Partial Dentures vs. Dental Bridges: What You Should Know
Most people aren’t experts when it comes to dentistry, so it can be difficult to know what you really need when it comes to your oral health. There are many options out there, and it’s not always obvious what will work best for you. That’s why having a helpful dentist at a local dental office can be so incredibly beneficial. You should always feel comfortable asking questions so you can make an informed choice. If you have partial tooth loss, you may have already heard about both partial dentures and dental bridges, but which one is right for you? When consulting a center of cosmetic dentistry in Houston, TX, it’s important that you understand what’s available.
The Differences
Most patients already know that it’s possible to replace missing teeth with a partial denture, but it can also be accomplished with a dental bridge. Since both are viable options, it really comes down to their differences and the specifics of your needs. A dental bridge is more limited in its application. It can be used to replace one, two, or three missing teeth, and they must all be in a single row. There are accidents that people experience, which can make a dental bridge ideal, but it’s not going to be right for everyone. If your missing teeth are located in a number of different locations and not in a sequence, you won’t have be able to make use of a dental bridge.
A partial denture is much more adaptable and versatile. You could have a partial denture that replaces five teeth, even if there are spaces in between them. Of course, there’s the question of whether you want a fixed device or something that you can take out. A dental bridge is fixed. It’ll be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For some patients, that may be ideal. On the other hand, a partial denture can be removed. Many people prefer to have that choice.
With the popularity of dental implants, many patients ask whether a dental bridge or partial denture accommodates dental implants. The answer is that they both easily support dental implants. Whether or not you’re interested in dental implants shouldn’t impact your decision at all. If you opt for a partial denture or a dental bridge, you’ll still be able to make use of dental implants.
The Decision
Even the best cosmetic dentist in Houston, TX, can’t dictate your care for you. Ultimately, you have to make the decision. Be sure to speak with the oral health experts at Made Ya Smile, and let them know your concerns and questions. The better informed and more comfortable you are, the easier the process will be. Your oral health is important and should never be left up to chance.