Dental bridges are one of the most common restorative dental treatments used to replace missing teeth and support healthy gums. They not only restore your child’s smile but also improve chewing, prevent teeth from shifting and protect gum health — ensuring long-term oral wellness.
If your child has lost a tooth due to injury, decay or developmental reasons, understanding what dental bridges are, the types available, the procedure and aftercare tips will help you make informed decisions about their treatment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) supported by surrounding teeth (abutments) or implants.
Bridges do more than replace teeth — they also help maintain gum health and jaw alignment by evenly distributing bite forces and preventing gum disease from developing in the exposed area.
Common Reasons for Dental Bridges in Children
- Missing teeth due to cavities or decay
- Trauma or injury from falls, accidents or sports
- Congenitally missing teeth (not developing permanent teeth)
- Replacing teeth lost after extraction to protect gum and bone health
- Maintaining proper spacing during jaw growth and orthodontic treatment
Types of Dental Bridges
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your child’s dentist will recommend the best option based on age, gum health and tooth position.
- Traditional Bridges
- Supported by crowns on both sides of the gap.
- Durable and reliable.
- Requires reshaping healthy teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges
- Supported by only one adjacent tooth.
- Useful when only one supporting tooth is available.
- Less stable, places extra stress on gums and abutment tooth.
- Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridges
- Uses metal or porcelain “wings” bonded to back of nearby teeth.
- Conservative, preserves tooth structure.
- Best for front teeth in children.
- Implant-Supported Bridges
- Anchored with dental implants instead of natural teeth.
- Strong and long-lasting.
- Typically delayed until jaw growth is complete.
Dental Bridge Procedure: Step-by-Step
- Examination and Diagnosis – Dentist evaluates missing tooth, gum health and supporting teeth.
- Preparation of Abutment Teeth – Shaping teeth (for traditional bridges) or leaving them intact (for Maryland bridges).
- Impressions/Scans – Taken to design a custom-fit bridge.
- Temporary Bridge (if needed) – Protects teeth and gums until the permanent bridge is ready.
- Placement of Bridge – Permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted and cemented.
- Final Adjustments – Dentist checks comfort, bite and gum fit.
⏱ A single dental bridge placement usually takes 1–2 appointments, depending on type and complexity.
Aftercare Tips for Dental Bridges
- Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under the bridge.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to support gum health.
- Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that may damage or loosen the bridge.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups every 6 months.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
- Traditional Bridges: 5–15 years
- Maryland Bridges: 5–10 years
- Cantilever Bridges: Shorter lifespan due to added stress
- Implant-Supported Bridges: 15+ years (after jaw development)
Longevity depends on gum health, oral hygiene, diet and routine dental care. Children may need replacements as their teeth and jaw continue to grow.
How Dental Clinic Bedok Can Help
At Dental Clinic Bedok, we provide a range of dental bridge options to restore your teeth’s function, appearance and gum health. Our team carefully evaluates your needs and selects the most suitable bridge type to ensure a secure fit, comfortable bite and natural look.
Whether you’re replacing a missing tooth, repairing gaps from injury or decay or maintaining proper alignment, we focus on delivering reliable, long-lasting results for a healthy, confident smile.
📅 Book an appointment today and restore your smile with a durable, natural-looking dental bridge!
📍 Visit Us: Dental Clinic Bedok
📞 Call Now: +65 66904035