Use neighboring support thoughtfully
A traditional bridge uses nearby teeth as supports, so their condition matters. Preparing them is part of the tradeoff when comparing a bridge with other replacement options.
General Dentistry / Treatment guide
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth using support on either side or another planned support arrangement. This guide shows a traditional tooth-supported bridge: the replacement tooth is connected to crowns on neighboring teeth.
Explore your options with our Atlas Dental team. Ask who would provide your treatment and whether a specialist referral is needed.
Let’s talk about your options See what care can involveA closer lookTreatment animation
The animation could not be played. Open the treatment video.
How a bridge spans a gap
A connected bridge replaces a missing tooth using support from the neighboring natural teeth.
- 01Supporting teeth
- 02Connected crowns
- 03Replacement tooth
This is a traditional tooth-supported design. The supporting teeth are prepared for crowns and must be suitable to carry the bridge.
Understanding your care
Replacing a space with connected support
Start with the purpose of treatment, then explore what matters for your own care.
Plan function and appearance
The shape of the replacement tooth should work with your bite and the surrounding smile. The size of the gap and available support help guide the design.
Include cleaning in the design
The connected section needs a cleaning approach that reaches underneath it. The team should explain access around the supports and replacement tooth as part of planning.
From questions to a plan
What care can involve.
The details and sequence depend on your assessment and individual treatment plan.
Evaluate the gap and supports
The dentist examines the missing-tooth area, nearby teeth, gums, and bite. Other replacement options are discussed before deciding whether a bridge is appropriate.
Prepare the supporting teeth
For this traditional design, the support teeth are shaped and recorded with an impression or scan. A temporary bridge may be used during fabrication.
Check the connected restoration
The bridge is assessed for fit, appearance, contacts, and bite. The relationship of the replacement tooth to the gum is also part of the evaluation.
Secure and review
The bridge is attached when ready. Your team explains how to clean the connected areas and monitors the supporting teeth and tissues at future visits.
Before you decide
A plan that makes
sense for you.
A traditional bridge requires preparation of supporting teeth and may be unsuitable if those teeth or gums cannot provide reliable support. Decay, gum problems, fractures, or loss of retention can affect it. Implant-supported replacement and removable options may be alternatives. The example shows one design, not a recommendation for every missing-tooth space.
Can I remove a bridge at home?
A conventional fixed bridge is attached to its supports and is not removed for daily cleaning. It needs cleaning around the supports and beneath the replacement tooth.
Does the middle tooth have an implant?
Not in the design shown here. Its replacement tooth is supported by the connected crowns on neighboring teeth. Implant-supported bridges use a different type of foundation.
Is a bridge always better than a denture?
The best option depends on your teeth, gums, bite, preferences, and treatment needs. A fixed bridge, implant option, or removable denture can each fit different circumstances.
A place to begin
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Talk through your priorities, alternatives and who would provide your care. An assessment helps clarify the next step.
Let’s talk about your optionsOur team will contact you to confirm your visit.
About this guide & educational sources
The treatment images and animations in this guide illustrate examples of care. They are not Atlas Dental patient results, personal treatment recommendations or statements about an individual clinician’s scope. Your assessment and care plan determine which options are appropriate for you.