4 Reasons to Choose a Dental Bridge Over Dentures

Posted on: 27 April 2023

While losing a tooth can be a stressful experience, your dentist should be able to offer several restoration options. For many patients, the choice will come down to either a fixed dental bridge or a partial denture.

A fixed bridge gets its name because it effectively bridges gaps between teeth. Your dentist will use two surrounding teeth as anchor points, then use them to secure a false tooth over the gap. In contrast, a partial denture uses a plastic or metal supporting base to hold one or more false teeth. Unlike bridges, these can be taken out at will.

While both treatment options offer their own benefits, many patients will find fixed bridges more appealing than dentures. Here are just four reasons why.

1. More Dependable

Probably the most compelling reason to choose a dental bridge over dentures is that a bridge offers a far more permanent and dependable solution. Since they are fixed in place, there is very little danger of them falling out or coming loose, so they tend to offer greater peace of mind than dentures. Once they are fitted, many patients forget they even have a bridge. Well-fitted dentures should not come loose, but people often feel less confident wearing them.

2. Longer Lifespan

Dentures will need to be relined or rebased occasionally in order to adjust around the natural movement of your teeth, and they may break or become discoloured. As such, they do not usually last as long as bridges, which tend to stay in your mouth for many before needing to be replaced.

3. More Natural Feel

Dentures tend to feel a little awkward at first. You won't be used to wearing those removable plates in your mouth, and you may find that eating and talking doesn't feel quite natural until you're used to your dentures. Additionally, the fact that dentures must be removed at night for cleaning means they'll never feel like a natural part of your mouth. With a fixed bridge, you won't have to deal with any unnatural sensations or need to remove anything for cleaning.

4. Added Comfort

Finally, it's worth keeping comfort in mind. While you should get used to wearing dentures, they can feel slightly uncomfortable at first as the supporting metal or plastic plate needs to rest against the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of your mouth. In contrast, a fixed dental bridge should create far less discomfort. In fact, many people do not experience any discomfort from a dental bridge.

For more information, contact a local dental office, like Queen Street Dental.

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