Are you comparing a dental-implant supported bridge, a partial denture, and a dental bridge? Consider the differences and the pros and cons for each.
Partial denture
A partial denture has a metal or a gum-colored framework. Acrylic teeth are embedded in the base to replace missing teeth.
Pros
- One or more teeth can be replaced with a partial denture.
- It’s the least expensive form of tooth replacement.
- It more appealing than missing teeth.
Cons
- It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as a dental bridge or implant-supported bridge.
- It is clasped onto your adjacent teeth, so it’s uncomfortable, and it can weaken the supporting teeth.
- It doesn’t prevent bone loss in the spaces where teeth are missing.
Dental bridge
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Replacement teeth are suspended in the middle. Each end of the bridge has a dental crown that is placed on the natural teeth either side of the missing ones. The end, or anchor, teeth have to be shaved down to accommodate the dental crowns.
Pros
- A cosmetic dentist can provide porcelain crowns in a bridge that look completely natural.
- It’s more comfortable than a partial denture.
- It lasts longer than a partial denture.
Cons
- Natural teeth on either side of the missing one(s) serve as an anchor for the bridge. They have to be shaved down to accommodate the crowns. This can weaken the anchor teeth.
- It doesn’t prevent bone loss in the spaces where teeth are missing.
- A bridge with a metal framework darkens replacement teeth and interferes with translucence. The replacement teeth won’t match your natural teeth, unless a cosmetic dentist adjusts the tooth color and translucence to accommodate the darkening caused by the metal.
Dental implant-supported bridge
A dental implant-supported bridge replaces multiple missing teeth. Instead of using your natural teeth as anchors, dental implants are used.
Pros
- No work needs to be done on adjacent teeth, because they don’t serve as anchors.
- A cosmetic dentist can provide dental crowns for the bridge that look completely natural.
- The implants that anchor the bridge stimulate jawbone growth.
Cons
- It’s more expensive than a partial denture and other types of non-implant bridges.
- There is usually a healing period of at least several weeks before a permanent bridge is secured to the dental implants.
- If you’ve already experienced jawbone shrinking in the spaces where teeth are missing, you might need bone grafting before implants can be placed.
Before you make a decision or request a specific form of tooth replacement, consult with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.
This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.