What Does a Dental Bridge Look Like?

A dental bridge looks like a solid, continuous unit of teeth designed to fill the space left by a missing tooth.

It consists of two main parts you can see: the pontic (the artificial tooth that fills the gap) and the abutment crowns (caps that secure the bridge to the healthy teeth on either side.

This guide provides a complete visual breakdown of the 4 different types of dental bridges, how they achieve a natural look, and how they compare to other tooth replacement options.

The Anatomy of a Dental Bridge: What Are You Seeing?

A dental bridge is a sophisticated restoration with a few key parts working together. Before we explore its anatomy, if you’d like a general overview of what a dental bridge is and how it functions, you can review our main guide.

Pontics (The Artificial Tooth):

The pontic is the artificial tooth that “bridges” the gap where a tooth is missing. This is the part of the restoration that you see, and its primary role is to replicate a natural tooth as perfectly as possible.

Each pontic is custom-crafted in a dental laboratory from high-quality, biocompatible materials like zirconia and high-grade porcelain, which is renowned for its ability to mimic the color, translucency, and luster of natural tooth enamel.

Our dental team works meticulously to ensure the pontic’s shape and size are a perfect match for the surrounding teeth, creating a result that blends in seamlessly with your smile line.

Abutment Teeth:

The abutment teeth are the healthy, existing teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth act as strong anchors for the entire bridge, providing the necessary support and stability.

This process involves preparing and fitting dental crowns onto the abutment teeth, which creates the strong, stable foundation needed to support the entire bridge.

These crowns are permanently cemented onto the abutment teeth, and the pontic is fused between them. This creates a solid, durable restoration that looks and feels like a continuous row of natural teeth.

Exploring the 4 Different Types of Dental Bridges

While all dental bridges serve the same primary purpose to fill the space of a missing tooth, they are not all the same.

There are four main types, each with a unique design and application. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the best solution for your smile.

Traditional Dental Bridge

Appearance

A traditional bridge consists of an artificial tooth (a pontic) that is anchored by two dental crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

This design creates a solid, seamless unit of connected teeth. Because the entire bridge is custom-shaded to match your smile, it is virtually impossible to distinguish from your natural teeth when viewed from the front.

How It Works

To place a traditional bridge, we first gently prepare the two healthy teeth on both sides of the empty space. These abutment teeth provide the foundation for the bridge.

We then take a precise impression to create your custom bridge. The final restoration, with the pontic fused between the two crowns, is securely bonded into place, effectively “bridging” the gap.

Best For

It is the ideal solution when the natural teeth on both sides of the gap are strong and healthy enough to provide solid support.

Cantilever Bridge

Appearance

A cantilever bridge looks similar to a traditional one but is unique because it is supported by a dental crown on only one side of the gap.

The pontic (artificial tooth) extends from the crowned tooth to fill the empty space, much like a balcony is supported from one side.

How It Works

We use this type of bridge when there is only one natural tooth available next to the gap to serve as an anchor.

Your dentist prepares and places a crown on this single abutment tooth. The pontic is then attached to the side of this crown and extends over the gap to restore your smile.

Best For

A cantilever bridge is usually recommended for front teeth, where chewing pressure is lighter. It works well if you only have a healthy tooth on one side of the missing space to support the bridge.

Maryland Bridge

Appearance

A Maryland bridge’s most unique feature is its support system. From the front, you only see the perfectly matched artificial tooth (pontic).

From behind, you would see a small metal or tooth-colored resin ‘wing’ bonded to the back of the adjacent tooth, making the support system invisible when you smile.

How It Works

This bridge represents a more conservative approach to tooth replacement. Instead of covering the neighboring teeth with crowns, we bond the metal or porcelain wings directly to the back surfaces of these teeth.

This secure framework holds the artificial tooth firmly in place, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

Best For

The Maryland bridge is an excellent choice for replacing missing front teeth, especially when the adjacent teeth are healthy, strong, and do not have large fillings.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Appearance

An implant-supported bridge offers the most natural appearance because it is designed to emerge directly from the gums, just like real teeth.

Furthermore, it does not require placing crowns on neighboring teeth, a key difference that preserves their original structure and appearance completely.

How It Works

We surgically place small, biocompatible posts called dental implants into your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots.

After a healing period where the implants fuse with the bone, they create an exceptionally strong foundation. We then attach your custom-made dental bridge securely to these implants.

Best For

This is the most stable and long-lasting solution for replacing several missing teeth in a row. An implant-supported bridge is the best option when you want to avoid altering neighboring healthy teeth or if those teeth are not strong enough to support a traditional bridge.

Does a Dental Bridge Look Natural?

Yes, absolutely. A modern dental bridge is designed to be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Achieving this seamless, natural appearance is a careful blend of dental artistry and precise science, focusing on several key factors to perfectly replicate your unique smile.

Here’s how we ensure your dental bridge looks completely natural:

Custom Color and Shade Matching

This is the most critical step for a natural look. We meticulously match the shade of the bridge to your surrounding teeth using a professional shade guide under various lighting conditions.

