A dental bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth (or teeth). It consists of one or more artificial replacement teeth — called pontics — held in place by crowns fitted over the healthy or prepared teeth on either side of the gap. The whole structure is cemented in position, giving a result that looks, feels and functions like your natural teeth.
Types of dental bridge
There are four main types, each suited to different clinical situations. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and your long-term goals.
| Bridge type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (fixed-fixed) | Pontic suspended between two crowns cemented over the teeth on either side of the gap | One missing tooth with sound abutment teeth on both sides |
| Cantilever | Pontic anchored to a crown on only one side | Where there is a sound tooth on one side only; less common today due to stress on the anchor |
| Maryland (resin-bonded) | Metal or ceramic wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth — no crown preparation needed | Front teeth with minimal biting forces; more conservative but less strong; not always a long-term solution |
| Implant-supported bridge | Pontic(s) supported by implants rather than prepared natural teeth | Multiple missing teeth in a row; the only option that preserves adjacent teeth entirely |
Bridge or implant — an honest comparison
This is one of the most important decisions in restorative dentistry, and it is worth thinking about carefully before proceeding with either option.
A traditional bridge is quicker and less expensive upfront. However, for the bridge to work, the teeth on either side of the gap must be reduced in size so the anchor crowns can fit over them. If those adjacent teeth are otherwise healthy, you are permanently removing enamel from sound teeth to fill a gap — a trade-off that significantly affects those teeth for the rest of your life. Each anchor tooth will then always need a crown.
A dental implant takes longer (typically two trips over 3–5 months) and costs more per missing tooth. But it replaces the missing tooth independently — no adjacent teeth are touched. The bone under the implant is also preserved, which does not happen under a bridge pontic. Over a 15–20 year horizon, an implant-supported crown often works out comparable in cost once bridge replacement is factored in.
If the adjacent teeth are currently sound, your specialist will present the implant option seriously — not just mention it. If time, budget or bone volume make a bridge the better choice for your situation, that will be explained clearly too. The goal is the option that serves your long-term oral health.
| Traditional bridge | Implant + crown | |
|---|---|---|
| Adjacent teeth affected | Yes — prepared and crowned | No |
| Bone preservation | No — bone under pontic shrinks over time | Yes — implant stimulates bone |
| Time to complete | 5–7 days (single trip) | 3–5 months (two trips) |
| Indicative cost (1 missing tooth) | from €450 (3-unit bridge) | from €650 (implant + crown) |
| Typical lifespan | 10–15 years | 15+ years (often permanent) |
What a dental bridge costs in Istanbul
Bridge cost is calculated per unit — the number of crowns and pontics in the structure. A 3-unit bridge (two anchor crowns plus one pontic) is the most common configuration for a single missing tooth.
| Bridge | Istanbul (indicative) | UK private (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-unit zirconia bridge | from €450 | £1,500–£2,400 |
| 4-unit zirconia bridge | from €600 | £2,000–£3,200 |
| Implant-supported bridge (3-unit) | from €1,550 | £3,500–£6,000+ |
UK figures are illustrative ranges. Your actual saving depends on the size and complexity of the bridge, the material chosen, and any preparatory treatment. Factor in flights and accommodation when calculating the total. Full cost comparison →
What happens, step by step
Bridge treatment in Istanbul completes in a single trip of 5–7 days for most patients.
Consultation & treatment planning
Full clinical review, X-rays and assessment of the abutment teeth. If any preparatory work is needed (decay removal, root canal treatment on an anchor tooth), it is done first. The bridge type and material are agreed with you.
Abutment preparation
The anchor teeth are shaped under local anaesthetic to receive crowns. A digital scan or impression is taken of the prepared teeth and the opposing arch. A temporary bridge is fitted while the permanent one is made.
Bridge fabrication at the lab
The bridge is designed digitally and produced in the dental lab — milled from zirconia or built up in layers for front-tooth bridges. Colour and translucency are matched to your existing teeth.
Try-in, adjustment & cementation
The bridge is seated, checked for fit, contacts, bite and appearance. Any adjustments are made before permanent cementation. You leave with a fixed, complete restoration.
