When is a Dental Bridge the Right Choice?

When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, people are often presented with two primary options: dental implants and dental bridges. While implants have become increasingly popular for their durability and lifelike feel, dental bridges still offer distinct advantages in certain situations.

With a patient-centered approach to determine the right solution based on your oral health, lifestyle, and goals in mind, here’s a closer look at when a dental bridge might be the better choice.

Understanding the Basics | What’s the Difference?

• Dental Implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. Once healed, a crown is placed on top for a natural look and function.

• Dental Bridges use the surrounding healthy teeth as anchors to “bridge” the gap left by a missing tooth. A false tooth is cemented in place between two crowns attached to the adjacent teeth.

When Is a Dental Bridge the Better Option?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are several scenarios where a bridge may be the smarter, more efficient choice for replacing a missing tooth:

You Want to Avoid Surgery

Implants require a surgical procedure, which may not be ideal or feasible for everyone.

If you prefer a non-surgical solution, have health conditions that complicate healing (such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders), or take medications that interfere with bone healing (like bisphosphonates), then a bridge may be the more comfortable and less invasive solution.

You Have Insufficient Jawbone

Implants need adequate bone volume to remain stable. In cases of bone loss from periodontal disease or long-term tooth absence, implants may require bone grafting, often a costly and time-consuming step.

Dental bridges do not require bone support, making them ideal for people who have had significant bone resorption, who don’t want to undergo a bone graft, or who want a quicker solution.

You Have Adjacent Teeth in Need of Crowns

Sometimes, the neighboring teeth already have large fillings, cracks, or need reinforcement. In such cases, placing crowns on those teeth as part of a bridge isn’t compromising healthy structure—it’s actually protective.

A bridge can:

• Strengthen weakened adjacent teeth
• Address cosmetic concerns like discoloration or shape
• Combine functional and aesthetic treatment in one plan

You Have Time and Budget Constraints

Implants can take several months to complete and tend to be more expensive up front. If you’re seeking a quicker turnaround or are on a tighter budget, a bridge may be your best bet.

Advantages of choosing a bridge:

• Usually completed in 2–3 visits
• No healing period required
• Lower upfront investment compared to implants

What to Keep in Mind About Dental Bridges

While bridges can be a smart choice, they do come with considerations, such as:

• They rely on the strength and health of the surrounding teeth
• If not properly maintained, the anchor teeth can be at risk of decay or gum disease
• Bridges typically last 10–15 years, which is slightly less than the lifespan of most implants
  

Regular hygiene visits, proper brushing and flossing (especially around and under the pontic), and professional monitoring are key to long-term success.

Making the Right Decision for You

Ultimately, the best tooth replacement option is one that fits your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. Dental bridges are still a time-tested, effective solution for many patients.