Restoration Roulette: Do I Need Partial Dentures or a Bridge?

Did you know that sources estimate that nearly 180 million American adults have lost at least one permanent tooth? The resulting gaps in your grin can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about your looks or struggle to eat and speak normally.

Your dentist offers a variety of services to restore your smile’s appearance and function, including partial dentures and dental bridges. But many patients are unsure how to choose between these two popular restorations. Continue reading to learn more about each option to help you make an informed decision!

What are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures usually consist of an acrylic, gum-colored base that includes metallic clips that anchor to healthy teeth in your mouth. This foundation is set with the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) to fill in the empty spaces left behind by one or more sporadically missing teeth throughout your arch.

This solution isn’t cemented permanently into your mouth, and should be removed twice daily to thoroughly scrub all surfaces with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Regular cleanings help clear away plaque and bacteria that can contribute to gum disease or other concerns.

What is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are oral appliances intended to restore one to four consecutively missing teeth. They are usually made from resilient, tooth-colored ceramic that can be customized to match your natural enamel.

Instead of containing various teeth arranged in an acrylic base, these restorations contain the required number of teeth positioned between a dental crown on each side. These are cemented over healthy abutment teeth or dental implants on both ends of the space in your smile and aren’t intended to be removed except by a qualified professional.

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

You’re not alone if you’re unsure which of these treatment options is right for you. After all, both partial dentures and bridges can be customized to look and feel as lifelike as possible, and can improve your mouth’s aesthetics while rebuilding its functionality.

If you’re unsure of the best solution, you can find the answers you seek by scheduling a consultation with your dentist. They’ll examine your condition and can recommend an appropriate treatment based on the number of teeth that went missing and where they were located.

Scheduling an appointment with your provider and having an honest discussion about your concerns and goals can help them tailor a treatment plan to help you address them!

Meet the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches is passionate about helping patients enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He earned his dental degree from the University of Southern California and has received Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry and is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He offers a complete menu of services, including partial dentures and bridges, to meet al your needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (918) 928-2383.