Medically Reviewed by Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD on September 1, 2026
A dental bridge can typically last between 5 and 15 years, and many patients get 15 to 20 years or more out of a well-maintained bridge before it needs to be replaced. Exactly how long yours lasts depends on the materials used, how healthy the abutment teeth holding it in place stay over time, and how consistently you keep up with brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
At JAX Dental Studio, our restorative dentistry team helps patients throughout Jacksonville understand what determines a bridge’s lifespan and how to protect that investment over time. Whether you are considering a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth or you already have a bridge and want it to last, we cover the bridge types we offer, the factors that affect longevity, and the daily habits that make the biggest difference below.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth with a fixed, non-removable restoration. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a bridge is made up of two main parts: abutments, the crowns that anchor the bridge to the teeth on either side of the gap, and pontics, the artificial teeth that sit between them. At JAX Dental Studio, we offer several bridge designs depending on where the gap is located and the condition of your remaining teeth.
Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge is the most common option and uses two crowns, one on each abutment tooth, to anchor the pontic between them. This design works well for one to three consecutive missing teeth when the teeth on both sides of the gap are healthy and strong.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge anchors to only one abutment tooth rather than two, which makes it a good option when a healthy neighboring tooth exists on just one side of the space. Only one tooth needs to be prepared, so this approach is less invasive, though it is typically reserved for front teeth where chewing forces are lighter.
Maryland Bonded Bridge and Implant-Supported Bridges
A Maryland bonded bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework with wings that bond to the back of the teeth next to the gap rather than crowns that cover them entirely. Since little to no enamel is removed, it is the most conservative option, though it is not recommended for areas that absorb heavy bite force. If you are missing several teeth in a row or do not have healthy natural teeth to serve as anchors, a bridge can also be supported by dental implants instead of crowns, giving you a fixed restoration without relying on your remaining natural teeth.
Fixed vs. Removable Bridges: What Is the Difference?
Not every dental bridge works the same way, and the option that fits you best depends on your oral health, budget, and how permanent a solution you want.
Fixed Bridges
Most of the bridges we place at JAX Dental Studio are fixed, meaning they are cemented permanently onto the abutment teeth or anchored to dental implants and can only be removed by a dentist. A fixed bridge functions closely to a natural tooth, and you brush, floss, and eat around it the same way you would your own teeth.
Removable Bridges
A removable bridge, sometimes called a partial denture, attaches to your remaining teeth with metal clasps and can be taken out for cleaning and while you sleep. It costs less upfront and does not require any preparation of your natural teeth, but it typically does not offer the same stability, comfort, or lifespan as a fixed bridge, and it may need more frequent adjustments over time.
For most patients replacing one to three missing teeth in a row, we recommend a fixed bridge because of its durability and how naturally it fits into daily life. During your consultation, we walk you through which option makes sense based on your oral health, budget, and long-term goals.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
On average, a well-maintained dental bridge lasts between 5 and 15 years, and many patients who stay on top of their oral care get 15 to 20 years or more before it needs to be replaced. Implant-supported bridges tend to last the longest, since the implants themselves can potentially function for decades or even a lifetime, though the bridge attached to them may still need to be remade eventually due to normal wear.
How long your particular bridge lasts depends on a combination of factors, including:
- The health of your abutment teeth: a bridge can only stay stable as long as the teeth or implants supporting it stay strong and free of decay or gum disease.
- The materials your bridge is made from: porcelain fused to metal and zirconia bridges tend to hold up better to daily wear than older material options.
- Your daily habits: how consistently you brush and floss, how often you eat hard or sticky foods, and whether you grind your teeth at night all play a role.
Because so many of these factors are within your control, the choices you make every day can meaningfully extend how long your bridge serves you before a replacement becomes necessary.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
A dental bridge is not the only way to replace missing teeth, and depending on your oral health and goals, another option may suit you better. Several tooth replacement options are available for patients missing one or more teeth, and each comes with its own advantages.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they replace the missing tooth root as well as the visible crown, which helps preserve the jawbone underneath in a way that a bridge cannot. An implant does not rely on your neighboring teeth for support, so those teeth stay untouched. The tradeoff is a longer treatment timeline and a surgical placement step that a bridge does not require.
Dentures
If you are missing several teeth or an entire arch, a partial or full denture may be a more practical and affordable solution, though it typically does not offer the same stability as a fixed bridge or implants. We put together a closer comparison of dental implants versus dental bridges if you would like to weigh the pros and cons of each option in more detail before your consultation.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
Caring for a dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth, with a few extra considerations.
