What’s the best way to replace multiple teeth at once in your smile? For some patients, the answer may be a dental bridge. However, for other individuals, a partial denture could be the better choice. Both of these treatments can be effective solutions for tooth loss, but if you want to determine which one is right for you, then it’s important to learn more about the differences between them.
Understanding Dental Bridges
A single gap in your smile can be filled with a dental bridge. This is a type of dental prosthesis that is made by combining two dental crowns with one or more artificial teeth called pontics. The crowns are attached to two of your natural teeth in order to hold the dental bridge in place; the pontics between the crowns fill in the empty space left by your missing teeth, thereby recompleting your smile. Once a dental bridge has been placed, it will stay in your mouth at all times.
Understanding Partial Dentures
A partial denture can be used to fill in gaps in different parts of your mouth. Each partial denture has a base that supports a specific number of artificial teeth. The prosthesis will stay in place in your mouth with the help of special clasps. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, a partial denture can be taken out of your mouth whenever you want. You will typically be instructed to remove it every night before you go to bed.
Dental Bridges vs. Partial Dentures
One of the key differences between dental bridges and partial dentures is the types of tooth loss situations they can correct. A dental bridge can be an excellent choice if all of your missing teeth were located right next to each other. Meanwhile, a partial denture is typically recommended for replacing teeth that were in different areas of the same arch.
On top of that, both types of tooth replacement require different cleaning methods. Since a dental bridge stays in your mouth, you can brush and floss it along with the rest of your smile. In contrast, a partial denture must be taken out of your mouth so that you can clean it with a mild dish soap or specialized denture cleanser.
There is also the matter of cost to consider. In general, a partial denture will typically carry a lower price tag than a dental bridge. Of course, the cost of either treatment can significantly vary from case to case thanks to various factors.
So, should you get a dental bridge or a partial denture? To find the answer to this question, you will need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll be able to guide you toward the option that’s ultimately best for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Rachel H. Clark earned a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at Wichita State University, and she eventually received her dental degree from Creighton University. Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association. At Illuminate Family Dentistry in Derby, she offers partial dentures, traditional dental bridges, and other solutions for missing teeth. If you have empty space in your smile that needs to be filled, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Clark by visiting her website, using her online scheduling tool, or calling (316) 847-7730.