Dental Bridge vs Replacing a Tooth With an Implant: What a Bridge Involves
crownsandbridges
A closer look at how a dental bridge works, what the process involves, and who it may suit, so you can compare it with other tooth replacement options.
A bridge is one of the most established ways to fill a gap. Here's what it involves and who it can suit.
How a bridge works
A bridge is a false tooth, called a pontic, held in place by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighbouring teeth are called abutments.
What the process looks like
- Exam and planning: we check the gap and the health of the neighbouring teeth.
- Preparing the anchor teeth: the teeth beside the gap are shaped to hold crowns.
- Impressions: we take digital impressions so the bridge fits well.
- Fitting: the finished bridge is checked for bite and comfort, then placed.
Our crowns and bridges guide explains how same-day CEREC technology can fit into this kind of care.
Things that may suit a bridge
- Neighbouring teeth already need crowns.
- You'd like a fixed option without surgery.
- Timing matters and you want a shorter process.
Things to weigh
- Healthy neighbouring teeth must be reshaped to hold the crowns.
- A bridge doesn't replace the root, so it doesn't keep the bone in that spot working the way an implant can.
- Cleaning under the false tooth takes some extra care.
How it compares
An implant replaces the root and stands on its own, as described in our dental implants guide. Dentures are removable and can replace one tooth or many. The right choice depends on your teeth, bone, budget and preferences.
Next steps
We'll explain each option with costs and timing, and our front desk can check your insurance coverage. For background, see what can happen if you don't replace a missing tooth.