If you are missing some of your teeth, you should certainly explore your tooth replacement options. Filling in the gaps in your smile can increase your confidence and allow you to eat a healthier, more balanced diet. But which treatment should you choose to recomplete your smile? Should you get a partial denture or a dental bridge? When you visit our office for your restorative consultation, Dr. Makadia will recommend the option that best fits your circumstances. In the meantime, here is an overview of how these two treatments compare with one another:
What Is a Partial Denture?
A partial denture is a removable prosthetic that is designed to replace multiple teeth throughout a dental arch. Small acrylic or metal attachments help it stay secure in the mouth during eating and speaking.
One nice feature of partial dentures is that even if your missing teeth are not all next to each other, you can still fill in the gaps with a single prosthetic. You can think of a partial denture as if it is a custom puzzle piece designed to fit your unique mouth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
There are a few different types of dental bridges. A traditional fixed bridge has a crown on each end, which Dr. Makadia attaches to the teeth that surround the location of a missing tooth (called the abutment teeth). One or more pontics (artificial teeth) “bridge” the gap. Fixed bridges are long lasting, permanently cemented, and many people like that they do not need to be removed. Therefore, in some ways, bridges can be treated just like natural teeth and they look and feel like natural teeth.
Which Should You Choose?
It is best to rely on Dr. Makadia’s recommendations when you are deciding how to replace your lost teeth. Generally speaking, though, a partial denture might be best if:
- You are missing many teeth.
- Your remaining natural teeth are not strong enough to support a dental bridge.
- You are interested in very cost-effective treatment.
On the other hand, a bridge might be better for you if:
- You are only missing one or a couple of teeth.
- Your natural teeth are in decent health.
- You want a long-term tooth replacement solution.
Of course, for some individuals, neither a partial denture nor a fixed bridge is ideal. Dr. Makadia might advise you to get dental implants, which rebuild lost teeth from the roots up. They can replace any number of missing teeth and are generally regarded as the best possible form of tooth replacement.
Tooth loss can be a complex problem, and there is no “one size fits all” solution to it. Rest assured, though, that the Sunrise Dental Service team is eager to help you regain a confident and complete smile!
Meet Dr. Makadia
Dr. Makadia has been practicing dentistry for more than 30 years. Throughout that time, he has gained immense experience in all aspects of his profession, helped thousands of patients by providing different dental treatments including tooth replacement. He prides himself on providing compassionate, highly personalized care for each patient. If you would like to ask him about your options for rebuilding missing dentition, contact our Bohemia office at 631-405-4390.