The 4 Main Types of Dental Bridges and Their Benefits

Living with gaps caused by losing teeth is difficult.

Food becomes harder to chew,
Words might slip awkwardly,
Neighboring teeth gradually tilt into empty spaces.

Dental bridges solve these dental issues by placing artificial teeth in gaps, secured to next to natural teeth or implants.

This article analyzes many different types of dental bridges, including their

Designs
Material
Price
Considerations for choosing one.

To help you make the right decision for your oral health gaining an understanding of different types of dental bridges is important

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What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge imitates a replacement tooth (or multiple teeth) that fills empty tooth gaps and spaces in your mouth. This custom-made solution isn’t just about improving looks, it creates a strong, stable connection with the teeth beside the gap.

Today’s new edge dental bridges match your natural teeth so closely that most people won’t spot the difference between your original teeth and bridges unless you tell them.

While bridges replace missing teeth, crowns repair or protect damaged ones. For instance:

Crown: Covers a cracked or weakened tooth to restore shape and function.
Bridge: Uses crowns on healthy teeth to hold pontics in place.

This distinction shows how types of dental bridges and crowns serve complementary roles in oral care.

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What are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

Let’s analyze what are the different types of dental bridges that can help you restore the smile

Fortunately, when it comes to dental bridges, there isn’t one option that suits everyone.

You should know the following regarding each type:

1) Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges are the most popular choice among all types of dental bridges. When looking at types of dental bridge materials, porcelain and metal alloys are standard for traditional designs.

How It Works: A pontic is held in place between two dental crowns securely attached to the teeth on either side.
Materials Used: When discussing the types of dental bridges materials, traditional options often use porcelain and metal alloys
Ideal For: Replacing 1–3 teeth in a row.
Cost Range: While comparing types of dental bridges and cost factors, traditional bridges often provide a balanced solution. Cost varies on the type of material used, it starts at Rs.20,000/- for three teeth.
Strengths: High durability, blends with natural teeth, lasts 5–15 years.
Limitations: Healthy teeth must be filed down to fit crowns.

Moving on to other types of dental bridges, let’s talk about cantilever bridges

2) Cantilever Dental Bridges

How It Works: A pontic attaches to a single crown on one side.
Materials Used: Porcelain or metal frameworks.
Ideal For: Front teeth with only one adjacent tooth available.
Cost Range: Cost varies on the type of material used. Starts at Rs.15,000/- for two teeth.
Strengths: Solves gaps where teeth exist on just one side.
Limitations: Uneven pressure can strain the supporting tooth over time.

3) Maryland Dental Bridges

How It Works: A pontic bonds to adjacent teeth using thin metal or ceramic wings.
Materials Used: Porcelain fused to metal or zirconia.
Ideal For: Front teeth with strong neighboring teeth.
Cost Range: Cost varies on the type of material used. Starts at Rs.10,000/- per tooth.
Strengths: No tooth alteration; easy to remove if needed.
Limitations: Wings may loosen under heavy chewing. Avoid molars.

4) Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

How It Works: Titanium implants embedded in the jawbone hold pontics.
Materials Used: Titanium posts with porcelain crowns.
Ideal For: Large gaps or areas with weak adjacent teeth.
Cost Range: starts at Rs.40,000/- for three teeth.
Strengths: Preserves jawbone; no impact on neighboring teeth.
Limitations: Higher cost and longer healing (3–6 months).

Each of these types of dental bridges and cost ranges suits different patient needs.

Let’s assist you make a decision now that we’ve discussed the types of dental bridges

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Choosing the Right Dental Bridge

Making this choice isn’t something you’ll do alone. Your dentist will look at several key factors:
Where’s the gap? Front teeth might do well with a Maryland bridge for looks, while your molars might need something more robust.

Here are a few points that can help choose the right dental bridge:

Gap Size and Placement: Traditional bridges can manage smaller gaps. Implants can work well for multiple missing teeth. Molars need sturdy options like implants.

Oral Health: Healthy gums and strong support teeth are vital for traditional bridges. Implants require sufficient jawbone density.

Budget: Implants cost more initially but last decades. Maryland bridges are budget-friendly but less durable.

Procedure Timeline: Implants take months. Other bridges take 2–3 weeks.

Longevity: Traditional bridges last 5–15 years. Implant bridges often exceed 15 years with care.

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What are the pros and cons of a dental bridge?

Pros

You’ll get your smile back, and with today’s materials, it’ll look natural
Eating becomes easier again
Your other teeth won’t drift into the space
The whole process wraps up faster than getting implants

Cons

Some healthy tooth tissue might need removing from traditional bridges
Even the best bridges don’t last forever
You’ll need to step up your cleaning game to prevent problems
The bone under a traditional bridge might shrink over time

Cost of Dental bridges types

The cost varies significantly between different types of dental bridges, depending on materials and complexity

Traditional (3 teeth): ₹20,000
Cantilever (2 teeth): ₹20,000
Maryland (1 tooth): ₹10,000
Implant-Supported (3 teeth): ₹40,000

Prices vary by material quality. Porcelain fused to metal is cheaper than zirconia.

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FAQ

Q1. Which type of dental bridge is best?

Ans: Implant bridges offer the best longevity. Maryland bridges are safer for front teeth since they skip drilling.

Q2. How much does a 3-tooth bridge cost in India?

Ans: Traditional bridges start at ₹ 20,000. Implant bridges range from ₹40k to 1.5 lakhs

Q3. Why is a dental bridge not recommended?

Ans: If adjacent teeth are weak or gums are infected, implants or dentures may be better.

Q4. How many teeth can go on a bridge?

Ans: Most bridges can handle up to four teeth in a row, but two or three is more common for the best results.

Q5. Which is better, implant or bridge?

Ans: Implants preserve bone but require surgery. Bridges avoid surgery and cost less.

Q6. How long does a dental bridge last?

Ans: Most last 5–15 years. Implant bridges can last 15+ years with proper care.

Your choice among these types of dental bridges should match your specific needs. Dental bridges balance aesthetics, function, and cost.

You may prioritize implants for long-term jaw health, especially for back teeth. Opt for Maryland bridges if preserving natural teeth matters most.

Consult a dentist to evaluate gum health and bone density. Regular cleanings and flossing under bridges prevent decay and extend their lifespan.

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The 4 Main Types of Dental Bridges and Their Benefits

What is a dental bridge?