Losing one tooth or several can affect how you eat, speak, and smile. Replacing missing teeth also protects the teeth you still have by keeping them from drifting into the empty space. Three of the most common replacement options are dental bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures. Here’s how they compare.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in a row. The replacement tooth is held in place by crowns placed on the healthy teeth on each side of the gap.
Best for:
Patients missing one to three teeth in a row who have strong, healthy teeth on either side of the space.
Advantages:
Bridges are fixed in place, so you don’t remove them to clean. They look and feel natural and restore your ability to chew comfortably. Treatment is usually completed in about two visits.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. It attaches to your existing teeth for support and can replace teeth in different areas of the mouth with a single appliance.
Best for:
Patients missing several teeth in the same arch, or whose remaining teeth aren’t strong enough to support a bridge.
Advantages:
Partials are removable for easy cleaning, are often more affordable than replacing each tooth individually, and help keep your remaining teeth from shifting.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both. Modern dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth and designed to look natural.
Best for:
Patients who are missing all or nearly all of their teeth, often due to advanced gum disease or severe decay.
Advantages:
Dentures restore your full smile, support your facial features, and make it easier to eat and speak. The American Dental Association notes that new denture wearers typically adjust over a few weeks as they learn to eat and speak with them.
How to Choose the Right Option
The best choice depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are, the health of your remaining teeth and gums, and your budget. Before any replacement, we make sure your mouth is healthy, which may include periodontal treatment, fillings, or extractions of teeth that can’t be saved. We use digital X-rays to plan your treatment.
Caring for Your Replacement Teeth
Brush around bridges and use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean underneath them. Remove and clean dentures daily, soak them overnight, and brush your gums and tongue. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research also recommends regular dental visits for denture wearers to check fit and oral health.
Make Treatment Affordable
We accept most insurance plans and offer financing options through CareCredit and Sunbit. To find the right option for your smile, call Apple Dental of San Diego at (619) 236-9549 or request an appointment.