A dental bridge (Brücke) is a construction of several connected crowns. The outer crowns are fixed on the abutment teeth (or implants), and the pontic replaces the missing tooth. A bridge is fixed: it is cemented in place and feels like natural teeth.
Types of dental bridges
Traditional bridge
The abutment teeth are trimmed and fitted with crowns, with an artificial tooth in between. The most common option. Requires trimming healthy tooth structure.
Adhesive bridge (Maryland bridge, Klebebrücke)
The artificial tooth is attached to the neighbouring teeth with thin wings bonded to the inner surface. The abutment teeth are barely trimmed. Suitable for replacing one tooth in the front area.
Implant-supported bridge
Implants serve as abutments instead of natural teeth. No trimming of neighbouring teeth required.
Bridge or implant?
Bridge preferred if the abutment teeth already have large fillings or crowns and need additional protection.
Implant preferred if the neighbouring teeth are healthy: trimming them for a bridge means sacrificing healthy tissue.
GKV coverage
The GKV pays a Festzuschuss for bridges as part of Regelversorgung. With a consistently kept Bonusheft, the subsidy increases to up to 75%.
Lifespan and care
The average lifespan of a dental bridge is 10-15 years.
- Use superfloss or interdental brushes to clean under the pontic.
- Regular check-ups help detect decementation or decay under the crown early.