4 Most Popular Dental Bridge Types: Pros & Cons

It can be difficult to eat, smile, or communicate after losing a tooth. It can also cause your other teeth to move out of position. Dental bridges are a reliable way to fix gaps and restore your smile and bite.

‍There are four types of dental bridges: classic, cantilever, Maryland (resin-bonded), and implant-supported. Each has a distinct design and materials that are tailored to your missing teeth location, oral health, and requirements.

Traditional Dental Bridges

A typical dental bridge consists of a pontic supported by crowns bonded to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. It requires strong surrounding teeth to function.

‍The process requires 2-3 visits. First, the dentist numbs the area and molds the surrounding teeth to accommodate crowns. They take impressions, build a temporary bridge, and then cement the permanent bridge. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is utilized for its strength and cost-effectiveness, while all-ceramic or zirconia is used for a natural appearance, and metal alloys are used for back teeth.

• Pros: With proper maintenance, it will last for at least 5-15 years, can withstand heavy chewing, and appears natural.


• Cons: Shaping teeth removes enamel permanently, which can cause sensitivity or decay. A faulty fit might cause plaque and gum problems.

Ideal for people who have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap, especially for replacing molars or premolars that are frequently chewed. It's ideal if the surrounding teeth already have or require crowns.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

A cantilever bridge secures the pontic with a crown on only one nearby tooth, making it excellent for gaps with no teeth on one side.

The technique for molding a single tooth involves anesthesia, reshaping, impressions, a temporary bridge, and final cementation over 2-3 sessions, similar to regular bridges.

PFM or metal alloys are commonly used for strength, but zirconia is less popular due to its high cost.

• Pros: It is less invasive because it only impacts one tooth, it is effective for narrow gaps, and it does not require surgery.


• Cons: With only one anchor, teeth are less stable and may break or loosen; not ideal for severe chewing areas.

Unlike typical bridges, it uses one-sided support, making it ideal for narrow gaps with no teeth on one side or when saving the other side is important. Ideal for low-chew areas.

Maryland Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges)

A Maryland bridge consists of a pontic with metal or porcelain wings attached to the backs of neighboring teeth, leaving the majority of your natural teeth intact.

The procedure typically takes 1-2 visits and involves the dentist lightly etching surrounding teeth, taking impressions, and bonding the bridge with specialized cement. No substantial teeth contouring or numbing is required. These are usually only used as temporary remedies because chewing can overload them, leading them to debond or come off.

Materials available include a metal frame with porcelain pontic for aesthetics, all-ceramic alternatives, and lightweight composites.

• Pros: It barely touches your teeth, is inexpensive, and looks wonderful in high-visibility spots; it is quick and easy to install.


• Cons: Not particularly sturdy and may become loose over time; not suitable for molars owing to chewing pressure.

Ideal for front teeth when appearance is important, such as replacing an incisor, especially for people with light chewing demands or younger patients who need a temporary treatment.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges connect pontics to titanium implants in your jawbone rather than neighboring teeth.

The procedure has two steps: first, dental implants are placed, followed by 3-6 months of healing to integrate with the bone. The dentist next joins your implants to a bridge.

The bridge can be made of zirconia or porcelain, and titanium implants are compatible with the body.

• Pros: Lasts 10-20+ years, stimulates your jawbone, and does not touch surrounding teeth; ideal for numerous missing teeth.


• Cons: Implants are more expensive and have regular surgical risks; implant-supported bridges also take longer to recover.

It is the best choice for people who want a long-lasting solution, have several missing teeth, or have weak neighboring teeth, because it doesn't require adjoining teeth. For large gaps, it feels extremely natural.