When you lose teeth to trauma, infection, or decay, two options to replace them could be a partial denture or a dental bridge. The choice might seem confusing, so what is the difference?
The main difference is that a dental bridge is fixed in your mouth and can only be removed by a dentist in Bowmanville. A partial denture is a removable appliance that must be taken out regularly for cleaning.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces missing teeth and some gum tissue. Partial dentures can replace several missing teeth; these needn’t be side-by-side but can be located anywhere in the arch. There are several types available.
Dental Flipper
A dental flipper is usually just a one-tooth denture with a gum-coloured acrylic base plate supporting the replacement tooth. Generally, a dental flipper is a temporary solution used until you decide on having a more permanent treatment or until your gum heals after a tooth is removed.
Cobalt Chrome Partial Dentures
This denture is strengthened with a cobalt chrome base, a lightweight metal alloy. The metal base supports the gum-coloured acrylic that holds the replacement teeth. There are metal clasps that fit around your existing teeth to help hold the denture more securely in place.
Sometimes, special attachments are used to support a partial denture. These attachments slot into special attachments on dental crowns. The dental crowns are fitted over the teeth adjacent to those missing.
A flexible denture is ideal for anyone who finds it difficult to wear an acrylic partial denture comfortably, but it isn’t very strong or stable. Flexible dentures tend only to be suitable in certain circumstances.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth that were originally next to each other. A traditional dental bridge in Newcastle is supported by crowns fitted over the adjacent or abutment teeth. These crowns support the replacement teeth, which are called pontics between them.
Various materials can be used to fabricate your bridge, including precious metal alloys, porcelain and zirconia. Porcelain and zirconia bridges are the most popular because they are tooth-coloured and can provide amazingly lifelike results.
Which is Best?
A dental bridge will cost more than a denture, but it is more permanent and will likely last longer. You will also enjoy greater biting and chewing strength with a fixed bridge as it is stronger and more stable than a partial dental in Courtice. Ultimately, it is down to personal preference, and we can discuss the pros and cons of each option when you visit West Bowmanville Family Dental.
