A missing tooth affects more than your smile — it can shift neighbouring teeth, alter your bite, and make everyday eating and speaking harder. At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we use dental bridges offer a reliable, time-tested way to restore the gap with a natural-looking, fixed solution.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that literally bridges the space left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two main components: abutment crowns — placed over the healthy teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap — and a pontic, the artificial tooth (or teeth) that fills the space between them.
Once cemented in place, a dental bridge cannot be removed at home. Only your dentist can take it out, which is what makes it a reliable, stable solution for tooth replacement.
Not all bridges are the same. The right type depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of neighbouring teeth, and your overall oral health.
| Type | Anchor | Best for | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Two crowns on adjacent teeth | 1–2 missing teeth with healthy neighbours | 10–15 years |
| Cantilever | One crown on one adjacent tooth | Single missing tooth with one neighbour | 5–10 years |
| Maryland | Bonded framework (no crowns) | Front tooth; conservative cases | 5–15 years |
| Implant-Supported | Dental implants in the jawbone | Multiple missing teeth; long-term solution | 15–20+ years |
After your consultation, a traditional dental bridge is typically completed over two appointments, usually spaced one to three weeks apart.
Both options restore missing teeth permanently — but they work differently and suit different situations.
A dental bridge is faster to complete, generally more affordable upfront, and does not require surgery or sufficient jawbone volume. However, the adjacent teeth must be prepared (reduced), which permanently alters healthy tooth structure.
A dental implant replaces the root of the tooth and integrates with the jawbone, preserving bone density over time. Adjacent teeth are left completely untouched. The process takes longer and costs more initially, but the long-term outcomes are excellent.
On average, a traditional dental bridge lasts between 10 and 15 years. With excellent daily care and regular professional check-ups, many bridges remain in good condition well beyond that. Implant-supported bridges tend to last considerably longer — 15–20 years or more — because they are not dependent on the health of natural abutment teeth.
The main factors that influence longevity:
Caring for a dental bridge is largely the same as caring for your natural teeth — with one important addition: you need to clean the area underneath the pontic every day.
A traditional dental bridge typically lasts 10–15 years with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Implant-supported bridges can last significantly longer, often 15–20 years or more, because they are anchored to implants rather than natural teeth.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Some sensitivity and mild discomfort around the prepared teeth are normal for a few days afterward and typically resolve quickly.
A dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of a gap as support anchors, spanning the space with an artificial tooth. A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone, replacing the tooth root directly and integrating with the bone through a process called osseointegration, which provides long-term stability. Bridges are generally faster and relatively more affordable; implants preserve bone and do not require preparation of adjacent teeth.
A fixed dental bridge is cemented permanently in place and can only be removed by your dentist. It is not designed to be taken out at home, which is what makes it a stable, comfortable everyday solution.
Because the artificial tooth (pontic) spans a gap, standard floss cannot pass underneath in the usual way. Use a floss threader to guide floss beneath the bridge, or clean the area with an interdental brush or water flosser every day. Your dentist or hygienist will demonstrate the most effective technique for your bridge design.
A dental bridge is a fixed solution that is cemented in place and replaces missing teeth by anchoring to neighbouring teeth or implants. It offers greater long-term stability and function, helping maintain your bite and allowing you to eat and speak with confidence without removal.
A denture is a removable appliance used to replace multiple missing teeth. While it can be a suitable and more affordable option initially, it may require periodic adjustments, relining, or replacement over time as the gums and bone naturally change.
Your dentist will help you decide which option is most appropriate based on the number of missing teeth, your oral health, and your long-term goals.
Our dentists will assess your missing teeth, explain your replacement options, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, function, and long-term comfort.