Difficulties with eating, speaking, and feeling confident in your appearance can eventually take their toll, leaving you wondering how to restore your smile. With a few options available, the question becomes whether your dentist believes a partial denture or a dental bridge is best for you. Keep reading to learn how each is used so that you can decide how you want to proceed.
Partial Denture vs. Dental Bridge: How They Are Used
When multiple gaps exist along an arch, your dentist will likely recommend a partial denture or dental bridge. However, which one they suggest is dependent on a few factors:
- The number of teeth you are missing
- Where the missing teeth are located along the upper or lower arch
- Your preference
- Whether a fixed or removable appliance is best
- The state of your oral health
Partial Denture
A partial denture is crafted with an acrylic base and a metal or acrylic framework, then topped with porcelain teeth. The clasps fit around natural teeth to anchor in place, but the partial remains removable.
Many patients choose partial dentures because missing teeth do not have to be right next to each other. These appliances work like puzzle pieces, sliding into place to fill gaps.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge also fills in the spaces left by missing teeth, but these are usually fixed and cannot be removed. They’re also designed to replace between one and four consecutive teeth, so they must be side by side.
Dental bridges consist of two dental crowns and a row of artificial teeth. Healthy abutment teeth hold the bridge in place once the crowns are positioned over them. The remaining pontics sit atop the gums to create a complete, lifelike smile.
Facts to Consider
As you consider your options for tooth replacement, a few factors you might want to consider include:
- Oral Health: Dental bridges require good oral health, as the abutment teeth help anchor them in place. Partial dentures do not rely as strongly on this, as they’re held in place by metal clasps.
- Cost: Dental bridges can be more expensive because they are fixed in place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Partial dentures are a more affordable option because they’re removable, depending on your budget.
- Longevity: Partial dentures typically do not last as long as dental bridges, though this depends on how well you care for your artificial teeth.
Determining which tooth replacement solution you should receive is a discussion you and your dentist will have during your initial consultation. No matter which option you choose, trust that your new smile will look and feel better than before.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram is a trusted, experienced dentist in Naples who helps individuals with tooth loss. Offering dental bridges and partial dentures to address multiple missing teeth, he can craft beautiful prosthetics that create a lifelike appearance. With a keen eye and a clear attention to detail, Dr. Makram can help you achieve the smile you deserve, so visit our website or call (239) 513-9990 to schedule a consultation.