Dentures vs. Dental Bridges — What’s the Difference?

Dentures and dental bridges are both ways to replace missing teeth—but besides that core purpose, they actually differ in a few ways. When you visit one of our Optima Dental Spa offices, we can advise you on which might be the best choice for your unique situation. Our professional recommendation will factor in how many teeth you’re missing, the state of your dental health, your budget, and your lifestyle. But until you have that consultation, here’s a brief overview of their differences:

Dentures 101

Dentures are a practical option if you’re missing many teeth. They’re also the right solution for those who are missing all of their teeth in an arch. In the case of the former, you can get fitted with a partial denture which will connect onto any remaining teeth you have or stay in place with a special adhesive. In the case that you need to replace either the entire upper or lower arch of teeth, you can get a full denture, which is secured with adhesive or dental implants.

Dental Bridges 101

A dental bridge is similar in concept to a partial denture except that it is not removable. Rather, a dental bridge is fixed in place by anchoring onto natural teeth topped with crowns or implants on either side of the gap where teeth were missing. One way to remember this difference is by thinking of how a dental bridge literally “bridges” a space. Dental bridges can be a great tooth replacement solution when you have only one or two teeth missing.

Tooth Replacement in the Pacific Northwest

So, are you ready to have your one-on-one consultation about your tooth-replacement options? Optima Dental Spa is ready to help restore your smile! We provide dentures and dental bridges as part of our suite of restorative dental services, so our team can answer any and all questions you might have. Contact us today!

Categorised in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry