What Is a Dental Bridge? Your Complete Canadian Guide
If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap so you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence. In this guide, you’ll learn how bridges work, common types, the step-by-step process, and why a personalized care plan leads to the best long-term results.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth (called a pontic) to nearby teeth or implants. When your dentist plans the bridge around your bite and lifestyle, it can feel natural, last longer, and help prevent shifting teeth.
What is a dental bridge? (Featured Answer)
A dental bridge is a custom false tooth (pontic) that fills a gap by attaching to neighbouring teeth or implants. With a personalized plan for fit, bite, and home care, a bridge restores chewing and appearance and helps protect your long-term oral health.
How Dental Bridges Work
Think of a bridge as a small team working together:
- Pontic: the replacement tooth that sits in the gap.
- Abutments: the teeth or implants on either side that support the bridge.
- Cement or screws: how the bridge is attached (cement to teeth or screw-retained to implants).
When size, shape, and bite are customized for you, chewing feels natural and pressure spreads evenly. This helps prevent soreness, gum irritation, or early wear.
Common Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional bridge
Uses crowns on strong neighbouring teeth to hold the pontic. Often used for single-tooth gaps with healthy supports.
Cantilever bridge
Anchors to only one side. Useful in select cases but not right where heavy chewing forces are expected.
Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge
Has a small metal or porcelain wing bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. It can be minimally invasive but needs a careful bite assessment to prevent debonding.
Implant-supported bridge
Anchors to dental implants. Helpful for replacing multiple missing teeth or when the neighbouring teeth shouldn’t be crowned.
“Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life.” — World Health Organization
Why Personalized Plans Matter
No two mouths are the same. A made-for-you plan looks at your bite, gum health, daily habits, and goals. That’s how dentists improve comfort, reduce complications, and extend the life of your bridge.
- Fit and bite: Adjustments make sure your top and bottom teeth meet smoothly. This protects the bridge and your jaw.
- Prevention first: Cleanings, fluoride guidance, and simple diet tweaks (like limiting sticky candies or very hard nuts) help your bridge and gums stay healthy.
- Home care that you’ll actually do: Your dentist can show you exactly how to clean under the pontic using a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser so it fits your routine.
Maria’s Journey: A Real-World Story
Maria lost a lower molar to deep decay. Her dentist mapped out a simple plan:
- Choose a traditional bridge because her neighbouring teeth were strong.
- Fine-tune her bite so chewing felt even.
- Teach a quick cleaning routine using a floss threader and water flosser.
- Schedule check-ins to confirm the bridge’s fit and watch her gums.
Within weeks, eating felt natural again. Months later, her gums were healthy and her other teeth hadn’t shifted. The plan worked because it was built around her habits, schedule, and comfort.
Step-by-Step: From Consultation to Placement
1) Consultation and assessment
Your dentist reviews your medical and dental history, examines your teeth and gums, and may take X-rays or a 3D scan to plan fit and alignment.
2) Treatment planning
You’ll review the bridge type, timeline, and costs. Your dentist also covers any prep work (for example, a cleaning or treating a sore gum area) so the bridge sits on a healthy foundation.
3) Preparation and impressions
For tooth-supported bridges, the supporting teeth are shaped for crowns. Digital scans or impressions are taken for the lab. A temporary bridge protects your prepared teeth until the final one is ready.
4) Final placement and bite check
Your custom bridge is tried in, adjusted, and then secured. Your dentist checks the bite carefully and shows you how to clean under the pontic.
Bridge or Implant? Choosing What’s Right for You
Sometimes an implant is the better choice, and sometimes a bridge is. The “best” option depends on your bone and gum health, bite, budget, and goals. For a deeper comparison of both options, explore dental implants vs bridges.
If you want a quick pros-and-cons rundown to help you frame questions for your dentist, you may also find this helpful overview: pros and cons of dental implants vs bridges.
Care and Maintenance: Simple Daily Habits
Daily care keeps your gums healthy and helps your bridge last.
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean under the pontic daily (floss threader, super floss, interdental brush, or water flosser).
- Rinse with water after sticky or very sweet foods.
- Avoid chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth.
- See your dental team as advised for cleanings and bite checks.
Want a practical, step-by-step routine? See our guide to cleaning under a dental bridge so your home care is easy and effective.
Comfort, Durability, and Follow-Up
With proper care, many bridges last 10–15 years or longer. Follow-up appointments matter. Your dentist monitors the bridge margins, your gum health, and your bite. Early tweaks can prevent bigger repairs later.
Diet Tips That Support Your Bridge
- Cut tough foods (like apples or crusty bread) into smaller pieces.
- Limit very sticky treats that can tug at the bridge.
- Drink water through the day to help rinse food and support saliva (saliva protects teeth and gums).
Costs and Coverage in Canada
Costs vary by bridge type, materials, and clinic location. Some private or employer dental plans cover part of the treatment. Your dentist can provide a cost estimate and a treatment plan you can share with your insurer. If you’re unsure about coverage, ask the office team to help you understand your plan details.
Conclusion
A dental bridge can do more than fill a space—it can restore confidence, protect your bite, and help keep your mouth healthy for years. The key is personalization. When your bridge, home care routine, and follow-ups are tailored to you, comfort improves and problems are less likely to show up later. If you’re considering a bridge, ask your dentist for a plan that fits your mouth, your lifestyle, and your goals.
FAQ
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good daily care and regular checkups, many bridges last 10–15 years or more. Avoid chewing ice or very hard candies, clean under the pontic daily, and keep your scheduled dentist visits.
Is getting a bridge painful?
Most people feel little to no pain during the process because the area is numbed. You may feel minor tenderness after appointments, which usually settles within a day or two.
How do I clean under the bridge?
Use a floss threader, super floss, interdental brush, or a water flosser. Your dental team will show you a simple technique that fits your routine so you can keep the area fresh and plaque-free.
What’s the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge attaches to nearby teeth or implants; an implant replaces a tooth root in the jaw. Both can look and feel natural. The right choice depends on your bone, gums, bite, budget, and goals—review dental implants vs bridges with your dentist.
Will my bridge look natural?
Yes. Modern bridges are designed to match the colour and shape of your neighbouring teeth. Your dentist will help select a shade and shape that blend into your smile.
What if I’m still deciding between options?
Ask your dentist for a side-by-side plan that compares time, cost, maintenance, and comfort. Reading a clear outline of the pros and cons of dental implants vs bridges can help you prepare questions and feel confident in your decision.
