Option for Teeth Replacement
Dentures or a Bridge? Which is the Best Option for Tooth Replacement?
There are many more options for tooth replacement than there were even a decade or two ago, but sometimes, the old standbys are still the most appropriate. Dentures and bridges, although they're relatively low-tech by today's standards, remain popular because they're low-cost, low-risk, and minimally-invasive options for tooth replacement that don't require surgery. If you're trying to decide between dentures and a bridge to replace missing teeth, here's some essential information that can help you make the choice.
How Many Teeth Need Replacing?
Dentures and bridges differ in many respects, and one of the most important differences is the number of teeth they can replace: while dentures can replace as many missing teeth as needed—up to a whole mouthful—bridges are much more limited. A dental bridge can replace up to 3 missing teeth, and those teeth must be aligned in a row for a bridge to be an option. For instance, if you have two missing teeth in different parts of your mouth, then a single bridge wouldn't be able to replace them both, but a denture would. However, if the teeth were adjacent to one another, a bridge could replace both.
Do You Prefer a Permanent Option?
If you want a permanent solution to your missing tooth problem, a bridge may be a better choice than dentures. This is because a bridge is permanently fixed in the mouth, with crowns that fit over teeth adjacent to the gap, and strong dental adhesive to hold the bridge firmly in place.
Dentures, on the other hand, are removable. This is useful if you’re not sure about your long-term tooth replacement needs; for instance, if you think it’s likely you’ll want to have dental implants in the future, then a denture is a good choice in the meantime because it’s easily replaced.
How Important is Convenience?
Many people prefer bridges because of the convenience factor. Since the bridge is fixed in the mouth permanently, it’s cleaned with brushing and flossing, just like natural teeth. Dentures can’t be treated this way, and they must be cleaned separately on a daily basis using special denture-cleaning products.
Another convenience issue with dentures is that tough, chewy foods are off-limits because they can damage the appliance. And, because dentures aren’t permanently fixed in the mouth, they can even slip when laughing or coughing, which can be embarrassing and inconvenient.
There’s a lot to think about when considering tooth replacement options. Often it comes down to what’s most practical for your needs. Remember that you can always talk to your dentist for advice if you’re not sure about what the best option is!