Dental bridges replace missing teeth. The main types of dental bridges are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland or resin-bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Each design replaces one or more missing teeth, but they differ in how the artificial tooth is supported, how much preparation is required and which areas of the mouth they are most suitable for.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to fill a gap created by missing teeth. Unlike a removable denture, a fixed dental bridge remains secured in the mouth and is supported either by neighbouring natural teeth or dental implants.
Choosing between the different types of dental bridges requires more than selecting a preferred design. The dentist needs to assess the number and location of missing teeth, condition of neighbouring teeth, available support, bite forces, oral hygiene and, for implant-supported options, the condition of the jawbone.
Key Takeaways
Dental bridge types differ mainly according to how the replacement tooth, known as the pontic, is supported. The four commonly described designs are traditional, cantilever, Maryland and implant-supported bridges.
Important points include:
- Traditional bridges generally use crowns on natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
- Cantilever bridges are supported from only one side.
- Maryland bridges use bonded wings rather than full crowns on the neighbouring teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges gain their support from dental implants placed in the jawbone.
- Not every bridge design is suitable for every position in the mouth.
- The condition of the abutment teeth, bite and missing-tooth space influences bridge selection.
A clinical examination is therefore necessary before deciding which fixed dental bridge design is appropriate.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by placing an artificial tooth within the empty space. The replacement tooth is called a pontic, while the teeth or implants providing support are known as abutments.
In a conventional tooth-supported bridge, the abutment teeth may be prepared to receive dental crowns. These crowns are connected to the pontic so that the restoration functions as one unit.
Other bridge designs use less extensive preparation or obtain support from implants instead of natural teeth.
Dental bridges can help restore chewing function and fill a missing-tooth space, but the supporting structures must remain healthy. The bridge itself also requires ongoing oral hygiene because plaque and food can accumulate around supporting teeth and beneath the artificial tooth.
The Different Types of Dental Bridges
The different types of dental bridges are designed for different clinical situations. Although they all replace missing teeth, their method of support changes how the restoration is planned and maintained.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge usually consists of one or more artificial teeth supported by crowns placed on natural teeth on both sides of the missing-tooth space. It is one of the most commonly used fixed bridge designs.
For example, if one tooth is missing between two suitable natural teeth, those neighbouring teeth can be prepared as abutments. Crowns are placed over them and joined to the pontics positioned between the crowns.
When Is a Traditional Bridge Considered?
A traditional bridge may be considered when suitable supporting teeth are available on both sides of the gap.
The abutment teeth need sufficient structural and periodontal support because they will carry forces transmitted through the bridge.
This design can be particularly relevant when neighbouring teeth already have large restorations or require crowns for other restorative reasons.
Benefits of a Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge provides fixed support from both sides of the missing-tooth space. This creates a different load distribution from a cantilever design, which has support only on one side.
It can also replace the missing tooth while simultaneously restoring adjacent teeth that already require crown treatment.
Limitations of a Traditional Bridge
A conventional bridge generally requires preparation of the neighbouring teeth so crowns can be fitted over them. Leeds Teaching Hospitals notes that this preparation can involve removal of tooth structure and can affect the supporting teeth.
The long-term health of the bridge also depends on the abutment teeth. Decay, periodontal disease or structural damage affecting one supporting tooth can compromise the wider restoration.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
A cantilever dental bridge is supported by an abutment tooth on only one side of the missing-tooth space. The pontic extends beyond the supporting crown rather than being supported between two abutments.
This design may be considered when suitable natural teeth are available on only one side of the gap.
When Is a Cantilever Bridge Considered?
A cantilever bridge may be considered in carefully selected locations where the forces placed on the replacement tooth can be appropriately managed.
Because all support comes from one side, the supporting tooth experiences a different mechanical load from the abutments of a traditional bridge.
Cleveland Clinic notes that cantilever bridges are not as strong as traditional bridges because of their one-sided support.
Benefits of a Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever design can avoid preparing a second natural tooth purely to provide bridge support.
This can be helpful when no suitable abutment exists on the opposite side of the missing space.
Limitations of a Cantilever Bridge
One-sided support places greater importance on the strength and position of the abutment tooth.
Cantilever bridges are therefore more selectively used than conventional bridges and may not be appropriate where substantial chewing forces are expected.
The dentist needs to assess the bite carefully before recommending this design.
Maryland or Resin-Bonded Bridge
A Maryland bridge, also known as a resin-bonded or adhesive bridge, uses a framework or wings bonded to the back surfaces of neighbouring teeth rather than relying on full dental crowns.
This means the supporting natural teeth may require substantially less preparation compared with a conventional crown-supported bridge.
When Is a Maryland Bridge Considered?
Maryland bridges are commonly associated with replacement of front teeth where biting forces and aesthetics can be managed appropriately. Cleveland Clinic notes that these restorations are typically used for front teeth rather than areas exposed to stronger posterior chewing forces.
The adjacent teeth need suitable enamel surfaces and adequate condition for predictable bonding.
Benefits of a Maryland Bridge
One of the main benefits is conservation of natural tooth structure.
Instead of reshaping neighbouring teeth to receive full crowns, the supporting wings are bonded primarily to their back surfaces. Leeds Teaching Hospitals describes adhesive or Maryland bridges as an alternative to conventional bridges that relies on bonding rather than full crown preparation.
Limitations of a Maryland Bridge
Bonded wings can become detached, particularly when the restoration is exposed to unfavourable biting forces.
