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Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question

How does the Law of Ante impact the design of a cantilever bridge?

  1. It restricts the use of cantilevers in fixed partial dentures
  2. It encourages the use of cantilevers for better stability
  3. It has no relevance to the design of cantilever bridges
  4. It determines the number of abutments needed
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Correct answer: A. It restricts the use of cantilevers in fixed partial dentures

The Law of Ante states that the combined periodontal ligament area of the abutment teeth must equal or exceed that of the teeth being replaced. For a cantilever bridge, there is only ONE side of support with the pontic extending beyond — this INCREASES the biomechanical stress significantly and the Law of Ante RESTRICTS their use (they're contraindicated in many situations). A is correct: the law limits/restricts cantilever use because adequate PDL support is harder to achieve.

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