Your Guide to Dental Bridges
How a dental bridge can replace a missing tooth, what happens during treatment, and how it compares with other ways to replace a tooth.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It is fixed in place, so you cannot take it out. The false tooth (pontic) is fixed to the natural teeth on each side of the gap. These anchor teeth are called abutment teeth.
Bridges are made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a mix of these. They are cemented in place for good. You do not take them out to clean them.
Why might I need a bridge?
When a tooth is lost, the gap can cause problems over time:
- Nearby teeth can drift or tip into the gap. This can cause bite problems.
- The tooth above or below the gap can grow too far into the space (over-erupt).
- The jawbone can shrink where the tooth is missing.
- Some foods can be hard to chew.
- Your appearance or speech can change.
A bridge fills the gap and keeps the nearby teeth in place. It helps you chew and smile with confidence again.
What are my alternatives?
There are several ways to replace a missing tooth. Your dental team will talk about which suits you best:
- Dental implant. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone, with a crown on top. It does not involve the nearby teeth. It is seen as the gold standard for replacing a tooth. But it costs more and needs surgery.
- Standard (conventional) bridge. It is fixed and feels natural. No surgery is needed. The nearby teeth are shaped (made smaller) to act as anchors. It is not suitable if the anchor teeth are unhealthy or heavily filled.
- Resin-retained (Maryland) bridge. A less invasive option. The false tooth has wings that are glued to the backs of the nearby teeth. Little or no shaping of the teeth is needed. It is an excellent option for some people, mainly for front teeth. It may be less suitable where biting forces are strong.
- Partial denture. A removable plate. The nearby teeth are not shaped. It is less steady than a bridge or implant. But it costs less and needs no surgery.
- No treatment. This is fine in some cases, mainly for back teeth that do not show when you smile. But over time, the nearby teeth are likely to drift and the bone is likely to shrink.
What happens during treatment?
Getting a bridge usually takes two or three appointments. The steps depend on the type of bridge.
Standard bridge
- The anchor teeth on each side of the gap are numbed with a numbing injection (local anaesthetic).
- These teeth are shaped in the same way as for a crown. A thin, even layer is removed from all sides to make room for the bridge.
- A mould (impression) or digital scan is taken.
- Temporary crowns and a temporary bridge protect the shaped teeth while the permanent bridge is made. This usually takes 2–3 weeks.
- At the second appointment, the permanent bridge is checked for fit, bite and appearance. It is then cemented in place for good.
Resin-retained (Maryland) bridge
- Little or no shaping of the nearby teeth is needed. This is one of its main benefits.
- A mould or scan is taken.
- At the fitting appointment, the bridge's wings are glued to the backs of the nearby teeth.
Your dental team will explain which type of bridge they suggest for you, and why.
Risks and possible problems
Common (affect more than 1 in 10 people):
- Sensitivity in the shaped anchor teeth for several weeks
- A settling-in period while you get used to how the bridge feels
- Mild gum soreness at the edges of the bridge
Uncommon (affect about 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people):
- One or both anchor teeth may develop nerve problems (pulp problems) and need root canal treatment. Shaping teeth carries a small risk of affecting the nerve.
- It can be hard to clean under the false tooth. This can lead to gum disease or decay if you do not keep it clean.
- The bridge may need adjusting after it is fitted.
- The bridge becomes loose or de-cements (comes unstuck).
- Porcelain chipping
- Failure of an abutment tooth (an anchor tooth). This may mean the bridge cannot be saved.
Bridges usually last 10–15 years with good care. The health of the anchor teeth matters most for how long a bridge lasts.
Cleaning your bridge
A bridge needs extra care to keep clean. You cannot floss between the teeth in the normal way.
- Use floss threaders or superfloss to clean under the false tooth and around the anchor teeth.
- A small interdental brush is often the easiest way to clean around and under a bridge.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- A water flosser can help wash food out from under the bridge.
- Go to regular hygienist appointments. Professional cleaning helps keep the bridge and the gum around it healthy.
Questions to ask your dental team
- Are my anchor teeth healthy enough to support a bridge?
- How much of my nearby teeth will need to be shaped away?
- Would an implant be a better long-term option for me?
- How long do you expect this bridge to last?
- What happens if one of the anchor teeth fails in future?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dental team about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dental team will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
Sources
- Crowns, Fixed Bridges and Dental Implants: Guidelines. British Society for Restorative Dentistry, 2013.
- Dental treatments. NHS website (nhs.uk), reviewed July 2026.
- Bridges. Oral Health Foundation.
Links checked 18 October 2026.
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