Bridges and Dentures: Which is the ideal option for you?
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may wonder whether to get a bridge or dentures. Both options have pros and cons, so it’s essential to consult your dentist to determine the best choice for your individual needs.
What are Bridges?
Bridges are usually recommended for people who are only missing a few teeth. A bridge is essentially a false tooth (or “pontic”) anchored by two dental crowns. The crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth, known as “abutment” teeth, and act as support for the pontic. Bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal.
Procedure for Bridges:
- The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns.
- Impressions of the teeth are made and sent to a dental laboratory, where the pontic and crowns are made.
- A temporary bridge is placed over the prepared teeth while you wait for your permanent bridge to be ready.
- At your next appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and replaced with your permanent one, cemented into place.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Bridges:
Pros
- Bridges can help to restore your smile and improve your appearance.
- Bridges can help to prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
- Bridges can make it easier to chew and speak properly.
Cons:
- Bridges require that the adjacent teeth be healthy enough to support the crowns. If they are not, they will need to be extracted or replaced before a bridge can be placed.
- Unlike dentures, which can be removed for cleaning, bridges are fixed in place and can be more challenging to keep clean. Brushing and flossing carefully around bridges is important to avoid tooth decay or gum disease.
- Bridges can be more expensive than dentures, depending on the materials used.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are an option for people who lose all or most of their teeth. Dentures can be either “partial” (if some of your natural teeth remain) or “complete” (if all of your teeth are missing). They are made from a mould of your mouth and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, plastic, or metal.
Procedure for Dentures:
- The dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory, where the dentures will be made.
- In the meantime, you will be given a temporary set of dentures to wear.
- At your next appointment, the dentist will check the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments. The dentures will then be glued or cemented into place.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Dentures:
Pros:
- Dentures can be removed for cleaning, making them easier to keep clean than bridges.
- Dentures are less expensive than bridges, depending on the materials used.
- Unlike bridges, which require that the adjacent teeth be healthy enough to support the crowns, dentures do not require any special preparation of the surrounding teeth.
Cons:
- Dentures may not fit as snugly as natural teeth and can slip or move when eating or speaking.
- Dentures will need to be replaced every few years as your mouth changes shape with age.
- Unlike bridges, which are fixed in place, dentures can be easily lost or misplaced. So be sure to keep them in a safe place when you’re not wearing them!
Bridges or Dentures – Which one to choose?
There are several factors to consider when deciding between bridges and dentures. These include:
Cost: Bridges tend to be more expensive than dentures since they require the placement of dental crowns. However, complete dentures may need to be replaced more often than bridges, which can also add to the cost.
Comfort: Both bridges and dentures can take some time to get used to. However, many people find dentures more comfortable in the long run.
Appearance: Bridges tend to be more realistic than dentures since dental crowns anchor them. However, newer dentures are made from materials that look similar to natural teeth.
Function: Bridges tend to be more stable than dentures, making it easier to eat and speak. However, dentures can be made with special attachments that make them fit more securely in your mouth.
Maintenance: Bridges require special care to clean around the dental crowns. Dentures need to be brushed and soaked in a denture cleaning solution.
How to choose between the two options?
Your dentist can help you decide whether bridges or dentures are the best option for you, based on your individual needs. For example, bridges may be the better choice if you are missing one or more teeth. On the other hand, dentures may be the better choice if you are missing all of your teeth. Ultimately, the decision between bridges and dentures is personal and should be made in consultation with your dentist.
If you want to fix your missing teeth issue, speak to us. Our team of experts will help you choose the ideal solution for you. Call us on (02) 8074 1722 to schedule an appointment with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are pros and cons to both bridges and dentures. A bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. It is created by placing two crowns on either side of the missing tooth/teeth and then attaching a false tooth/teeth in the middle. Bridges are fixed, meaning they are not removable like dentures. This makes them more stable and less likely to move around in your mouth.
Dentures, on the other hand, are removable replacement teeth. They can be made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Dentures are not as stable as bridges and can often feel loose in your mouth. However, they are more affordable than bridges and can be easier to care for.
So, which is the ideal option for you? It depends on your individual needs and preferences. For example, a bridge may be better if you miss one or more teeth. However, dentures may be the best choice if you are missing all of your teeth. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your dentist. They will be able to assess your situation and give you their professional recommendation.
The most important difference between a bridge and a denture is that a bridge is permanently attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth, while a denture is not. This is because a bridge uses the two adjacent teeth as anchors to hold a false tooth in place, while a denture rests on the gums and is held in place by suction.
A bridge requires less dental work than a denture because it doesn’t involve removing healthy teeth. Bridges are also more secure and less likely to move around than dentures are. However, bridges can be expensive and may require occasional adjustment or replacement. Dentures are much less costly, but they can be uncomfortable and may need to be replaced often.
A dental bridge is usually used to replace one or more missing teeth. The two main types of bridges are traditional bridges and cantilever bridges. A traditional bridge comprises an artificial tooth (pontic) in the middle, with two supporting crowns on either side (abutments). A cantilever bridge is used when adjacent natural teeth are on only one side of the space left by the missing tooth/teeth. In this case, the pontic is attached to a single abutment.
Candidates for dental bridges generally have good oral hygiene and healthy gums. They should also have enough bone structure to support the implant. If you do not have enough bone, you may require a bone graft before getting a dental bridge.
Good candidates for dentures are people who have lost all or most of their teeth. Dentures can also replace a section of missing teeth (partial denture). Their procedure involves taking impressions of the teeth, jawbone, and gums. These impressions are used to create a model of your mouth from which the dentures will be made.
The first step in getting dentures is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth, take measurements and maybe even make an impression on your teeth. They will also ask you about your goals for treatment and what you hope to achieve by getting dentures.
Once you and your dentist have decided that dentures are the right treatment option for you, the next step is to have your teeth removed (if necessary) and begin making your dentures. This usually takes place over the course of a few weeks and will involve multiple appointments.
Dentures are more expensive than bridges. A bridge is a dental restoration that spans the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, which is fitted over the natural teeth and joined together to form a single unit, like a bridge.
Dentures are removable artificial teeth that fit over your gums. They can be made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both. The cost of dentures will depend on the materials used and the work needed to create them. Generally, bridges are less expensive to make than dentures because they don’t require as much customization. However, bridges may not be suitable for everyone and could lead to further tooth loss if not cared for properly.