How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace

How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace from Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZWhen a person is missing one or more teeth but does not need a full set of dentures, dental bridges may be recommended to take the place of the lost teeth. The number of teeth that a dental bridge replaces may depend on several factors.

How dental bridges function

Dental bridges consist of two or more crowns that attach to the abutment teeth at each end of the vacant space and connect to one or more artificial teeth called pontics. Bridges are usually constructed from a metal base, covered by porcelain and shaded to match the natural teeth.

Number of teeth a dental bridge can replace

A dental bridge can take the place of a single tooth but is commonly used to restore two, three, four, or more teeth. The greater the number of missing teeth, the more crowns needed to support the bridge and the less stable the bridge tends to be. Dentists use implants to provide additional reinforcement for bridges that replace large numbers of teeth or for patients who do not have strong enough natural teeth to support the bridge. Dental implants may also be used as free-standing teeth to fill gaps that are not adjacent to the bridged area.

Benefits of bridges

People often elect to have missing front teeth restored for aesthetic reasons, but it can also be wise to replace back teeth. When spaces in the gums are left empty, the surrounding teeth can move in the patient's mouth, causing changes to the bite and sometimes resulting in problems such as temporomandibular joint disorders. Bridges also have other aesthetic and functional benefits:

  • Restore the appearance of the smile
  • Improve chewing and speaking ability
  • Maintain the shape of the face
  • Distribute bite forces properly

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Scottsdale, AZ.

Types of bridges

Bridges come in four main types.

  1. Traditional bridges use a construction method that melds porcelain with ceramic or metal. These bridges are created by placing a crown or implant on either side of the missing teeth with a pontic in between. This is the most common type of bridge.
  2. Cantilever bridges prove useful if there is only a tooth bordering on one side of the vacant space where the missing teeth resided. This type of bridge is used infrequently because of the potential for damage to the natural teeth.
  3. Maryland bridges consist of a pontic that is supported by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the adjacent teeth, rather than supported by crowns. This bridge avoids the need for crowns but may not be as strong as a traditional bridge.
  4. Implant-supported bridges are often used when more than one or two missing teeth are being replaced. These bridges do not rely on natural teeth for support. Typically, an implant is placed for each missing tooth, but in cases where this is not possible, implant-supported crowns can be used in the same manner as the natural teeth in a traditional bridge.
  5. Conclusion

    Using dental bridges to replace missing teeth can improve the appearance of the smile and the functionality of the teeth. The number of teeth that can be replaced depends on the type of bridge and how many healthy natural teeth the patient has retained.

    Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

    Recent Posts

    Can You Notice Dental Crowns On Front Teeth?

    It is possible to use dental crowns to restore teeth that have become damaged beyond repair, whether due to decay or trauma. A dentist may recommend this common type of treatment for a tooth that is: Seriously chipped Severely cracked or broken Weakened from numerous cavities or fillingsWhile the tooth can have extensive damage, it…

    Is It Possible To Whiten Dental Crowns?

    Dentists use dental crowns to protect or restore damaged teeth. Sometimes, tooth decay becomes too advanced or cracking may weaken the structure of the teeth. In these cases, a dentist may suggest a crown when fillings cannot solve the issue. Crowns are caps made of various materials, including ceramic, resin, porcelain, and metal.Crown placement is…

    Reasons To Consider A Porcelain Dental Crown

    A porcelain dental crown is beautiful and luminescent and reflects light just enough to look like a natural tooth. Although porcelain crowns look natural, they are, in fact, artificial. Crowns can be shaped precisely in order to restore tooth damage and enhance your smile. This makes them very beneficial both physically and aesthetically.A crown can…

Recent Posts

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…

Facts About The Dental Implants Process

5 Facts About The Dental Implants Process

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Patients who take the time to understand the implant process enjoy successful outcomes.A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone, the…