Shortened Dental Arch (SDA)

For years, we've treated the full 28-tooth arch as the default, and anything less as a deficiency to be filled in. But the evidence tells a different story. In this episode we look at the concept of the shortened dental arch (SDA): an arch extending to the premolars is functionally, occlusally, and subjectively sufficient for most patients, reaches a stable state, and is not a risk factor for the joint. In many situations — especially where cost constraints or the patient's circumstances matter — keeping a short arch is a correct, evidence-based treatment decision, not a shortcut. Sometimes, restoring the arch back to full length is itself over-treatment.