Your teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, but that doesn’t happen for many people. 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Each tooth is vital for a healthy, functional smile. Not to mention, your self-esteem is influenced by the way your teeth look. If you’ve lost a tooth or two over the years, you have several methods to fill the gaps in your smile. Bridges and partials have been used for decades to treat tooth loss. Although you might believe they are the same, there’s a big difference between partial dentures and dental bridges in Superior. Don’t worry, here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for a complete smile.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gaps of missing teeth by recreating the portions above the gum line. It’s a tried and proven method of treating 1-4 lost teeth in a row. Your dentist will craft your new teeth from an impression of your mouth. The bridge is held in place by bonding dental crowns over your adjacent teeth. As a result, they must be reshaped to allow the restorations to fit over them.
A bridge and crowns are made from all-ceramic materials to look natural. They are custom-made to blend in with your real teeth with a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, depending on your aftercare routine.
What is a Partial Denture?
A partial denture differs from a bridge in many ways. It can treat consecutive and non-consecutive tooth loss. It’s also removable, so you don’t have to alter healthy teeth. Unlike a bridge, your replacement teeth are affixed to a gum-colored base, which has a metal framework. This allows it to clip or clasp onto your remaining teeth to stay in place.
A partial denture can thrive for years with the right maintenance, like a solid oral hygiene routine at home and visiting your dentist regularly. Your partial will look and feel natural to boost your self-esteem and quality of life.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
Every mouth and situation is unique, so there isn’t any way to know which is right for you without seeing your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth and learn more about your preferences to determine the best method to rebuild your smile.
Besides a bridge or partial, you may be a candidate for dental implants. With over a 95% success rate, a dental implant can last for 30 years or longer. As the only solution to replicate the root and crown, it is a close replica of a real tooth.
Your dentist will explain all your options to make the ideal choice to treat your lost teeth. You’ll have a beautiful, confident smile you’ll be proud to share with the world.
About Dr. H. Douglas Clark III
Dr. Clark achieved his dental degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and continued his education at the Las Vegas Institute and Spear Education. He has advanced qualifications in all aspects of dentistry. If you are ready to replace your missing teeth, contact our office today to request a consultation.