3d dental bridge

Dental Bridges Vs. Partial Dentures – Pros & Cons

Excerpt: Dentistry appliances can be pretty confusing for a lot of reasons. Do you need an implant, a root canal, a bridge, dentures or braces?

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Dentistry appliances can be pretty confusing for a lot of reasons. Do you need an implant, a root canal, a bridge, dentures, or braces? Dental bridges and partial dentures are often mistaken to have the same function. While they are similar in what they do, bridges have some very distinct benefits over dentures and they may be a better fit for your teeth.

Dental Bridges Vs. Partial Dentures – What’s The Difference?

Dental bridges are permanent structures that require some oral surgery to be implemented. This usually requires anywhere from 1-3 visits based on the amount of work that needs to be done. There is also healing involved so the procedure may take some time to be fully completed. With partial dentures, they are dentures that only cover the affected area of the mouth. These are not permanent structures and can be taken out of your mouth by the patient if desired. There is also no surgery required since the dentures can be made from a mold and fitted to your teeth.
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Dental Bridges – The Pros

Dental bridges have quite a few benefits over dentures here are some of them:

  • Permanent fixtures – Once a bridge is fitted into your mouth generally you can forget about it being there, (besides some extra cleaning).
  • Less chance at cavities – There is still some of your original tooth with a bridge so you will have to remember to clean them, but the appliance will cover a lot of it. You also won’t be taking it out of your mouth so there’s less chance of bringing bacteria into your mouth.
  • You can’t lose them – Since you can’t take them out of your mouth, there’s no chance of losing your appliance. If you take out your dentures there’s a chance you could put them somewhere and forget where you put them.
  • Less chance of wrecking them – Bridges are very strong, and as long as the adhesive stays effective, they won’t break. Dentures can be broken, especially once they’re out of your mouth.

Partial Dentures – The Pros

If you’re set on partial dentures, here are some of the pros:
  • Removable – You can take them out for cleaning, or other activities.
  • Easier to clean – They can be easier to clean since you can remove them and wash them separately.
  •  No surgery – If you have serious dental anxiety, then they may be a better option as they don’t require surgery.
  • Can be cheaper – Partial dentures can start at around $700, bridges generally start at around $1,500.

Dental Bridges Vs. Partial Dentures – Which is better?

If you have the option to get a bridge, then a bridge will be generally preferred over partial dentures. This is due to them being more effective than dentures, especially over a longer time frame. The only big drawback to bridges is they can be difficult to clean. Bridges won’t have gaps between the teeth so you must use either use a floss with an end that you can thread thread through the teeth, or a floss pick. Normal floss just won’t work as you won’t be able to get in between the teeth. You can also use a water pick to help clean the bridge even more.
 

You will have to pay extra attention to the cleanliness of the bridge since the gums and teeth can get infected with bacteria. However, this can also be considered a benefit of the bridge since you will be cleaning your teeth more intently on a more regular basis (hopefully, if you’re not doing that already).

If you’re still confused or concerned on which solution will be better for you situation, please consult your dentist, they will have a much better idea of what will be best for you.

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