How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace

How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace from Alexandria Old Town Dental in Alexandria, VAWhen 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 Alexandria, VA.

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 Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

    Related Posts

    Can You Fix A Broken Tooth With A Dental Crown?

    A dental crown can fix a broken tooth. An accident, biting on a piece of hard food, or an intense hit to your face can cause this dental injury. You then experience pain and sensitivity, not to mention self-consciousness about the unsightly appearance of your broken tooth. It is a good thing that modern dentistry…

    Damaged Tooth Repair With A Dental Crown

    A dental crown is a way for a dentist to repair a broken or damaged tooth. This is a simple solution that many people elect because it is durable and looks like normal teeth. It is also a great option if you have only one tooth that is damaged.The crown is made to match your…

    When A Dental Crown Is Needed For A Cavity

    A dental crown is often used to treat dental cavities, especially when the cavity is too large or too deep for a dentist to repair with a dental filling. This review provides a detailed look at when a dental crown is needed to repair a tooth that has a cavity and how a dental crown…

Related Posts

Finding A Family Dentist Near You

Finding A Family Dentist Near You

Taking care of your family's dental health is important to help maintain your and your children's overall health and well-being. Regular visits to a family dentist can help identify and treat dental problems before they become more serious and require more intensive care. However, finding the right family dentist can be daunting, especially if you…

What To Expect During Your First Visit With A Family Dentist

What To Expect During Your First Visit With A Family Dentist

You should consider seeing a family dentist if you have children. This allows your entire household to get their dental needs met at the same time instead of driving all over town to drop each member of your family off at their dentist.A family dentist is a general dentist who spends most of their time…