Partial Dentures VS Bridges: Which Is The Better Option For You?

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If you are missing teeth and want to replace them, two of your main options are getting a partial denture or a dental bridge. There are pros and cons of each of these options, ranging from convenience to cost. Here are some things to consider when deciding if you should get a bridge or partial denture.

Do you feel comfortable removing the appliance?

The main difference between a partial denture and bridge is that the denture is removable, while the bridge is fixed to the teeth. This is an important distinction because you might not want to remove the dental appliance. If you want to replace the missing teeth with something that you can't remove, you are better off choosing a bridge. On the other hand, if you want to make it easier to clean and don't mind removing it each night, then a partial denture might be a good option for you.

How many teeth do you have missing?

While both of these can replace multiple teeth missing, partial dentures tend to be better for more than one or two teeth missing. They can replace as little as one or as much as four or five teeth all in a row. It will also be easy to transition from partial dentures to full dentures if you lose the rest of your teeth, since you are already used to wearing them. With a dental bridge, there are more requirements for holding it in place, therefore it is often better when replacing fewer teeth.

Are there natural teeth adjacent to the missing teeth?

The main requirement for a dental bridge is that you need to have teeth adjacent to the missing teeth. A dental bridge many people chose to get is one where the artificial tooth is in the middle, then there are crowns placed on teeth adjacent to the missing tooth on both sides. The artificial tooth is bonded to the crowns, holding it in place by anchoring it to the natural teeth. If you are missing one or multiple teeth and have stable teeth next to them, a bridge is a good option for you.

What does your budget look like?

While the costs can vary based on where you go and the type of bridge or denture you need, bridges do tend to be a little more expensive. With a bridge, you are not only paying for the artificial tooth itself, but one or two dental crowns, preparing the teeth for the crowns, and placing the bridge. This sometimes costs more than if you simply get impressions done to have a partial denture fabricated.

For more information, contact a denture clinic in your area.


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