Facing the decision of tooth replacement can be overwhelming. You might be weighing your options between bridges vs partials, and feeling unsure of what will happen next, especially if you are already prone to anxiety.
It is very likely that you want the best fitting, most comfortable option to get through your daily life without disruption. It is totally natural to feel unsure about these dental procedures.
This guide aims to break down the differences between bridges vs. partials. It's an easy to use, and straight-forward guide, going over costs, longevity, and what might work for you.
Understanding Tooth Replacement Options
When you have missing teeth, it impacts more than just your smile. It affects how you chew, speak, and even your overall confidence.
Finding a way to fix the problem is important. Dentists usually give two main ways to replace missing teeth: dental bridges and partial dentures.
Both help get back a complete smile, but they work differently. It helps to have context around the best choice.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance. It fills the space where one or more teeth used to be, known as a missing tooth.
It's made of a false tooth, or pontic, held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth next to the gap. Because it's cemented in, a dental bridge feels stable.
It's sort of like having your natural teeth back. You don't have to take it out.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are different kinds of bridges, each with a specific purpose. Here are the standard replacement options to consider:
Talking to your dental team will provide even more clarification around what can work best for you:
- Traditional Bridge: These have a false tooth held by crowns on adjacent teeth. This is the most common type of bridge.
- Cantilever Bridge: This type attaches to just one natural tooth next to the gap. Cantilever bridges are not recommended for areas of the mouth that undergo a lot of stress, such as the molars.
- Maryland Bridge: Maryland bridges use metal or porcelain wings bonded to nearby teeth. They work for replacing the more obvious front teeth, mainly.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Supported by dental implants instead of healthy teeth, offering better stability. This tooth replacement option is often considered when multiple teeth are missing.
What is a Partial Denture?
Partial dentures are removable. This appliance has replacement teeth on a gum-colored base.
You can take it out to give them a good cleaning and your gums some time to be left alone. This solution is helpful if you have several missing teeth.
Maybe the missing teeth aren't right next to each other.
Types of Partial Dentures
There are also several kinds of partials. Each has some pro's and con's and that's where your dentist will come in very handy:
- Acrylic Partials (Flippers): Feature a plastic base, with teeth attached. They are usually a budget-friendly option and are also called "flippers".
- Cast Metal Partials: A cast metal removable partial denture uses a a solid, and very light metal base for false teeth to attach to. They're strong and stable and the most standard style.
- Flexible Partials: For those sensitive to acrylic or metal clasps, a more "flexible" kind exists. This gives people even more flexibility in their choice.
Bridges vs Partials: Key Differences
When figuring out bridges vs partials, a main factor is that a dental bridge is a permanent solution, while a partial is temporary, bridges are fixed.
Partials can be removed. This basic fact guides most people's decision and personal preference.
Bridges are great if you have just a few teeth missing, and all in one line, next to existing teeth. A removable partial works for multiple missing teeth that do not even need to be near to each other.
Cost Comparison: Bridges vs Partials
Cost is also something most of us have to face. Dental procedures do require a considerable amount of money in certain cases.
Generally, removable partial dentures cost less, ranging from $750-$2,500. Dental bridges can run between $1,750-$5,000.
These price ranges may be higher, lower or similar depending on multiple factors, including geography, price ranges in different localities, dental insurance and any number of other unknown factors. It is a big help to get a clear price estimate from your dentist for your treatment options.
How Long Will a Bridge Last vs a Partial?
You might also question the device's endurance. "How long will it actually *last*"?
It's common to wonder about that. On average, partial dentures outlast bridges.
Experts note partials often endure up to 15 years, while fixed bridges typically last between 5 to 15 years when well cared for. Dentists recommend routine check-ups to prolong the lifespan of either option.
Maintenance and Care: Keeping Things Clean
Whether you pick a dental bridge or partial denture, a critical piece is regular care and maintenance. A good part of choosing partials means cleaning your mouth gear after having them out at night.
Cleaning bridges will be just like a typical and standard daily oral hygiene routine. Whether you have a fixed bridge or a removable one, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial.
Here's a breakdown of maintenance, for bridges versus partials, which again, have different cleaning needs:
| Maintenance Tasks | Dental Bridges | Partial Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Brush twice daily like healthy natural teeth. | Remove and brush daily with a denture cleaner. Needs to be cleaned daily. |
| Flossing | Floss daily, using special tools to get under pontics. | Not applicable while the removable appliance is in place. Clean gaps between natural teeth regularly. |
| Additional Care | Use interdental brushes or floss threaders for hard-to-reach areas. | Soak in a denture-cleaning solution. |
| Checkups | Regular dental visits to check the bridge and supporting teeth. | Regular dental visits to monitor fit, adjust if necessary. Also to make sure no gum disease or tooth decay are present. |
Following a strict oral hygiene routine is critical for the longevity of your replacement teeth. Make sure to discuss any concerns about the overall health foundation of your mouth, such as root canal issues or teeth whitening, to properly plan for the long term to address your specific needs.
Making the Decision: Factors to Consider
When it comes to choosing, there are many moving parts to deciding on your appliance. First, consider how many teeth are missing, and if your other teeth are very solid.
Then look at dentures cost. After that, figure out if you're able to handle a removable partial denture versus something cemented permanently.
You should check into your insurance coverage to get more familiar with that. It's never a bad idea to call for an appointment today with your local dental professional.
Impact on Oral Health
Both replacement options help your oral health. When you can fill spaces that are missing teeth, you let existing teeth be solid, stable, and healthy in their positions.
This allows things to remain secure, tight, and strong. A dental professional helps in choosing a resolution between bridges vs partials.
Permanent bridges may pose more of a challenge in reaching a comfort, and cleaning standpoint for some patients, and other patients prefer that their tooth replacement is of a permanent kind. That allows them to only maintain them like healthy tooth.
A lot of people are in the opposite position, in wanting a tooth replacement option that is non-permanent, and easier to maintain than having to fuss around permanent teeth. Especially in cleaning under and between all spaces which can become increasingly more difficult with time and age.
Reach Out to your West Covina Dental Office
When looking at bridges vs partials, both offer solid, standard ways of dealing with replacing missing teeth. If a traditional bridge sounds right for your smile, it offers some really amazing solid benefits.
For many folks though, a partial works great because you can always add a denture if things change over the course of time. Talk it over with your West Covina dentist - you've got choices to replace missing teeth with confidence.