There are four types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported. Each anchors a false tooth differently depending on what’s available on either side of the gap. Traditional is the most common. The right type depends on where the gap is, how many teeth are missing, and the health of the teeth nearby.
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring a false tooth — called a pontic — to the teeth or implants on either side of the gap. The four types differ in how they create that anchor. The right choice depends on what’s available to attach to and where in the mouth the gap sits.
The Four Types at a Glance
Here’s how the four types compare across the key variables.
| Type | How it’s anchored | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Crowns on both adjacent teeth | One or more missing teeth with healthy teeth on both sides | Adjacent teeth must be permanently modified for crowns |
| Cantilever | Crown on one adjacent tooth | Single missing tooth with only one natural neighbor | Weaker than traditional; not for high-force areas |
| Maryland (resin-bonded) | Wings bonded to backs of adjacent teeth | Single missing front tooth; minimal tooth prep | Can debond; not strong enough for back teeth |
| Implant-supported | Dental implants placed in jawbone | Three or more missing teeth in a row; unhealthy adjacent teeth | Requires surgery; higher cost; longer timeline |
Traditional Dental Bridge — The Most Common Option
A traditional bridge places a crown on each of the two healthy teeth flanking the gap. The false tooth suspends between them. All three pieces are fabricated together as one unit and bonded into place.
One important detail: placing the crowns requires removing enamel from both adjacent teeth to make room for the caps. That enamel doesn’t grow back — those teeth will always need crowns going forward. It’s a genuine trade-off worth understanding before proceeding.
Traditional bridges are suitable for any part of the mouth, including back teeth where chewing forces are high. That durability is what makes them the most common choice.
Cantilever and Maryland Bridges
Cantilever bridge. Anchored to one adjacent tooth instead of two. Used when there’s no healthy tooth on one side of the gap. Because one tooth bears all the load, cantilever bridges aren’t recommended for back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. Most appropriate for front teeth in lower-stress situations.
Maryland bridge (resin-bonded bridge). Uses a metal or porcelain framework with wings that bond to the backs of the adjacent teeth. No crowns, no enamel removal — the most conservative tooth-supported option. The trade-off: the wings can debond over time, and this type can’t handle the biting force of back teeth. Reserved for single missing front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge removes the need to modify adjacent teeth entirely. Instead, titanium implants are placed surgically in the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bridge attaches to the implants rather than to crowns on neighboring teeth.
The advantages are significant: no alteration of healthy adjacent teeth, preservation of the jawbone (implants stimulate bone just like natural roots), and better long-term stability than any tooth-supported option. Implant-supported bridges are the standard recommendation when three or more teeth are missing in a row or when adjacent teeth are too compromised to serve as anchors.
The trade-offs are real too. This option requires surgery, costs considerably more than traditional bridges, and adds months to the timeline for osseointegration before the final bridge can be placed.
Which Type Does Your Situation Call For?
It depends on the number of missing teeth, their location, and the health of adjacent teeth. Traditional bridges work for most single-tooth gaps with healthy neighbors. Maryland bridges suit front teeth with minimal prep. Implant-supported bridges are best for multiple missing teeth in a row or when adjacent teeth can’t reliably serve as anchors.
The conversation happens at the consultation. There’s rarely one universally correct answer — the type that fits your situation depends on what’s actually there when the imaging is reviewed. If you’re missing a tooth or evaluating your replacement options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kitts at our Edmonds office. He’ll review your specific situation and walk you through which type of bridge makes sense and why.
