Have you lost a few of your teeth? Rather than put up with the embarrassment and daily inconveniences of tooth loss, you may be thinking about visiting your dentist to discuss your tooth replacement options. Either a dental bridge or a partial denture may be a suitable solution for you, but is one better than the other? In this blog post, we will discuss both types of restorations so you can gain a fair idea of which one might be a fit for your circumstances.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a custom-made, removable prosthetic that fits around the remaining natural teeth. Small metal attachments help it to remain secure during eating and speaking. Partial dentures can enable you to enjoy most types of foods without worry, even though they are not as secure as fixed types of tooth replacement. Getting used to them might take some time, but most patients find it relatively easy to adapt to life with a partial denture.
Fixed Bridges
A fixed bridge, which is sometimes referred to as a traditional dental bridge or a fixed partial denture, is not removable. Rather, it has crowns that are permanently attached to the teeth adjacent to the empty space in your mouth (the abutment teeth). Placing the bridge requires that the abutment teeth be slightly modified in order to fit well beneath the crowns. Bridges can be constructed out of various materials, including gold, alloys, or porcelain. Patients usually find that eating with and caring for heir fixed bridge is easy.
Which Is Right for You?
Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and then let you know which type of tooth replacement they believe would suit you best. They will take into account such things as the extent of your tooth loss and the health of your remaining teeth before they make a treatment recommendation.
A partial denture may be a perfect fit for you if:
- You have lost multiple teeth at various places throughout a dental arch
- You are concerned about the cost of restorative dentistry
- Your remaining natural teeth are not strong enough to support a bridge
On the other hand, a bridge may be the better choice if:
- You have lost just a few teeth from one area of your mouth
- You want a secure solution that provides a strong bite force
- Your abutment teeth are strong enough to support the bridge
- You want your new teeth to look as natural as possible (a porcelain bridge is almost indistinguishable from natural teeth)
Both bridges and partial dentures are sound tooth replacement options. The one that is best for you depends on your unique circumstances.
Meet the Practice
We have six dentists on our team at Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, including four general dentists and two specialists. We are proud to offer a broad range of restorative services, including partial dentures, fixed bridges, and even dental implants. To learn more about how we can help you rebuild your lost teeth, contact us at 860-242-5594.