Many people lose one or more teeth due to tooth decay, fractures, or gum disease. This affects not only appearance but also chewing function and the stability of neighboring teeth. Here comes the role of the dental bridge — a solution that is fixed over the natural teeth adjacent to the gap to fill the missing space, allowing the patient to regain chewing ability with confidence and strength up to 80% of natural tooth function.
The field of dentistry is full of many solutions for treating teeth, such as dental bridges. In this article, we will discuss this option in detail — its components, types, how it’s installed, how to care for it, and its benefits and drawbacks.
Reasons for Installing a Dental Bridge
Have you lost one of your natural teeth, and does it show as a gap when you smile, causing you some embarrassment? Today we discuss one of the effective solutions for missing teeth — dental bridges.
A dental bridge is a type of fixed dental prosthesis that replaces a missing tooth in a wonderful way that makes it indistinguishable from natural teeth.
To understand what a bridge is, let’s think together about the word “bridge” itself. A bridge connects two areas and consists of fixed parts and a connector between them — and this is very similar to a dental bridge, which connects the space between teeth (the missing tooth) through parts fixed on the adjacent natural teeth.
If we imagine a dental bridge more precisely, it consists of the following parts:
- Retainer: the part fixed on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
- Pontic: the artificial tooth that replaces the missing one and mimics its shape exactly.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are many types of dental bridges that look similar but differ based on the materials used to make them. The main types according to the manufacturing material are:
- All-metal bridges: These are made entirely of metal, known for their strength and metallic color. They are often used to replace back teeth that are not visible when smiling.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges: Made of metal covered with a porcelain (ceramic) layer similar in color to natural teeth. These bridges are both strong and aesthetic, often chosen when the supporting teeth need extra protection and strength.
- All-ceramic bridges (metal-free): Made entirely of ceramic materials such as porcelain or zirconia, matching the natural color of teeth. They can be shaped to match natural tooth contours, making them an ideal choice for visible areas when smiling.
1- Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most common type, used when there’s a missing tooth between two healthy natural teeth. The adjacent teeth are prepared by reshaping them to act as supports (abutments), and then the bridge is cemented to fill the space.
Materials used:
Usually made of porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, or porcelain.
Advantages:
- Provides strong support and a natural appearance.
- Can last 10 to 15 years with good care.
Disadvantages:
- Requires removal of a layer of enamel from the supporting teeth.
- If the abutment teeth are damaged, the entire bridge must be replaced.
2- Maryland Bridge (Resin-bonded or Wing Bridge)
This type requires minimal tooth preparation. The bridge is attached to the inner surfaces of the adjacent teeth using metal or ceramic wings. It is more suitable for front teeth due to its natural appearance, but it is less stable than a traditional bridge because of fewer attachment points.
Known as the “winged bridge,” it is fixed to the back surface of the adjacent teeth using metal or ceramic wings, without extensive tooth reduction.
Common use:
Mostly used for front teeth because it preserves more of the natural tooth structure.
Advantages:
- Less invasive than the traditional bridge.
- Requires minimal enamel removal.
Disadvantages:
- Less retention and strength compared to a traditional bridge.
- May loosen easily in high-pressure areas like molars.
3- Cantilever Bridge
Used when there is only one supporting tooth next to the missing space, so the bridge is supported on one side only.
Use:
Ideal in areas that don’t experience high chewing forces, such as front teeth.
Advantages:
- Requires preparation of only one tooth.
Disadvantages:
- Prone to fracture or detachment due to uneven stress.
- May negatively affect the supporting tooth.
4- Implant-Supported Bridge
Also known as a bridge supported by dental implants, this type does not rely on adjacent teeth. Instead, it is fixed onto implants placed in the jawbone, offering a permanent and highly stable result that closely mimics natural teeth — but at a higher cost.
Advantages:
- No need to prepare neighboring teeth.
- Extremely stable and durable.
- Preserves bone density and prevents gum shrinkage.
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost.
- Requires surgical intervention and longer treatment time.
5- Modern Dental Bridge Technologies
E-max Transparent Bridges:
Made from lithium disilicate, offering exceptional strength and a translucent, natural appearance — ideal for front teeth.
CAD/CAM Dental Bridges:
Created using digital scanning and 3D printing technologies, ensuring high precision and perfect fit.
Nano-material Dental Bridges:
The latest innovation in dentistry — made from lightweight but strong materials that adapt well to oral tissues.
Steps of Dental Bridge Placement
The process of installing a dental bridge starts with a planning stage, where the dentist examines the gap left by the missing tooth and evaluates its suitability for bridge placement, considering bone condition around the area, smile line and gum health, adjacent teeth condition, number of missing teeth, bite alignment, and overall oral health.
The dentist may also require X-rays, images, and impressions to plan treatment accurately.
If all assessments indicate that a bridge is a suitable solution, the dentist begins by administering local anesthesia around the supporting teeth, then removes thin layers of enamel to create space for the bridge. The amount of enamel removed depends on the bridge material chosen.
After preparation, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth using elastic materials or a digital scanner, records the bite alignment, and selects the shade that matches the patient’s natural teeth. A temporary bridge is then placed until the next visit.
The impressions are then sent to the dental lab to fabricate the bridge according to the recorded specifications.
At the following visit, the dentist tests the bridge, discusses any adjustments with the patient, and then cements it permanently using strong dental cement. The dentist ensures that the treatment plan matches the final result and provides aftercare instructions for long-term maintenance.
A follow-up appointment is scheduled one week after placement to check fit and comfort, followed by semi-annual visits to monitor gum and tooth health.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
- Restore tooth shape and a natural smile.
- Provide stable chewing function up to 80% of natural strength.
- Reduce the risk of food trapping and bacterial growth in empty spaces.
- Relatively quick procedure compared to some other options, often without complex surgeries.
- Maintain proper tooth spacing, preventing neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap, which could cause bite misalignment.
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
- Requires removal of part of the enamel, which may increase tooth sensitivity or weaken the tooth.
- May need replacement after 10–15 years, depending on care and materials.
- If neighboring teeth decay or weaken, the bridge becomes unsuitable.
- Traditional bridges are less stable than implant-supported ones.
- Covered teeth may still be prone to decay.
- Can lead to gum inflammation, bone resorption, and bad breath.
- When replacing multiple teeth, bridges may fracture over time.
- Poor planning may lead to bite imbalance (malocclusion).
How Are Dental Bridges Removed?
As mentioned earlier, dental bridges are fixed restorations that cannot be removed by the patient. However, sometimes you may need to visit your dentist to remove or replace an old bridge. The dentist removes it using precise instruments or laser tools that break down the dental cement — a quick procedure that usually doesn’t require anesthesia.
Dental Bridge Cost in Egypt
The cost of dental bridges in Egypt varies depending on the material used, number of teeth replaced, and fabrication technique. Prices generally start around 6,000 EGP, though some bridges may cost less depending on complexity and materials.
Tips for Caring for a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges require special care as they are prone to plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause bad breath, decay, and gum inflammation. Regular use of a toothbrush and dental floss is essential for maintaining bridge health and longevity.
It is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush without abrasives, clean thoroughly between teeth using special floss or water flossers, and avoid biting very hard foods.
Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure the bridge and supporting teeth remain healthy.
Conclusion
Dental bridges are an excellent solution for filling gaps after losing one or more teeth, combining aesthetics and functionality seamlessly. However, it’s important to choose the right bridge type after careful evaluation by a dentist and follow a proper oral hygiene routine to extend its lifespan.
If you’re considering a dental bridge, start with a consultation at Wonders Dentistry to restore your smile naturally and confidently.
