Today’s patients are lucky, when they lose a tooth or multiple teeth, they have plenty of reliable options to choose from in order to fill in the gap and restore their bite and appearance. When you have to replace more than one tooth (but still have enough teeth in the arch worth saving), your best bet is likely either a dental bridge or a partial denture. Both have their benefits, but which one is truly best suited for you? Read on to learn the key difference between partial dentures and dental bridges.
What are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are appliances that have one or more false teeth attached to them. Like full dentures, they have an acrylic base that blends in with the gums. They’re customized in order to fill in gaps throughout the mouth wherever they happen to be located. The key feature of partial dentures is that they’re removable. They have clasps or precision attachments that allow them to clip on to your natural teeth in order to stay in place.
What are Dental Bridges?
While partial dentures can fill in multiple gaps, individual dental bridges are used to replace many teeth in a row. The restoration is composed of two crowns with one or more false teeth between them; the crowns are fitted over the teeth adjacent to the gap, which is filled in with the false teeth. A bridge can sometimes be attached to dental implants if there are no stable neighboring teeth or if at least three teeth in a row are missing. Unlike partial dentures, dental bridges are permanently anchored to your mouth.
What are the Advantages of Each Restoration?
- Bridges: A dental bridge can last for up to 15 years compared to a partial denture. It can also be brushed as if it were real teeth, as opposed to partial dentures that have to be removed for regular cleanings. It’s generally the more cost-effective option if only one or two teeth are missing.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures tend to cost less than bridges, so they’re the less expensive option if you have several teeth to replace. Also, they don’t require your dentist to make alterations to existing teeth to place them.
Which is the Best Option for You?
It depends on the situation. Normally, bridges are recommended if only a couple of teeth are missing, but partial dentures are better suited for more extensive tooth loss. Also, if you don’t have enough healthy teeth to support a bridge, a partial denture in Roselle Park makes more sense.
Of course, you’ll need the input of a professional before you make any decisions about replacing your tooth. Make an appointment with your dentist in Roselle Park today and work with them to figure out the healthiest, most affordable solution for recompleting your smile.
About the Practice
At Roselle Park Dental & Implants, we aren’t interested in pushing patients toward costly treatments that they don’t need. We always explain our services and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your oral health. If you’ve lost multiple teeth, we’ll carefully consider all of the relevant factors before recommending a bridge, partial dentures, or another type of tooth replacement. To set up a consultation, visit our website or call (908) 245-1745.