Types of Dental Bridges — Conventional, Cantilever, Maryland, and Implant-Supported
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. There is no single design — bridges are made in several different ways, and the right design depends on the location of the gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your priorities for appearance and longevity. At Sandgate Family Dental we plan each bridge from the specific tooth involved, not from a template.
If you are weighing up a bridge to replace a missing tooth, or you would like to understand which type might suit your situation, book an appointment online for a calm conversation. We see patients from Sandgate, Brighton, Bracken Ridge, Shorncliffe, and the surrounding northern Brisbane suburbs.
On this page
The four main types in plain language
Each design has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal situation. We will work through them in turn.
On this page
Conventional bridge
The most familiar bridge design. The teeth on either side of the gap (the “abutments”) are reshaped to receive crowns, and a replacement tooth (the “pontic”) is connected between those crowns. The whole bridge is fabricated as a single unit and cemented into place.
Strengths
Strong and reliable when the supporting teeth are healthy and the bite is favourable.
Restores chewing function well.
Faster than implants — usually completed in two main visits across two to three weeks.
Useful where the neighbouring teeth already have large fillings or would benefit from crowns anyway.
Considerations
Requires the neighbouring teeth to be reduced, even if they are otherwise healthy.
The bone under the gap continues to slowly reshape over time, which can affect appearance long-term.
Daily flossing under the pontic is important to keep the gum healthy.
Cantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge is supported by only one adjacent tooth, with the replacement tooth extending out from it like a small extension. Today this design is used selectively — there are situations where it works well and others where it does not.
When it may be appropriate
Where there is only one suitable abutment tooth available next to the gap.
For low-load areas of the mouth.
Where the alternative would involve preparing an otherwise pristine tooth on the opposite side.
Considerations
The single supporting tooth carries more leverage and load than in a conventional bridge.
Not generally used in heavily loaded back tooth areas.
Careful case selection and bite planning are important.
Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge
A Maryland bridge replaces a missing tooth with a pontic held in place by thin “wings” that are bonded onto the back of the adjacent teeth. The supporting teeth are largely preserved — only minor preparation is needed.
Strengths
Very conservative — the supporting teeth are essentially preserved.
A useful option for missing front teeth where the neighbours are healthy.
Sometimes used as a longer-term interim restoration while planning an implant.
Considerations
The bonded wings can debond, particularly under heavier bite forces. Re-bonding is possible.
Best suited to front-tooth situations where bite forces are favourable.
Not generally used in the back of the mouth.
Implant-supported bridge
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as the supporting structure instead of natural teeth. Two or more implants are placed into the jawbone, and the bridge is mounted on top once the implants have integrated.
Strengths
No preparation of the neighbouring natural teeth is required.
The implants help maintain bone in the area.
Excellent long-term option for replacing multiple adjacent teeth — see multiple tooth implants.
Strong, stable, and feels close to natural teeth.
Considerations
Higher initial cost and longer treatment timeline than a tooth-supported bridge.
Requires suitable bone volume — sometimes bone grafting is needed first.
Surgical placement is required for the implants — see implant process timeline.
For a balanced direct comparison see our page on bridge vs implant.
Materials
Bridges can be made in similar materials to crowns — porcelain-fused-to-metal, full-ceramic, zirconia, and gold in selected cases. See crown materials for more on the trade-offs between appearance and durability. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the location of the bridge, the load it will carry, and your priorities for appearance.
How the right design is chosen
At the planning appointment we consider:
The location of the gap — front, premolar, or molar area.
The condition of the teeth on either side of the gap. Healthy, untouched teeth shift the decision away from a conventional bridge.
Bone volume in the gap area, which affects whether implants are practical.
Your bite, including any grinding or clenching.
How many teeth are missing in a row.
Your priorities for cost, timeline, and conservation of natural teeth.
What to expect at the appointments
Tooth-supported bridges (conventional, cantilever, Maryland)
Consultation and planning. Examination, X-rays, bite assessment, and discussion of the most suitable design.
Preparation. The supporting teeth are gently reshaped and a digital scan or impression is taken. A temporary bridge is placed for comfort and appearance.
Fitting. The laboratory-made bridge is checked for fit, contour, contacts, and bite, then cemented or bonded into place.
Implant-supported bridges
Consultation and 3D imaging. Bone, gum, and bite are assessed in detail.
Implant placement. The implants are placed and given time to integrate with the bone.
Restoration. Once integration is complete, the bridge is designed, fabricated, and fitted on the implants.
Looking after a bridge
Daily brushing and careful cleaning under the pontic with floss threaders or interdental brushes keeps the gum healthy. Routine check-ups and cleans let us monitor the supporting teeth, the bridge, and the bone underneath. If you grind or clench, a custom nightguard is generally recommended.
Who each bridge type may suit
Conventional — patients with one or two missing teeth and strong, restorable teeth on either side.
Cantilever — selected cases where only one abutment is available and forces are favourable.
Maryland — front-tooth situations with healthy neighbouring teeth, often as a conservative or transitional option.
Implant-supported — patients with sufficient bone who want to avoid touching the neighbouring teeth, or who are replacing multiple teeth.
