How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace

How Many Teeth Can Dental Bridges Replace from Korsmo Family Dental in Tacoma, WAWhen 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 Tacoma, WA.

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 Korsmo Family Dental at 253-336-0016 for an appointment in our Tacoma office.

    Recent Posts

    When Is A Dental Crown Recommended?

    When a dental practitioner recommends a dental crown, it may not be up to the patient. These dental devices are used to treat various conditions that cause a tooth to need serious work. When a crown is required, it usually means that the tooth it covers is too far gone to be useful, but it…

    How Natural Does An Implant Crown Look?

    An implant crown can closely match the appearance of a natural tooth, and it is essentially indistinguishable from adjacent natural teeth. This review discusses what an implant crown is and how a dentist can ensure that your implant crown looks as natural as possible. One of the main reasons that patients seek implant crown treatment is…

    How A Dental Crown Can Improve Your Smile

    Getting a dental crown is a significant first step in improving your smile. However, you might wonder why you need the device. Repairing the spot soon will help to keep your teeth in good health. Plus, a crown can make your smile look better. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits.The patient often has…

Recent Posts

Commit To A Healthier Mouth And Body With Routine Dental Care

Commit To A Healthier Mouth And Body With Routine Dental Care

When it comes to health and wellness, prevention plays an integral role. In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices, practicing routine dental care is a vital step in maintaining a healthy mouth and body. There are numerous benefits for patients who commit to proper home and professional dental care.Routine dental care is necessary to maintain…

Importance Of Teeth Cleanings For Routine Dental Care

Importance Of Teeth Cleanings For Routine Dental Care

Professional teeth cleaning is an important aspect of routine dental care. In addition to practicing thorough oral hygiene habits that include regular brushing and flossing of the teeth, patients should always maintain biannual dental exams to ensure excellent oral health.The following are a few of the numerous benefits that regular teeth cleanings offer when included…