Protect the Appearance of Your Bridge
Avoid smoking and limit staining foods and drinks, since your bridge can discolor over time just like natural enamel, and unlike natural teeth, the material used in your bridge does not respond to teeth whitening. Once the shade is set, it can only be changed by replacing the restoration.
Daily Habits That Protect Your Bridge
Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste, and floss at least once a day using a floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush to clear food particles from underneath the pontic and around the abutment teeth. Skipping this step allows plaque to build up in hard-to-reach spots, which can lead to an ill-fitting bridge and further oral health issues over time.
Avoid biting into hard or sticky foods that can crack or dislodge your bridge, and if you grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to protect both your bridge and your natural teeth from unnecessary wear. We also recommend keeping up with routine exams and cleanings so we can catch small issues with your bridge before they turn into bigger ones.
Signs Your Dental Bridge May Need Replacement
Even a well-cared-for bridge does not last forever, and knowing what to watch for can help you get ahead of a problem before it becomes painful or costly to fix. Contact our office if you notice any of the following: your bridge feels loose or shifts when you bite down, persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste near the bridge that can signal decay in the abutment teeth underneath, visible cracks or wear on the pontic or crowns, or gum tenderness, swelling, or bleeding around the bridge that does not improve with better oral hygiene.
A loose bridge can often be re-cemented, while a cracked or heavily worn one may need to be remade entirely. Either way, addressing these signs early gives you more options and can potentially help you avoid a more involved procedure later.
Schedule a Bridge Consultation at JAX Dental Studio
Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by a small percentage of general dentists, and he uses digital X-rays and iTero 5D scanning to map your bite and supporting bone before designing your bridge. We are in-network with BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, and Florida Combined Life, and our team walks you through your insurance benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
If you are missing one or more teeth and want to talk through whether a dental bridge, implant, or another option fits your needs, we would like to hear from you. Our Jacksonville team can review your oral health, answer your questions about cost and insurance coverage, and help you decide on a treatment plan that fits your smile and your budget. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How do I know if I am a good candidate for a dental bridge?
You are likely a good candidate for a dental bridge if you are missing one to three teeth in a row and the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and strong enough to support crowns. Adequate bone density in the jaw also matters, especially when dental implants serve as the anchors instead of natural teeth. During your consultation, we examine your bite, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your overall oral health to confirm that a bridge is the right fit before recommending a treatment plan.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of a dental bridge?
Most dental insurance plans classify bridges as major restorative work and typically cover 50 to 80 percent of the cost after your deductible, though the exact amount depends on your specific plan, its annual maximum, and any waiting periods. We are in-network with BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, and Florida Combined Life, and our team can contact your carrier, confirm your benefits, and provide a written estimate before treatment begins so you know what to expect.
Can a loose or damaged dental bridge be repaired?
In many cases, yes. A loose bridge can often be re-cemented back into place fairly quickly, while a bridge that is cracked or significantly worn down may need to be remade instead. Regular checkups make it easier for us to catch early signs of wear or a loosening bridge before they turn into a bigger problem, so we recommend calling us as soon as you notice any changes rather than waiting until your next scheduled visit.
What is the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth to crowns placed over your neighboring teeth, while a dental implant replaces the tooth root itself with a small titanium post placed directly in the jawbone. Implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support and can help preserve bone density in the area, though they involve a longer treatment timeline and a surgical placement step. A bridge is typically a faster, non-surgical alternative for patients who prefer to avoid that process.
How often should I see the dentist to keep my bridge in good condition?
We recommend keeping up with routine exams and cleanings every six months, or more often if we have noted signs of gum disease or wear around your bridge. These visits let us check the fit and condition of your bridge, monitor the health of the abutment teeth supporting it, and clean areas that can be harder to reach with an at-home routine alone. Catching small issues early is one of the best ways to help your bridge last as long as possible.
About the Author
Restorative Dentist, JAX Dental Studio | Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry
Dr. Charles Poblenz is JAX Dental Studio’s restorative dentist and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by only a small percentage of general dentists in the United States. A Jacksonville native, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 2015 and has cared for patients throughout the Jacksonville area for nearly a decade. He also volunteers through the Donated Dental Services program to provide free care to patients in need.
