A dental bridge is a false tooth anchored to your natural teeth on either side of a gap
A bridge is a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) that spans the space left by one or more missing teeth. Unlike a denture, which you remove at night, a bridge is cemented in place and stays in your mouth. The false tooth sits on top of the gap, while crowns or bands on the teeth next to the gap hold it steady. You brush and floss it like a natural tooth, though flossing under the bridge takes a different technique than flossing between regular teeth.
Bridges work best when you have healthy, strong teeth on both sides of the gap. If those anchor teeth are weak, decayed, or missing, a bridge may not be the right choice — a partial denture or implant might work better. Your dentist will examine the teeth on either side of the gap and take X-rays to decide whether a bridge can work for you.
Key Takeaways
- A bridge is cemented in place and does not come out, so it feels more like a natural tooth than a removable denture.
- The teeth on both sides of the gap must be filed down and crowned to anchor the bridge, which is permanent damage to those teeth.
- A bridge typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000 per tooth, though the price varies by location, material, and your dentist's experience.
- Bridges last 5 to 15 years on average, and the anchor teeth can develop decay underneath the crowns if you do not floss carefully.
- If the anchor teeth fail, the entire bridge fails and must be replaced, so the long-term cost depends on keeping those teeth healthy.
How a bridge is built and fitted
The process takes at least two visits, usually two to three weeks apart. At the first visit, your dentist numbs the teeth on either side of the gap and files them down to a smaller shape. This is permanent — those teeth cannot be restored to their original size. Your dentist then takes an impression (a mold) of the filed teeth and the gap, and sends it to a lab. You leave with a temporary bridge made of plastic or composite material to protect the filed teeth and keep food out of the gap.
At the second visit, your dentist removes the temporary bridge, checks the fit of the permanent one, and cements it in place with a strong adhesive. The bridge cannot be removed without breaking it or damaging the anchor teeth. Your dentist will check your bite to make sure the bridge does not hit too hard when you chew, and will show you how to floss underneath it using a special threader or tape.
Materials and what they cost
Bridges are made from several materials, each with different costs and durability. Porcelain fused to metal is the most common — it looks natural and lasts 5 to 15 years, and typically costs $2,000 to $5,000 per tooth. All-ceramic bridges look the most natural and are better for people with metal allergies, but cost more and may not last as long in the back of the mouth where chewing force is greatest. Gold or metal alloy bridges are the most durable and least likely to break, but are visible and most people choose them only for back teeth.
The total cost depends on how many teeth are missing. A single missing tooth requires one false tooth and two crowns (one on each anchor tooth), so you are paying for three units. If two teeth in a row are missing, you may need two false teeth and two crowns, or sometimes three crowns total. Dental insurance often covers 50 percent of the cost, though some plans have annual limits or waiting periods for major work. Ask your dentist's office to submit a pre-estimate to your insurance before you commit.
Bridges versus other options
A partial denture is removable and costs less upfront ($500 to $2,000), but requires daily cleaning and adjustment, and does not feel as stable when you eat. You also have to take it out at night. A dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and lasts 20+ years, but costs $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth and requires bone to be healthy enough to support it. An implant does not require filing down adjacent teeth, which is a major advantage if those teeth are healthy.
If you have multiple missing teeth or weak anchor teeth, a full denture may be more practical than a bridge, even though it requires more adjustment and daily care. Your dentist can discuss which option makes sense based on the health of your remaining teeth, your bite, and your budget.
Daily care and what can go wrong
Brush your bridge twice a day like you would natural teeth. Flossing is critical because decay can develop under the crowns on the anchor teeth, and you cannot see it until it is advanced. Use a floss threader (a small plastic tool) to guide floss under the bridge, or use special bridge floss or tape that is thicker and easier to maneuver. Avoid chewing hard candy, ice, or very sticky foods, which can crack the bridge or loosen the cement.
The most common problem is decay on the anchor teeth. If decay develops under a crown, the tooth may need a root canal or extraction, and the entire bridge fails. The second most common problem is the bridge loosening or the cement washing out, which allows bacteria and food to get underneath. If the bridge feels loose or you notice a gap between the bridge and your gum, see your dentist right away — the bridge can often be re-cemented, but waiting can lead to decay. A bridge typically lasts 5 to 15 years, after which the cement breaks down or the anchor teeth fail and the bridge must be replaced.
Who should consider a bridge
A bridge is a good choice if you have one or two missing teeth, healthy teeth on both sides of the gap, and a strong bite. It is also a good choice if you want a fixed solution that feels natural and does not require daily removal and cleaning. You should avoid a bridge if the anchor teeth are already weak, decayed, or have had root canals, because the risk of failure is high. If you have severe bone loss in the jaw, a bridge may not fit well and a denture or implant may work better.
A bridge is not reversible — once the anchor teeth are filed down and crowned, they cannot go back to their original shape. This is a permanent commitment to keeping those teeth healthy for the life of the bridge. If you are not confident you can floss carefully every day, or if you have a history of decay, discuss other options with your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a bridge if I only have one tooth next to the gap?
No. A bridge requires healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to anchor it. If you have only one anchor tooth, a cantilever bridge (anchored on one side only) is sometimes possible, but it is less stable and more likely to fail. A dental implant or partial denture may be better options.
How long does it take to get used to a bridge?
Most people adjust within a few days to a week. You may notice the bridge feels thick or bulky at first, and your tongue may feel like it is in the way. This usually passes as your mouth adapts. If the bridge still feels uncomfortable after two weeks, contact your dentist — the bite may need adjustment.
What happens if the bridge breaks?
If the bridge cracks or breaks, you cannot repair it — it must be replaced. Your dentist will remove it (which may damage the anchor teeth), take a new impression, and send it to the lab. You will wear a temporary bridge while the permanent one is being made, which takes two to three weeks. The cost is similar to the original bridge.
Can I whiten a bridge?
No. Tooth whitening does not work on the porcelain or ceramic in a bridge, so the bridge will not match your natural teeth if you whiten them later. Whiten your natural teeth before getting a bridge, and ask your dentist to match the bridge color to your whitened teeth. If your natural teeth darken over time, the bridge will look whiter by comparison.
Will my insurance cover a bridge?
Most dental insurance covers 50 percent of the cost of a bridge after you meet your deductible, though some plans cover only 30 to 40 percent. Many plans have annual maximums ($1,000 to $2,000 per year), so a bridge may exceed your benefit in one year. Ask your dentist to submit a pre-estimate to your insurance company before treatment begins.