple of weeks, your final bridge is ready. Your dentist checks the fit, bite, and appearance before cementing it in place permanently.
   

If you’re wondering,

how much time getting a dental bridge takes? 

Typically 2 appointments, which is your Prep Visit where Tooth shaping and temporary bridge is done and then 2 weeks later you’ll have a cementation visit where  fitting, color matching, and bonding are done.

Same-day bridges are possible with CAD/CAM technology but may have limitations

But, Is a Dental Bridge Safe?

It is a common option and dentists often recommend a dental bridge, if your adjacent teeth are perfectly healthy, you are not sacrificing some healthy tooth structure and if those teeth already need crowns or restorations, a bridge makes perfect sense.

So theyre completely safe.

What if it fails,

Here’s why Dental bridges fail?

If oral hygiene isn’t proper and there is a cavity under the bridge, decay can sneak underneath the bridge.

And too much force/grinding exerts excess pressure that can damage the bridge or the supporting teeth.

 If an anchor tooth breaks or decays, the entire bridge often needs replacement. This can be costly and frustrating, so protecting the bridge and supporting teeth is crucial—especially if you grind your teeth.

Tip: If you grind your teeth, consider getting a nightguard.

FAQs about Dental Bridges 

How Do You Care for a Dental Bridge?

Good oral hygiene is the secret to making your bridge last over a decade!

• Use an electric toothbrush—most dentists (myself included) swear by it.
• Invest in a Waterpik—great for flushing food out from under the bridge.
• Floss daily—use a floss threader to clean under the bridge.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.

Will a Dental Bridge Look Natural?

Absolutely! Dental bridges today are designed to match your teeth perfectly.Modern materials mimic the light reflection and translucency of real teeth. However, natural teeth stain over time—your bridge won’t. Whitening before the bridge is advised for a perfect color match. 

So, if you enjoy coffee, red wine, or berries, consider periodic whitening to keep everything looking consistent.

How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?

Costs vary based on location and materials, but here’s a rough idea:

$700 – $1,500 per tooth/unit

Example: A typical 3-unit bridge (two supporting teeth + one replacement tooth) could cost $2,100 – $4,500 total.

Dental insurance often helps cover a portion of the cost, so always check your plan!

4. Do You Need a Bone Graft for a Bridge?

Bone grafting is typically unnecessary for the bridge itself, but highly recommended after a tooth extraction in the smile zone. A graft preserves the bone and prevents gum indentation, creating a more natural, aesthetic bridge result.