There’s more to replacing multiple missing teeth than just deciding to do so. Once you commit to treatment, you still have to choose between two distinct options: a dental bridge or a partial denture. The actual replacement work can’t start until you’ve made this crucial and impactful decision. That said, exactly which of the two prosthetics should you pick for your smile? Learn the answer from your local Dallas dentist in the helpful summary below.
What Does a Dental Bridge Offer?
When they need to fill a large smile gap, many patients opt for a dental bridge. This prosthetic does very well at restoring several teeth at once.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration cemented to one’s mouth. As such, it consists of dental crowns (or dental implants) fused to either side of a “pontic” – an artificial tooth. This design helps the bridge remain firmly secure, thus ensuring treatment provides one to four adjacent “new” teeth.
In terms of requirements, a patient needs a healthy mouth to get a dental bridge. The nearby natural teeth used as “abutments” must be stable enough to secure the device. Otherwise, the restoration won’t succeed over time.
What About a Denture?
Besides a dental bridge, a partial denture can also “restore” several missing teeth. The latter is thus a good alternative when the former doesn’t work out.
A partial denture – per its name – only replaces a few teeth. For that reason, it’s made of several artificial teeth secured to a pink, acrylic base that fits snugly over the gums. The overall device is also removable, securing itself to your mouth through clasps or suction.
While a partial denture has few requirements, its fit changes with time. That means a patient must replace (or reline) the appliance every few years or so.
Which Option Should You Pick?
Neither a dental bridge nor a partial denture is absolutely “superior.” Between the two, the one you should get is the one that most suits your situation.
Each patient will naturally have their own wants, needs, and circumstances. For example, you may prefer a dental bridge if your lost teeth were adjacent to each other. Others will feel drawn to the partial denture because a removable restoration appeals to them. Factors like treatment cost, the lifespan of results, and more will also demand consideration.
Whichever way you lean, do consult a dental provider before getting a dental bridge or a partial denture. They’ll review your case and help you make the best possible choice!
About the Practice
Distinctive Dentistry is based in Dallas, TX. Led by Drs. Shirley, Cannon, and Bickford, our practice stays at the cutting edge of comprehensive and smile-focused dental care. We thus offer a wide range of effective and tailored oral treatments, from regular dental checkups to prosthetic teeth like dentures and dental bridges. Whatever ails your grin, our team can meet your needs! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (770)-445-6606.