We dedicate the necessary time to this critical step in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Your dentist will collaborate with you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are an active partner in choosing the final shade and are completely satisfied with the result.

Replicating the Natural Shape and Size

To honor the unique character of your smile, we meticulously replicate the exact shape, size, and contours of your original tooth.

Our expert dental technicians use precise impressions and photographs to sculpt the pontic, ensuring it fits perfectly within your bite and smile line.

Creating an Imperceptible Gum Line

A common sign of older or poorly made dental work is a visible, unnatural line where the restoration meets the gums.

We design the pontic to appear as if it is emerging naturally from your gum tissue, just like a real tooth.

This attention to detail at the gum line is crucial for creating a truly believable and beautiful result.

Using High-Quality, Lifelike Materials

Modern dental bridges are often crafted from all-porcelain or zirconia, materials renowned for their ability to mimic the luster and translucency of natural tooth enamel.

For front teeth especially, these materials provide superior aesthetic results because they do not have a metal base, eliminating any risk of a dark line appearing at the gum level over time.

The result is a dental restoration that doesn’t just fill a space; it restores the unique character and beauty of your original smile.

Our primary goal is for you to feel so confident in your new bridge that you and others will forget it’s even there.

Functional and Health Benefits of a Dental Bridge

Beyond its aesthetic appearance, a dental bridge provides several critical health and functional benefits essential for your long-term oral health.

A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth, which is crucial to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of their correct position.

This stability not only preserves your alignment but also restores your ability to chew food properly and comfortably.

Furthermore, the restoration helps to distribute bite forces evenly across your teeth, preventing uneven wear and potential damage to your existing enamel.

By supporting your lips and cheeks, a dental bridge also plays a vital role in maintaining the natural shape of your face.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge

At Restoration Dental OC, we ensure the dental bridge process is comfortable and straightforward. Here is a simple, step-by-step overview of your journey to a restored smile:

1. The Initial Consultation and Gentle Preparation

The first step is a consultation to ensure a dental bridge is the right solution for you.

During your first treatment visit, we will gently prepare the abutment teeth. This involves carefully reshaping these teeth to make room for the dental crowns that will support the bridge. We always numb the area to ensure you feel no discomfort during this process.

2. Precise Impressions

Next, we take precise dental impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom bridge is expertly crafted to match your natural teeth.

Before you leave, we will place a comfortable temporary bridge. This protects your prepared teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made.

3. Placing Your Final, Beautiful Bridge

On your second visit, we will remove the temporary bridge and place your new, permanent one.

Your dentist will carefully check the fit and your bite to ensure everything is perfect. Once you are happy with the look and feel, we will securely bond the final bridge in place using dental cement, completing your beautiful, restored smile.

Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?

No, getting a dental bridge is a comfortable procedure. At Restoration Dental OC, ensuring a pain-free and stress-free experience is our top priority.

We use effective local anesthetics and employ gentle techniques to prepare your teeth, and our team is dedicated to making sure you feel relaxed and informed every step of the way.

Now that we’ve ensured your new bridge is both beautiful and comfortable, let’s go over the simple ways you can protect it and keep your smile healthy for years to come.

How Do You Care for Your New Dental Bridge?

Caring for your new dental bridge is simple and is the key to its longevity. With good oral hygiene, you can ensure your bridge looks great and the supporting teeth stay healthy.

To learn more about its durability, explore how long a dental bridge can last with proper care.

Follow these essential tips:

Brush Twice a Day:

Brush your bridge just as you would your natural teeth, paying special attention to the area where the bridge meets the gum line. We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Clean Under the Bridge Daily:

It is crucial to remove plaque from underneath the pontic (the artificial tooth) every day. You can do this with special tools such as a floss threader, an interdental brush, or a water flosser.

By cleaning daily, you protect your gums and extend the life of your dental bridge.

Maintain Regular Dental Check-ups:

Continue to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. These appointments allow us to monitor the condition of your bridge, the health of your supporting teeth, and your overall oral health.

How a Bridge Compares to Other Tooth Replacement Options

Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implants

Dental Bridge vs. Partial Denture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dental bridge be whitened?

No, dental bridges cannot be whitened because the porcelain or ceramic materials do not respond to bleaching agents. The color is permanently set to match your natural teeth when the bridge is made.

How is a temporary bridge different from a permanent one?

A temporary bridge is a short-term placeholder made from acrylic to protect your teeth while the final restoration is being crafted. Your permanent bridge is made from highly durable materials like porcelain and is designed for long-term function and aesthetics.

What foods should I avoid with a new dental bridge?

For the first few days, you should avoid extremely hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage or dislodge your new bridge. This includes items like hard candy, ice, and very tough meats.

Restore Your Smile with a Gentle Touch

Choosing the right dental restoration is a key step toward regaining your confidence. At Restoration Dental OC, our focus is on providing beautiful, lasting results with a comfortable and gentle experience.

To find out if a custom dental bridge is the perfect solution for you, schedule your personalized consultation today