Most people typically receive a traditional bridge, which consists of placing two dental crowns on the abutment teeth adjacent to the gap, with a pontic tooth attached to fill in the space in the gums.

When there is only one tooth next to a gap, a cantilever bridge is used instead of two dental crowns. This bridge uses a single dental crown to anchor the bridge, with a pontic tooth attached to fill the gap. Cantilever bridges are often recommended for rear molars.

A Maryland bridge is a dental bridge that is secured in place by two teeth without the need for dental crowns. Instead, a pontic tooth with metal or porcelain wings is attached and bonded behind the abutment teeth.

An implant-supported bridge operates in a similar way to a traditional dental bridge, except it utilizes dental implants instead of natural abutment teeth. The implants have crowns attached to them, with a pontic tooth positioned in the middle.