What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A dental crown is a single-tooth restoration which caps your existing tooth. A tooth bridge replaces one or more adjacent missing teeth with a prosthetic that fills the gap. It’s held in its place at each end by a crown.

What are dental bridges and crowns made of?

Porcelain fused to metal is typically used to create crowns and bridges. They’re an effective solution for success and look great. They may also be made of other materials such as gold, which is a durable metal that wears at a similar rate to teeth. Zirconia might also be used because it's very strong, even in thin sections. Ceramic is another material sometimes used, and it has the advantage of looking natural. Ceramic bridges and crowns typically have a zirconia core for strength and are layered with porcelain.

How is a crown or bridge fitted?

Your dentist will prepare your tooth by filing it down into a smooth shape that accommodates the restoration correctly. Your dental impressions will be taken and sent to a lab where your custom teeth and bridge dental restorations will be created. When they’re ready, you’ll be asked to return to the dentist to have your crown or bridge cemented or bonded in place.

How long will my crown or bridge last for?

Bridges can last 10-20 years on average, and dental crowns can last 15-20 years on average. They may last even longer depending on the type of materials used, how well they’re looked after and the condition of the supporting teeth.

What types of dental bridge are there?

There are three different types of bridges available. The most commonly used tooth bridge uses two single crowns to hold a false tooth in between. Cantilever bridges are another option, but only one tooth is used to hold the false tooth in place. Resin-bonded bridges are the third option. They can be permanent but are often used as a temporary solution. With this type of bridge, a metal wing is bonded to the back of one or more of your teeth to retain the false tooth.

Are there any alternatives to crowns and dental bridges?

The main alternatives to crowns for your teeth and dental bridges are either implants or dentures . There’s also the option to have nothing at all if you’d like.

Rodericks Dental Partners Treatments Dental Bridges

Restorative Treatment

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a straightforward, long-lasting replacement for missing teeth, that restores your bite and your smile.

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Reviewed by: Puja Klaire, Bchd Pg Cert Medical Education, Lead Clinical Advisor at Rodericks Dental Partners. Review date: 27th July 2026

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is a long-lasting replacement for one or more missing teeth. Unlike an implant, which replaces each tooth individually, a bridge fills the whole gap in one piece, usually supported by crowns on either side.

If the surrounding teeth are healthy and strong, your dentist may suggest bonding the replacement directly to them, removing the need for crowns.

Benefits of dental bridges

Dental bridges are a popular treatment option, with a number of benefits:

Work like normal teeth

If gaps in your teeth stop you from eating certain foods or change the way you chew or speak, bridges can help return things to normal. (3)

Prevent shifting

Adjacent teeth can move to fill a gap over time, impacting your bite alignment and causing future problems. Having a dental bridge in the gap can prevent the effects of shifting. (4)

Restore your smile

A gap can leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. Dental bridges offer a reliable solution to gaps, restoring your smile and your confidence. (3)

Replace dentures

Unlike dentures, which can be removed, dental bridges are secured in place for a fit-and-forget solution to missing teeth.

Dental bridge treatment options

There are two types of dental bridges, which are fitted differently.

Conventional bridges

A conventional bridge fills a gap by securing a lab-made replacement tooth to crowns that are placed over the adjacent teeth. It’s fitted as a single piece, expertly crafted in a specialist dental laboratory to match the size, shape and shade of your natural teeth.

Adhesive bridges

An adhesive bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching a lifelike replacement to discreet metal or ceramic wings, which are bonded to small indentations made at the back of neighbouring teeth.

By using these wings, less healthy tooth is removed, but some small indents may be made.

Dental bridges treatment process

Initial assessment

Your dentist will need to examine the area around the missing tooth. This will normally involve a check-up or X-rays to confirm you’re suitable for treatment.

Preparing the supporting teeth

Before your bridge can be fitted, the supporting teeth will need to be prepared, either by reshaping them to receive a crown or making small indentations for wings.

Scans or impressions

Your bridge will be custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly, based on detailed digital scans or traditional impressions taken by your dentist.

Made in the lab

In a specialist laboratory, expert technicians will create your dental bridge. While you wait, your dentist may attach a temporary one for you. (2)

Your bridge is fitted

When your bridge is ready, your dentist will carefully check the fit and make any minor adjustments, before securing it in place using a special dental cement.

Follow-up

At a final follow-up appointment, your dentist will make sure your bridge is comfortable and bringing back your ability to smile, talk and bite with confidence.

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Are dental bridges right for me?

Dental bridges may be right for you if:

gaps in your teeth are denting your confidence or causing discomfort
the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and can support a bridge
you’re concerned about other teeth shifting and creating problems
you currently wear dentures but feel uncomfortable with them
your dentist tells you that you’re not suitable for a dental implant

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Aftercare for a dental bridge

You should care for your bridge in the same way you look after all of your teeth.

Dental bridges, much like normal teeth, need to be brushed at least twice a day, and should be flossed at least once a day. Teeth should be brushed for roughly two minutes, either with an electric or manual toothbrush.

Clean underneath your bridge to prevent a build-up of plaque, using super floss or interdental brushes. If you haven’t done this in a while, you may find that the area bleeds but this should happen less the more you clean it.

While you should make a dental appointment any time you feel pain or discomfort, it’s a good idea not to wait for that to happen. Regular check-ups can help your dentist identify issues early on and prevent them from worsening.

You should be careful not to eat extremely hard or chewy things, like nuts, ice or toffee or bite down on other items such as pens or even fingernails.

How much do dental bridges cost?

Bridges are seen as restorative treatments that address a clinical need, which means you may be entitled to have them fitted as an NHS patient. It’s likely that the quality and appearance of an NHS crown or bridge won’t match what is available privately and your dentist will explain the differences in outcome.

The cost will vary on factors including how many teeth you’re missing and where you have your treatment.

Dental bridge FAQs

Bridges are fitted under dental anaesthetic, which numbs the treatment area so you shouldn’t feel any pain. You may have some sensitivity afterwards, especially to hot and cold food and drink. This should typically settle down after a few days.

Bridges are reliably long-lasting treatments. They’re made from porcelain or zirconia, both known for their durability and life-like appearance. With proper care, you can expect to keep your bridge for 10-15 years – even longer if you maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups.

Your dental bridge should contour to the shape of your gum, but food may still find its way beneath it. With regular cleaning, you should be able to remove any trapped food particles and prevent plaque from building up. (2)

A dental bridge is a lab-made tooth connected to the teeth either side of it by crowns. A dental implant on the other hand, is a replacement tooth root inserted into your jaw before a crown is fixed to the top.

Modern bridges are produced in specialist dental laboratories. They’re precision-milled, hand-finished and you’ll be amazed at how accurately they mimic your natural teeth, right down to the individual shapes and lines that are unique to you. The end result is a natural-looking tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile.

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Dentures

Rediscover your smile with natural-looking dentures.

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Implants

Restore your smile and your confidence with the closest replacement for a missing tooth.

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Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays combat early signs of tooth decay when a filling is no longer possible, and a crown isn’t needed yet.

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Footnotes

Bridges, NHS Leeds Teaching Hospitals https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/patients/resources/bridges/
Dental Bridges Without Crowns: When It’s Possible and What to Know, Dental Care Associates https://www.dentalcareminot.com/dental-bridges-without-crowns
Dental Bridges, Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges
What is a Cantilever Dental Bridge? Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/cantilever-bridge-dental

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