Dentures vs. Dental Bridges: What is the Difference?

If you are dealing with missing teeth, there are a lot of great solutions that can offer you a healthy and stunning smile. Two common prosthetics are dental bridges and dentures. At first glance, they can appear really similar, so patients might have a difficult time choosing between them. However, they are generally recommended in vastly different cases.

Keep reading to understand the difference between dental bridges and dentures and learn which one might suit you best.

What Exactly Are Dentures?

Dentures are a type of restoration used for patients dealing with several missing teeth. They can be made to cover either the entire or partial upper and lower arches of the mouth.

They are removable prosthetics that are usually attached to your remaining natural teeth using a precision attachment or a clasp. They can provide a natural-looking result as they will be personalized to your specific size and other requirements.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are used to replace 1-2 missing teeth at once. The prosthetic is usually composed of 3–4 teeth, with the ends acting like dental crowns. As a result, bridges are cemented on top of two natural teeth. Unlike dentures, bridges are permanently placed, which allows for easy maintenance that simply involves regular oral hygiene.

Which One Is Better?‍

Both dental bridges and dentures are excellent restoration options. Choosing one over the other generally involves taking into account some key factors, such as:

• Tooth loss - If you’re dealing with extensive tooth loss, bridges might not be appropriate for you. They can only replace 1-2 missing teeth and restore 2 damaged ones. But if you have more missing teeth, dentures might be the more appropriate solution;
• Strong support - Bridges need a strong anchor point in order to be properly cemented to the mouth. If the two anchor teeth cannot hold such a prosthetic, the dentist might recommend dentures instead;
• Cost - You may be a good candidate for bridges but not have the budget for them. In this case, a partial denture may provide a more affordable restoration option. 

However, the best way to know exactly which of the two is right for you is to speak to a specialist. Dr. Katelyn Miller can conduct a thorough oral exam and determine which of the two procedures may provide the best results.

Note that bridges and dentures aren’t the only restoration options you may have. Dr. Katelyn Miller will present you with all your options, and help you make an informed decision for both your smile’s health and appearance. 

Book an Appointment Today

If you’re ready to find out which dental restoration procedure can get you the smile of your dreams, our Sunbury dentist is here to help. Schedule a consultation at Shine Dental using our online form here.

 Want to learn more about our dental restoration services? Then call us at 740-936-3083 for a short chat.

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