Your teeth are vitally important to your overall health, and this is evident in the fact missing even a few of them can cause serious problems. If you’ve lost a couple of your teeth, you’ll find that basic daily tasks like eating and talking become substantially harder.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to replace any teeth that you’ve lost; the only question is how best to do that. If you need to replace a few (but not all) of your teeth, both dental bridges and partial dentures are a good option. Here’s how you can make an informed decision between the two.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a permanent method of replacing missing teeth. They consist of two or more dental crowns attached to the teeth, with a series of false teeth sandwiched in between them. As this name would suggest, this forms a kind of “bridge” between the existing teeth.
What are Partial Dentures?
As you might know, dentures are acrylic simulations of teeth. However, unlike full dentures that adhere to the gums via suction, partial dentures are able to secured to the existing teeth with small metal clamps. The nature of partial dentures allows them to replace a variety of non-consecutive teeth, and unlike dental bridges, they able to be removed at any time for cleaning.
Which is Best For You?
First of all, it’s worth noting that there are some situations where getting a dental bridge isn’t really possible. They’re really only capable of replacing teeth that are right next to each other. Partial dentures don’t have this limitation, so if you’re missing several teeth that are somewhat far apart, this is probably the better option. They also have the benefit of being removable for the purposes of cleaning, and unlike dental bridges, they don’t require you to remove enamel from healthy teeth.
However, dental bridges are much more secure than dentures, affording you much greater bite force. They can also be brushed along with the rest of your teeth, which some people prefer to having to remove their dentures each night.
Ultimately, the best way to know what’s best for you is to talk to a dentist who knows your unique situation.
About Our Practice
At D&G Dental of West Orange, we understand that now two patients need exactly the same thing. That’s why we have centered our dental practice on comprehensive dental care, incorporating a variety of treatments so that we can create a unique plan for everyone that we meet. No matter your needs or the particulars of your situation, one thing we can always guarantee is that we’ll commit to finding something that works for you.
If you have any questions about how best to replace your teeth, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (973) 731-2200.