Dental Bridges in Medellín
Replace missing teeth in one trip—no implant surgery required.
A dental bridge is the traditional solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Two crowns anchor onto the teeth on either side of the gap, supporting a false tooth (or teeth) in between. It's faster than implants, less invasive, and in Medellín, costs about 75% less than in the US.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Think of it like an actual bridge: two supports (called abutments) on either side hold up the span in the middle (called the pontic). The abutment teeth are crowned, and those crowns connect to the false tooth/teeth in the gap.
It's a single piece of dental work, cemented in place. You don't take it out. You brush and floss around it like natural teeth (with some modifications).
Types of Bridges
Traditional Bridge (Most Common)
Crowns on both adjacent teeth supporting the pontic. Requires healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. The most stable option.
Cantilever Bridge
Supported by a crown on only one side. Used when there's only one adjacent tooth available (like at the back of the mouth). Less stable than traditional.
Maryland Bridge (Resin-Bonded)
Uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth instead of full crowns. More conservative—doesn't require grinding down healthy teeth. Less strong, typically used for front teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Instead of natural teeth, dental implants serve as the abutments. Best for replacing multiple teeth when the adjacent teeth aren't strong enough. Requires implant surgery and healing time.
Pricing
| Bridge Type | Medellín | USA |
|---|---|---|
| 3-unit traditional bridge (PFM) | $900-1,200 | $3,000-5,000 |
| 3-unit bridge (zirconia/E-max) | $1,200-1,500 | $4,500-9,000 |
| 4-unit bridge | $1,500-2,000 | $6,000-12,000 |
| Maryland bridge | $600-900 | $1,500-2,500 |
Price per unit: Each "unit" is one tooth's worth of the bridge. A 3-unit bridge replaces one missing tooth (1 pontic + 2 abutment crowns). A 4-unit bridge can replace two missing teeth (2 pontics + 2 abutment crowns), and so on.
Bridge vs. Implant: Which Is Better?
This is the question everyone asks. Here's the honest comparison:
| Factor | Bridge | Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Medellín) | $1,200 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Treatment time | 3-5 days (1 trip) | 4-6 months (2 trips) |
| Surgery required? | No | Yes |
| Affects adjacent teeth? | Yes (must be crowned) | No |
| Preserves bone? | No | Yes |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 20+ years / lifetime |
| Bone graft needed? | Never | Sometimes |
Choose a bridge if:
- You want to complete treatment in one trip
- You can't have surgery (health conditions, medications)
- Adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway
- Budget is a primary concern
- You need a faster solution
Choose an implant if:
- Adjacent teeth are healthy and don't need crowns
- You want the longest-lasting solution
- You can make two trips (or spend 4+ months in Colombia)
- You're younger and want to preserve bone long-term
The Process
Day 1: Preparation
The dentist examines the gap and adjacent teeth. X-rays confirm root health. The abutment teeth are reshaped (enamel removed) to fit crowns—same process as getting regular crowns. Impressions or digital scans are taken and sent to the lab. Temporary bridge is placed.
Days 2-4: Lab Fabrication
The dental lab crafts your permanent bridge. Most Medellín clinics catering to international patients have relationships with labs that prioritize their work, reducing wait time from the US standard of 2-3 weeks to 2-4 days.
Day 4-5: Final Placement
The temporary bridge is removed. The permanent bridge is tried in, adjusted for fit and bite, and cemented permanently. Final polishing and you're done.
Materials
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Traditional, durable, affordable. Metal substructure with porcelain exterior. Potential dark line at gumline over time. Good for back teeth.
All-Ceramic (E-max, Zirconia): Most natural appearance. No metal, no dark lines. Excellent strength with modern zirconia. Better for visible front teeth. Higher cost but better aesthetics.
Full Zirconia: Strongest option. Monolithic (single material). Some versions can look slightly opaque, but newer formulations are quite aesthetic. Great for back teeth or bruxism patients.
How Long Do Bridges Last?
With proper care, expect:
- PFM bridges: 10-15 years average
- Zirconia/E-max: 15+ years
- Maryland bridges: 5-10 years (less durable attachment)
Longevity depends heavily on oral hygiene. The abutment teeth underneath are still vulnerable to decay where the crown meets the tooth. Flossing under the pontic is essential (special floss threaders or water flossers help).
Downsides to Know
Healthy teeth must be modified: The biggest drawback. The adjacent teeth are permanently altered to become abutments. If those teeth are completely healthy, you're sacrificing enamel that can never be restored.
Bone loss continues: Unlike implants, bridges don't stimulate the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Over years, the bone in that area gradually resorbs. This is cosmetic in most cases but can affect future treatment options.
If one part fails, the whole bridge may need replacement: If decay develops on an abutment tooth or the bridge loosens, you often need an entirely new bridge.
Harder to clean: Flossing under a bridge requires extra steps. Food can trap under the pontic if not cleaned properly.
Cost Comparison Example
3-Unit Zirconia Bridge:
In the USA:
Bridge: $6,000
Total: $6,000
In Medellín:
Bridge: $1,400
Flight (Miami): $300
Hotel (5 nights): $400
Food/transport: $250
Total: $2,350
Savings: $3,650 (61%)
The Bottom Line
Dental bridges are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth quickly, without surgery. The one-trip timeline makes them particularly attractive for dental tourism—you can get a complete, permanent solution in 5 days.
If your adjacent teeth already need crowns, a bridge is almost a no-brainer. If they're perfectly healthy, weigh the trade-off carefully against an implant. Either way, doing the work in Medellín saves you thousands.
Need a Bridge or Implant?
Send your X-rays for a professional recommendation on which option is best for your situation.
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