Tooth loss can seriously impact your self-confidence. If you have missing teeth, you might be hesitant to smile in public or open your mouth to talk or eat. Luckily, advances in dental technology have made it easier than ever to restore your smile. But which type of restoration is right for you? Let’s explore the pros and cons of dental bridges vs. full dentures and partials.
Full Dentures vs. Partials
Both full and partial dentures are removable prosthetics that replace missing teeth. Full dentures replace a complete set of teeth (either the upper or lower arch) while partials replace only a few teeth.
Full dentures stay in place by creating a suction seal over the gums. Partials, on the other hand, are typically attached to the nearest natural teeth. Both types of dentures are custom-designed to fit comfortably and to look and function like natural teeth.
Pros:
- Dentures are the most affordable option for replacing missing teeth.
- They look and feel just like natural gums and teeth.
- Anyone can wear them, unlike dental implants that require healthy gums and a strong jaw, or a dental bridge that requires teeth strong enough to support crowns.
Cons:
- They don’t last as long as dental bridges or implants. You typically need to replace dentures every five to seven years.
- Dentures also need to be removed to be cleaned and need to be soaked overnight, which can be a hassle.
Partials vs. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is similar to partial dentures in that both prosthetics replace one or more missing teeth. But the main difference between dental bridges and partials is that a bridge is permanent, while partials are removable. A dental bridge is fixed in place with two crowns that cover the teeth on either side of the gap. The crowns hold one or more false teeth that fill the gap.
Pros:
- Fixed bridges are more convenient than dentures because they don’t need to be removed to be cleaned. You simply brush the bridge and floss underneath it, along with caring for your natural teeth.
- Like partials, dental bridges look and function like natural teeth, but provide more stability. They can also last up to 10 years, which is a bit longer than partials.
Cons:
- Dental bridges can be more expensive compared to full dentures or partials depending on the materials used.
- To fit the crowns, the natural teeth on either side of the gap will need to be drilled down. If the teeth surrounding the gap are perfectly healthy, dental bridges might not be the best option.
Dentures and Bridges in Flagstaff, Arizona
The best way to determine which option is right for you is to consult an experienced dentist. At Country Club Dental, we offer high quality full dentures, partials, and dental bridges. We can help you determine which type of restoration will provide the best method for transforming your smile. Give us a call at 928-526-4314 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Whitney or Dr. Mikaela Weedman.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/11/2023). Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels
