What Are Dental Bridges Made Of? A Patient’s Guide to Materials

A dental bridge is a highly effective restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth, and it is typically made from five primary materials: porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal alloys, or a combination called porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Choosing the right material is a critical decision that impacts your bridge’s appearance, strength, and longevity.

This guide details the main material options and their features, explains the essential parts of a dental bridge, and provides expert advice to help you select the best choice for your smile.

The Parts of a Dental Bridge

To understand how these materials are used, it’s helpful to know the two main components of a traditional dental bridge.

The Pontic (The Artificial Tooth)

The pontic is the custom-crafted artificial tooth designed to fill the space of your missing tooth. It is carefully designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and beautiful result.

The Abutments (The Anchoring Crowns)

The abutments are the components that provide support for the bridge. In a traditional bridge, these are the dental crowns that are secured to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These abutment teeth serve as strong anchors, holding the pontic securely in place.

Understanding these components is the first step. For a complete overview of how they function, you can read our complete guide for patients on what a dental bridge is.

The Main Types of Dental Bridge Materials

The materials used to create modern dental bridges are selected for their durability, appearance, and biocompatibility. Here is a brief overview of the primary options.

All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic

All-porcelain and all-ceramic bridges are restorations made entirely from dental-grade ceramic, prized for their superior aesthetics.

They expertly mimic the color and translucency of natural tooth enamel for a virtually indistinguishable result, making them ideal for replacing highly visible front teeth where aesthetics are the top priority.

Durability: 5 to 15 years.

Avg. Cost Per Unit: $800 – $3,000.

Aesthetics Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent).

Durability Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆(Good).

Abrasiveness on Opposing Teeth Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Good – Harder than natural enamel, which can cause mild wear on opposing teeth over time).

Zirconia

Zirconia is a modern, metal-free ceramic that is exceptionally strong and fracture-resistant. It delivers a beautiful, tooth-colored appearance without the risk of a metal line showing at the gums, making it an excellent all-around option for any location, especially for patients who need maximum strength.

Durability: 15+ years.

Avg. Cost Per Unit: $1,000 – $2,500.

Aesthetics Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent).

Durability Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent).

Abrasiveness on Opposing Teeth Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Fair – Very hard material that can cause significant wear on opposing natural teeth if not polished perfectly).

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

A time-tested and reliable standard in dentistry for decades, Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) bridges successfully balance good aesthetics, high durability, and moderate cost.

These restorations consist of a durable metal framework covered by a layer of tooth-colored porcelain, making them a versatile and effective choice for almost any location in the mouth.

Durability: 10 to 15 years.

Avg. Cost Per Unit: $800 – $1,500.

Aesthetics Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Good).

Durability Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very Good).

Abrasiveness on Opposing Teeth Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Good – Similar to all-porcelain, the ceramic surface can cause mild wear on opposing teeth).

Gold and Metal Alloys

Composed of gold, palladium, or other alloys, these dental bridges offer outstanding strength and are very gentle on opposing teeth, though their metallic color is not natural-looking.

This makes them highly recommended for replacing back molars, where strength is critical and visibility is low.

Durability: 20+ years.

Avg. Cost Per Unit Gold Alloy: $600 – $2,500.

Durability Rating of Gold Alloy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent).

Aesthetics Rating: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Poor).

Abrasiveness on Opposing Teeth Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent – Its hardness is similar to natural enamel, making it extremely gentle on opposing teeth).

Avg. Cost Per Unit Base Metal Alloy: $500 – $1,200.

Durability Rating of Base Metal Alloy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Excellent).

Aesthetics Rating: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Poor).

Abrasiveness on Opposing Teeth Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very Good – Still gentler on opposing teeth than ceramic options).

A Quick Comparison of Dental Bridge Materials

How to Choose the Best Material for Your Dental Bridge

The ideal material for your dental bridge is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our dentists at Restoration Dental OC make a clinical recommendation based on three key factors to ensure a perfect balance of durability, aesthetics, and function.

This careful consideration ensures your new bridge feels comfortable and looks completely natural.

Location of the Missing Tooth

The position of the missing tooth in your mouth is a critical factor in material selection. Back teeth (molars) endure significant chewing forces and require high-strength materials.

For these areas, Zirconia and Gold/Metal Alloys are the most durable materials available. Their exceptional strength ensures the bridge can withstand daily use for many years.

Aesthetic Priorities

For replacing highly visible front teeth, aesthetics are the top priority. All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic bridges are the premier choices in these cases, as their ability to flawlessly mimic the color and translucency of natural enamel is unmatched.

Zirconia also offers an excellent, tooth-colored appearance with superior strength, making it a great alternative.

Patient’s Overall Dental Health

Finally, the condition of your supporting abutment teeth and your bite alignment play a role in the decision. A material must be chosen that is not only strong but also gentle on the opposing natural teeth.

For example, gold alloys are known for being extremely gentle on opposing teeth because their hardness is similar to natural enamel. A thorough examination helps us select a material that supports your long-term dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental bridges last?

Porcelain-fused-to-metal and metal alloy bridges can last 15 years or more, while all-porcelain bridges typically last between 5 and 15 years.

What is the most natural-looking bridge material?

Porcelain and all-ceramic are the most natural-looking bridge materials. These materials are designed to perfectly match the color and light-reflecting properties of your natural teeth.

What are the alternatives to a traditional dental bridge?

A traditional bridge relies on adjacent teeth for support. For patients seeking an alternative that preserves these teeth, the primary option is a dental implant.

An implant replaces the missing tooth root and does not require altering the adjacent healthy teeth, making it a preferred solution for many patients.

Is zirconia better than porcelain for bridges?

Zirconia offers greater strength and long-term durability compared to porcelain. It is often recommended for bridges that need to withstand strong chewing forces while still looking natural.

Are metal dental bridges still used?

Yes, we still use gold and other metal alloys for patients who need maximum strength in the back teeth. These bridges are durable and gentle on opposing teeth. However, they don’t look as natural as porcelain or zirconia.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Choosing the right dental bridge is a key step toward regaining a confident and functional smile.

At Restoration Dental OC, we specialize in crafting beautiful, durable dental bridges with a gentle touch, ensuring your experience is comfortable from start to finish.

To see examples and understand how these materials look in real-world situations, explore our guide on what a dental bridge looks like.

If you have more questions or are ready to discuss your options, we invite you to request an appointment for a stress-free consultation today.