Dentures & Bridges
Dentures & Bridges: Restoring Your Smile
Both dentures and bridges are dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth, but they serve different purposes and are suited for different situations.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue.
Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures – Used when all teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaw.
Conventional Dentures: Made after gums heal from extractions (several weeks).
Immediate Dentures: Placed immediately after extractions but may need adjustments.
Partial Dentures – Used when some natural teeth remain.
Held in place with metal clasps or precision attachments.
Implant-Supported Dentures – Secured by dental implants for better stability and function.
Pros & Cons of Dentures
✅ Affordable compared to implants
✅ Restores smile and improves chewing/speaking
✅ Can be removed for cleaning
❌ May feel uncomfortable at first
❌ Can slip or shift if not properly fitted
❌ Require regular maintenance and possible adjustments
Caring for Dentures
Clean daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner (not toothpaste).
Soak overnight in a denture solution.
Handle with care to avoid breakage.
Visit the dentist regularly for adjustments.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) prosthetic that replaces missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.
Types of Bridges
Traditional Bridge – Uses two crowns on natural teeth with a false tooth (pontic) in between.
Cantilever Bridge – Used when only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
Maryland Bridge – Uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge – Uses dental implants instead of natural teeth for support.
Pros & Cons of Bridges
✅ More stable than dentures
✅ Looks and feels like natural teeth
✅ Doesn’t require removal for cleaning
✅ Helps maintain face shape and prevents shifting of other teeth
❌ Requires modifying healthy adjacent teeth (except implant-supported bridges)
❌ Can be expensive
❌ May need replacement after 10–15 years
Caring for Bridges
Brush and floss daily (use a floss threader for hard-to-reach areas).
Avoid chewing hard foods to prevent damage.
Regular dental checkups to ensure stability.
