A dental bridge is a restorative dental treatment that can replace missing teeth by literally bridging the gap between two healthy teeth. While other tooth replacement options are available, dental bridges are less invasive and may only require two office visits to be completed. If you suffer from tooth loss and are considering this treatment, it helps to know how many dental bridges can replace. This way, you can decide whether this is the proper treatment or not.
Can A Dental Bridge Replace More Than One Tooth?
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to four missing teeth. However, if you are missing more than four teeth in a row, a partial denture or implant-supported denture may be a better option.
Also, note that the number of teeth a dental bridge can support will depend on the strength of the adjacent natural teeth. So, if the surrounding teeth are weak, your dentist may recommend getting a smaller bridge.
What Does A Dental Bridge Consist Of?
A typical dental bridge has:
- An artificial tooth (false tooth or pontic)
The pontic is usually made from porcelain or ceramic, and it is meant to look like a natural tooth. It is placed in the middle of the gap created by the missing tooth. - Abutment teeth
These are the healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. The abutment teeth act as anchors for the bridge. - A metal or porcelain framework
This connects the pontic to the abutment teeth and supports the bridge. - Two dental crowns
The dental crowns are placed on the natural teeth next to the gap. Their purpose is to provide support for the pontic.
Can Dental Implants Secure A Bridge?
Sometimes, implants can be used to help support a dental bridge. This is usually done when there are not enough natural teeth (abutment teeth) to support the bridge.
Implants provide more stable and secure support for the bridge than natural teeth would. By using implants to support the bridge, it is less likely that the bridge will become loose or fall out over time. Additionally, implants can help to preserve the health of the natural teeth by taking on some of the load that would otherwise be placed on them.
How Many Implants Will You Need To Support A Bridge?
In order to determine how many implants you will need to support a bridge, your dentist will consider the size and type of bridge you need. Generally, one implant can support a small bridge.
However, if you are getting a large bridge or an implant-supported denture, you may need two or more implants. Your dentist will be able to give you a more specific idea of how many implants you will need once they have examined your mouth and determined which type of bridge is best for you.
What's The Difference Between An Implant-Supported Bridge And A Traditional Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. But instead of the abutment teeth, the bridge is anchored to one or more implants.
While it is not a permanent solution, an implant-supported bridge is considered a more long-lasting treatment than a traditional bridge. This is because it doesn’t rely on the adjacent teeth for support. Instead, they are supported by implants surgically placed directly in the jaw bone. They act as artificial tooth roots and provide a strong foundation for the bridge.
Another advantage of an implant-supported bridge is that it doesn’t require as much healthy tooth structure to be removed. With a traditional bridge, it needs more preparation since some of the surrounding teeth have to be filed down so that the dental crowns can be placed on them. Implants are also considered more natural because they mimic the look and feel of real teeth.
Final Thoughts
People with one or more missing teeth can benefit from dental bridges. They help you achieve a more beautiful smile and restore bite and speech issues. Typically, one dental bridge can support up to three or four missing teeth. But if you’re missing more than four, you may need a partial denture or implant-supported denture.
When you book an initial consultation, one of the dentists at Clear Choice Dental will assess your mouth condition to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. They will also discuss which type and how many bridges you need. Moreover, they will let you understand how the process is done, your expectations and the benefits and risks. They will recommend other alternatives if you are not eligible.
If your quality of life is affected and you are considering dental bridges, call us at 08 9345 0455 for our Yokine dental clinic and 08 9452 8877 for our Maddington branch.
FAQs
The cost of dental bridges differs depending on the location, the types of bridges patients need, how many teeth to be replaced and dental insurance. However, the average cost of a Cantilever bridge with a crown may range from \$2714 to \$3488. For the dental implant-supported bridge, you may spend between $6206 to $9439, while a traditional bridge with two crowns may cost you $4256 to $5763. This can be higher or lower, so it’s wise to ask your dentist for an accurate quote.
Some factors affect the lifespan of a dental bridge, including the material used and how you take care of them. Generally, a dental bridge can last up to 5 to 7 years. But with proper care, their lifetime can reach 15 years or more.
The benefits of dental bridges are aesthetic and functional. They help you regain confidence by replacing missing teeth and improving your smile. They also prevent a sunken-in appearance that can make you look older than you are and help preserve the shape of your face. In addition, they make it easier for you to eat and speak. They also distribute the forces in your bite evenly and prevent the nearby teeth of the space from shifting out of place over time.
Firstly, you must take care of your oral hygiene. This means you must brush at least twice a day, floss daily and maintain at least two yearly dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups. It’s also essential to clean your teeth under your bridge and other natural teeth to prevent decay and gum disease. Though you can eat your favourite foods, soft foods are always safe, and you should avoid chewing hard foods, ice and hard objects. Also, avoid using your teeth as tools to open things, and biting your nails and grinding your teeth can also damage your dental bridge. If you have a habit of doing these things, you may need to wear a nightguard to protect your teeth.