Health funds and payment
We are a HICAPS provider, so where you have eligible dental cover we can process your health fund claim at the practice and you only pay any gap. Rebates depend on your individual policy and annual limits — your fund can confirm before treatment. Useful background: major dental cover and implants and health funds.
Bridge type FAQs
How do I know which type of bridge is right for me?
Restores chewing function well.
Faster than implants — usually completed in two main visits across two to three weeks.
Useful where the neighbouring teeth already have large fillings or would benefit from crowns anyway.
The bone under the gap continues to slowly reshape over time, which can affect appearance long-term.
Daily flossing under the pontic is important to keep the gum healthy.
A cantilever bridge is supported by only one adjacent tooth, with the replacement tooth extending out from it like a small extension. Today this design is used selectively — there are situations where it works well and others where it does not.
When it may be appropriate
For low-load areas of the mouth.
Where the alternative would involve preparing an otherwise pristine tooth on the opposite side.
Not generally used in heavily loaded back tooth areas.
Careful case selection and bite planning are important.
A Maryland bridge replaces a missing tooth with a pontic held in place by thin “wings” that are bonded onto the back of the adjacent teeth. The supporting teeth are largely preserved — only minor preparation is needed.
Strengths
A useful option for missing front teeth where the neighbours are healthy.
Sometimes used as a longer-term interim restoration while planning an implant.
Best suited to front-tooth situations where bite forces are favourable.
Not generally used in the back of the mouth.
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as the supporting structure instead of natural teeth. Two or more implants are placed into the jawbone, and the bridge is mounted on top once the implants have integrated.
Strengths
The implants help maintain bone in the area.
Excellent long-term option for replacing multiple adjacent teeth — see multiple tooth implants.
Strong, stable, and feels close to natural teeth.
Requires suitable bone volume — sometimes bone grafting is needed first.
Surgical placement is required for the implants — see implant process timeline.
Bridges can be made in similar materials to crowns — porcelain-fused-to-metal, full-ceramic, zirconia, and gold in selected cases. See crown materials for more on the trade-offs between appearance and durability. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the location of the bridge, the load it will carry, and your priorities for appearance.
At the planning appointment we consider:
The condition of the teeth on either side of the gap. Healthy, untouched teeth shift the decision away from a conventional bridge.
Bone volume in the gap area, which affects whether implants are practical.
Your bite, including any grinding or clenching.
How many teeth are missing in a row.
Your priorities for cost, timeline, and conservation of natural teeth.
Tooth-supported bridges (conventional, cantilever, Maryland)
Preparation. The supporting teeth are gently reshaped and a digital scan or impression is taken. A temporary bridge is placed for comfort and appearance.
Fitting. The laboratory-made bridge is checked for fit, contour, contacts, and bite, then cemented or bonded into place.
Implant placement. The implants are placed and given time to integrate with the bone.
Restoration. Once integration is complete, the bridge is designed, fabricated, and fitted on the implants.
Daily brushing and careful cleaning under the pontic with floss threaders or interdental brushes keeps the gum healthy. Routine check-ups and cleans let us monitor the supporting teeth, the bridge, and the bone underneath. If you grind or clench, a custom nightguard is generally recommended.
Cantilever — selected cases where only one abutment is available and forces are favourable.
Maryland — front-tooth situations with healthy neighbouring teeth, often as a conservative or transitional option.
Implant-supported — patients with sufficient bone who want to avoid touching the neighbouring teeth, or who are replacing multiple teeth.
We are a HICAPS provider, so where you have eligible dental cover we can process your health fund claim at the practice and you only pay any gap. Rebates depend on your individual policy and annual limits — your fund can confirm before treatment. Useful background: major dental cover and implants and health funds.
How do I know which type of bridge is right for me?
The decision is made together at the planning visit, based on the position of the gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, the bone, your bite, and your preferences. We explain why one option is preferred and what the alternatives would mean.
Can I have a Maryland bridge on a back tooth?
Generally no — Maryland bridges are best suited to front teeth. Back teeth carry higher chewing forces that the bonded wings often cannot withstand reliably.
How long do bridges last?
Tooth-supported bridges typically last many years when the supporting teeth and gums are well looked after. Implant-supported bridges have an excellent long-term outlook when placed in suitable bone and maintained. Longevity varies with hygiene, bite, and habits.
Do bridges look like natural teeth?
Modern bridges are designed to blend with the surrounding teeth. Material selection and laboratory craftsmanship both matter for appearance.
Will my speech be affected?
Most bridges restore speech rather than affect it, particularly when a front tooth has been missing. There may be a brief adjustment period.
Can I floss under a bridge?
Yes — and you should. Floss threaders, super-floss, or small interdental brushes are used to clean under the pontic and around the abutments.
What if a supporting tooth has a problem later?
If a supporting tooth develops decay or needs further treatment, the bridge may need to be remade. Routine check-ups help catch problems early before they affect the bridge.
On this page
Speak to our team
If you are considering a bridge to replace a missing tooth and would like to understand which design is most suitable, our team is happy to talk through the options. Book an appointment online or phone the practice during opening hours.
Related pages
Related pages
Considering a bridge?
We’ll weigh bridge vs implant with you.
Or phone Sandgate Family Dental on (07) 3269 6252.