What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a replacement for one or more missing teeth. Sometimes called a fixed partial denture by dentists, a dental bridge is typically defined by two main characteristics. First, a dental bridge is fixed. It’s bonded or screwed in place so it can function properly for biting, chewing, and speaking. This also means that it’s always in place when you smile. Second, a dental bridge replaces some number of teeth, but not a full arch of teeth—making it different from All-on-X or full-arch implant restorations, which are designed to replace an entire row of teeth.

At our Torrance dental office, we offer two main types of dental bridges: tooth-supported and implant-supported bridges. A tooth-supported dental bridge uses one or more natural teeth to support one or more replacement teeth, called pontics. A pontic only replaces the visible portion of the tooth—it has no root. Usually, this type of bridge uses dental crowns that go over the natural teeth for support. While this approach works well for limited tooth loss, patients missing many teeth may be better candidates for full-arch implant restorations such as All-on-X.

An implant-supported bridge uses two or more dental implants to support two or more replacement teeth. An implant-supported bridge has an implant-supported dental crown on either end, with one or more pontics in between. In some cases, larger implant-supported bridges begin to resemble full-arch implant restorations, using multiple implants across the jaw to increase strength and stability—similar in concept to All-on-X treatment.

Properly designed, placed, and maintained, we expect most dental bridges to last 10–15 years, and some can last much longer at our Torrance dental office. All-on-X and full-arch implant restorations, when properly maintained, are also designed for long-term durability and function.

Tooth-Supported Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Although dental implants have replaced dental bridges in many circumstances, there are still times when a dental bridge makes the most sense. The choice between a bridge, individual implants, or All-on-X full-arch implant restorations depends on how many teeth are missing, bone health, and long-term goals.

We might recommend a tooth-supported dental bridge when:

  • You don’t want or aren’t a good candidate for implant surgery
  • Your neighboring teeth might benefit from dental crowns
  • You have healthy teeth on either side of a missing tooth
  • You don’t want or aren’t a good candidate for implant surgery
  • Your neighboring teeth might benefit from dental crowns
  • You have healthy teeth on either side of a missing tooth

A tooth-supported dental bridge depends on healthy natural teeth to support it. We won’t recommend this approach if you don’t have teeth with good, healthy roots on either side of the missing tooth. If several teeth are missing—or an entire arch—full-arch implant restorations such as All-on-X may be a more predictable and conservative solution.

A tooth-supported dental bridge is a great option for people who don’t want implant surgery or who aren’t a good candidate for surgery. It allows you to achieve a fixed, functional replacement tooth without surgery, while All-on-X and full-arch implant restorations remain excellent options for patients seeking comprehensive tooth replacement.

Man smiling after his Dental Bridges treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Bridges are custom-made to match the color and shape of your teeth, and once in place, they function and feel very natural.

Once your bridge is in place, you’ll be able to enjoy most foods again. Very sticky or hard foods may put extra stress on the bridge, but with proper care, you can eat comfortably and confidently.

The timeline depends on whether your bridge is tooth-supported or implant-supported. A tooth-supported bridge usually requires two visits. Implant-supported bridges take longer, since the implants must heal before the bridge is placed.

Getting a dental bridge is generally not painful. For tooth-supported bridges, your dentist will numb the area before preparing the supporting teeth. If you’re receiving implants, your oral surgeon will ensure you’re fully comfortable during surgery.

With daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, most bridges last 10–15 years—and sometimes much longer. Implant-supported bridges often last the longest.

If you’re missing one or more teeth and have healthy supporting teeth or implants, you may be a candidate. We’ll perform a thorough evaluation to help determine the best tooth replacement option for your needs.

Why Choose a Prosthodontist for Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a powerful tool for replacing missing teeth. When properly designed and placed, a dental bridge gives you fully functional replacement teeth that let you bite and chew normally. These replacement teeth look like natural teeth, and no one needs to know that you have lost teeth. The same level of precision and planning is required for advanced solutions like All-on-X and full-arch implant restorations.

A prosthodontist has advanced training focused on restoring missing teeth using bridges, dental implants, and full-arch implant restorations. This expertise ensures the materials, fit, and bite alignment are carefully planned—whether restoring a few teeth or an entire arch with All-on-X. Balanced bite forces, comfort, and longevity are always central to treatment planning.

At South Bay Prosthodontics, we use Precise Implants Capture (PIC) to ensure our implant-supported restorations—including bridges and full-arch implant restorations—fit accurately over dental implants and surrounding tissues. This advanced technology supports predictable outcomes for complex treatments such as All-on-X.

Our prosthodontists focus on restoration planning and execution while collaborating closely with periodontists and oral surgeons for implant placement. This team-based approach is especially important for All-on-X and full-arch implant restorations.

Looking for a Dental Bridge in Torrance, CA?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be the perfect solution. If you’re missing many teeth or an entire arch, All-on-X or full-arch implant restorations may be worth exploring. Our prosthodontists will help you understand every option and choose the approach that best fits your needs.

Call South Bay Prosthodontics at (310) 378-9261 today to discover the difference custom dental bridges and advanced implant restorations can make.