The design is therefore not appropriate for every missing tooth.
The dentist must consider the bite, condition of the neighbouring teeth and location of the gap before selecting this type.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge replaces missing teeth using dental implants rather than natural abutment teeth for support. Dental implants are placed within the jawbone and can support crowns, bridges or dentures.
This option can be particularly useful when several teeth are missing or when suitable natural teeth are unavailable for supporting a conventional bridge.
How Does an Implant-Supported Bridge Work?
Dental implants function as artificial replacements for tooth roots. After implant placement and appropriate healing, prosthetic components can be attached to support a fixed bridge.
One implant is not necessarily required for every missing tooth. The number and location of implants depend on the span of the restoration, available bone and treatment design.
Benefits of an Implant-Supported Bridge
The restoration does not require neighbouring natural teeth to be prepared simply to support the bridge.
Implant-supported treatment can also provide a fixed replacement when there are not enough suitable natural teeth surrounding the gap.
Limitations of an Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant placement requires surgery and sufficient jawbone to support the implants.
Treatment also usually includes a healing phase before the definitive bridge can be completed. This generally makes the treatment pathway longer than that of many conventional bridges.
Implants also require ongoing cleaning and maintenance because the gums and bone around them can still develop disease.
Comparing the Main Dental Bridge Types
The main dental bridge types can be compared according to their source of support and how they affect neighbouring teeth.
| Bridge Type | Main Support | Adjacent Tooth Preparation | Typical Consideration |
| Traditional bridge | Natural teeth on both sides | Usually requires crowns | Suitable abutments available on both sides |
| Cantilever bridge | Natural tooth or teeth on one side | Crown preparation generally required | Selected gaps with support on one side |
| Maryland bridge | Bonded wings on adjacent teeth | More conservative preparation | Often considered for selected front teeth |
| Implant-supported bridge | Dental implants | Natural adjacent teeth generally not needed for support | Multiple missing teeth or limited natural abutments |
These categories describe general designs. Individual bridge planning may vary according to the clinical situation.
How Dentists Choose the Right Bridge
Dentists choose a bridge according to the missing-tooth space, condition of surrounding teeth and tissues, and the mechanical requirements of the restoration.
Number and Location of Missing Teeth
A single missing front tooth creates different treatment requirements from several missing molars.
The location affects appearance, available support and chewing forces.
Condition of the Abutment Teeth
A traditional or cantilever bridge requires suitable natural teeth to provide support.
The dentist evaluates tooth structure, existing restorations, gum health and periodontal support before determining whether a tooth can function as an abutment.
Condition of the Neighbouring Teeth
If the teeth next to a gap are healthy and unrestored, a dentist may consider whether preparing them for full crowns is justified.
A Maryland bridge or implant-supported option may conserve more natural tooth structure in suitable cases.
Bite and Chewing Forces
Posterior teeth experience substantial chewing forces, while front teeth have different functional requirements.
These mechanical differences influence whether a particular bridge design can tolerate the expected load.
Available Jawbone
Implant-supported bridges require sufficient bone for implant placement.
When bone volume is inadequate, additional assessment or procedures may be necessary before implant treatment can be considered.
Benefits and Limitations of Each Type
No dental bridge type provides every possible advantage. The best design is the one that provides appropriate support while preserving healthy structures where possible.
Traditional bridges offer support from both sides but generally require significant preparation of abutment teeth. Cantilever bridges reduce the need for support on both sides but create greater mechanical demands on the available abutment.
Maryland bridges preserve more tooth structure but are generally more selective in terms of location and biting forces. Implant-supported bridges avoid relying on natural teeth but require surgery, adequate bone and additional treatment time.
These differences explain why selecting a bridge should follow examination rather than being based only on preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the four main types of dental bridges?
The commonly described types are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland or resin-bonded bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
Which type of dental bridge is most common?
Traditional bridges are commonly used and typically involve crowns on supporting teeth with the replacement pontic positioned between them.
Which dental bridge requires the least tooth preparation?
A Maryland or resin-bonded bridge generally requires less preparation of adjacent teeth than a conventional crown-supported bridge because it uses bonded wings for retention.
Can a bridge be supported by only one tooth?
A cantilever bridge receives support from only one side of the missing-tooth space. Because of this design, case selection and control of biting forces are particularly important.
Can implants support a dental bridge?
Yes. Dental implants placed within the jawbone can support fixed bridges when appropriate.
Is one dental bridge type better than all the others?
No. The suitable design depends on factors such as the missing-tooth location, supporting teeth, bite, oral health and available jawbone. Each bridge type has different clinical advantages and limitations.
Choosing a Bridge According to Its Support and Function
The different types of dental bridges use different methods to support replacement teeth. Traditional bridges rely on crowned natural teeth on both sides of the gap, cantilever bridges use support from one side, Maryland bridges use bonded wings, and implant-supported bridges gain support from implants within the jawbone.
These structural differences influence how much natural tooth preparation is required, where each bridge can be used and how the restoration needs to be maintained.
Choosing the appropriate dental bridge therefore requires an assessment of the missing-tooth space, neighbouring teeth, bite and supporting tissues rather than selecting a bridge design by name alone.
Find the Bridge Design That Fits Your Dental Needs
If you are considering a fixed dental bridge and want to understand which design may be suitable for your missing tooth or teeth, book a consultation with Dr. Seah’s Root Canal Clinic. A dental assessment can evaluate the condition of the neighbouring teeth, available support and missing-tooth space before the appropriate bridge options are discussed.