How Many Teeth Can You Have On a Bridge?

After losing your natural teeth, it must be great news to finally get dental bridges. A tooth bridgework plays a significant role in restoration dentistry, restoring both the functionality of your mouth and the aesthetics of your smile.

What Are Dental Bridges?

They are oral restorations for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges feature artificial teeth and dental crowns. They are most suitable for single-tooth replacements. However, you can replace more than one natural tooth with oral bridgework.

How Do Dental Bridges Function?

Dental bridges can only replace the lost teeth if they have ample support from adjacent teeth. A traditional dental bridge typically features an artificial tooth called a pontic, held in place by two dental crowns. The dental crowns are specifically for adjacent teeth, providing necessary support for the pontic.

You can receive a dental bridge with a single dental crown in some cases. This type of bridgework, called a cantilever tooth bridge, would only get support from one adjacent tooth. It will not be as stable or sturdy as a conventional one.

If you are against getting dental crowns on the healthy adjacent teeth, consider a different approach. It entails supporting the pontic with a porcelain or metal framework. The framework features a snap-on technique, attaching to the backside of adjacent teeth. This type of dental bridge is called Maryland bonded bridgework.

What Is the Number of Teeth a Dental Bridge Can Replace?

Ideally, a dental bridge should replace one missing tooth. However, patients with multiple missing teeth can also benefit from dental bridges. Our family dentists in Minneapolis recommend replacing between 1 and 4 missing teeth in a row. Any more than four teeth would necessitate a partial denture. A partial denture contains multiple artificial teeth and a gum-like base, suitable for replacing more than four missing teeth in a row.

Why Choose Dental Bridges?

A fact about tooth replacement procedures in dentistry is that many solutions exist. Other than dental bridges, you can opt for dentures or dental implants. It depends on your needs and preferences. However, many patients opt for dental bridges because of their vast benefits, including the following:

1. You will not need surgery – a huge cause of dental anxiety among patients is the dread of oral surgery, typical with the dental implant procedure. However, dental bridges do not require surgical intervention.
2. Durability – dental bridges can last between 15 and 20 years if you take good care of them. You will only need dental bridge replacement if you do not stick to your dentist’s aftercare guidelines.
3. Natural-looking – dental bridges feature porcelain, a tooth-colored material that is life-like compared to its counterparts. You will hardly differentiate between your natural teeth and your oral bridgework.
4. Promoting a healthy jawbone – the jaw’s bone tissue disintegrates gradually due to inactivity. Replacing teeth with dental bridges keeps the jawbone active enough to promote good health.

Can You Get Tooth Implants with Dental Bridges?

Although dental bridges do not always necessitate tooth implants, they can work together to achieve desired results. A dentist will first install dental implants to replace the roots of your lost teeth. Afterward, (s)he places the dental bridgework to complete the treatment. Implant-supported dental bridges are perfect for patients with multiple missing teeth in a row. In such cases, the dental implants become adjacent teeth to support the artificial tooth.

Find Out More About a Dental Bridge During a Consultation Visit

Your first consultation visit at Holger Dental Group – Minneapolis will uncover many dental truths you may not have known before. Our dental team will provide actionable information about dental treatments, given your underlying oral problem. But first, you need a comprehensive dental exam to determine whether you need a dental bridge for missing tooth replacement. We share some information regarding caring for your teeth after getting dental bridges.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice every day.
2. Floss your teeth daily.
3. Stay away from sticky foods – they may dislodge your dental bridge.
4. Avoid hard foods – they may damage your bridgework and even your natural teeth.

Stick to routine dental visits – during the visits, your attending dentist will evaluate the state of your oral cavity. Besides that, dental cleanings are beneficial for sustaining excellent oral hygiene.