How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace

How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace from Long Grove Dental in Long Grove, ILWhen 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 Long Grove, IL.

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 Long Grove Dental at 847-636-5020 for an appointment in our Long Grove office.

    Recent Posts

    Metal Crowns Vs. Porcelain Dental Crowns

    For patients in need of dental crowns, there are plenty of options available. Two of the most common choices are porcelain crowns and metal crowns (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). Depending on a patient's specific circumstances, one of these crown types may be the preferred option.Metal crowns have the advantage of…

    What Is A Dental Crown?

    Dental crowns are a popular restoration option used by general dentists. Restorations are often needed when teeth are in bad shape, as they help bring the tooth back to life, thus encouraging good oral health. Good oral health then translates to one's overall health. According to the American Dental Association, dental crowns are a cover or…

    How Does A Dental Crown Protect Your Tooth?

    A dental crown can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues. Also called caps, these are tooth-like shells that are used to encase an entire tooth. It serves multiple functions: protecting the tooth from further decay and restoring its appearance.Issues that crowns are often used to fix: Chipped, broken or cracked teeth…

Recent Posts

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

A General Dentist Talks About Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is typically classified as a more severe form of dental anxiety. It leads many people to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, and those who do visit the dentist battle through fear and severe anxiety. The good news is that there are effective ways for a general dentist to help patients who struggle with…

Convenience And Comfort Are Benefits Of Invisalign Therapy

Convenience And Comfort Are Benefits Of Invisalign Therapy

Invisalign® is one of the most popular ways to undergo orthodontic treatment. General dentists are recommending teeth straightening via Invisalign® because of the many benefits that come with it. Having an understanding of these benefits may be helpful to those looking at their options. Keep reading to find out more. Below is an explanation of how comfort…