Cosmetic dentistry has several types of rehabilitative and corrective treatment options, all focusing on improving your dental appearance. In fact, two of the most widely practiced dental cosmetic procedures are dental bridges and dentures. While the two corrective dental procedures are distinctively different, some people might confuse the two.
Missing teeth is one of the most common dental conditions affecting patients. This issue impacts significantly on the facial and dental appearance and can lead to impaired speech. One or several missing teeth also results in pain and discomfort while eating. Dental bridges and dentures are known as effective tooth replacement treatment option widely used and accepted by cosmetic dentists globally.
We highlight the differences between dental bridges and dentures, helping you understand the relevance and use of each corrective device. Read below and contact us to learn more about replacing missing teeth and cosmetic dentistry.
What are dental bridges?
Cosmetic dentists use dental bridges to bridge the gap occasioned by a missing tooth or teeth. The dental bridges are also used in bridging the gap of naturally appearing large spaces in between the teeth. Dental bridges consist of two or more specially designed and fitted crowns attached on anchors known as abutment teeth, with the false tooth in between. The false teeth are known as pontics and are made out of porcelain, metallic alloys, or even gold. Furthermore, the dental bridge is usually supported by adjacent teeth or dental implants.
There are three main types of dental bridges available, the choice of which will depend on the cosmetic dentist’s preference, availability, cost, and the location of the missing tooth. For example, the types are Maryland Bonded bridges, Cantilever bridges, and traditional bridges.
Dental bridges have the appearance, shape, and size of the natural tooth. The advantages of dental bridges include.
- Helping restore your smile
- Assisting in maintaining your facial shape and appearance
- Regain the teeth function of chewing and aid in speech
- Helps prevent the adjacent teeth from further moving out of position
- Distribute the bite force properly that was affected by the missing tooth
In other words, dental bridges are an effective tooth replacement device. They offer a permanent solution to missing teeth.
What are dentures?
Dentures are among the oldest and widely used teeth replacement procedure. In brief, dentures are either partial or complete, replacing several teeth or an entire set of missing teeth. Dentures can also be utilized on either the lower or upper gum line.
Likewise, dentures are made up of several types of material, mainly plastic, porcelain, and resin. Although the materials are typically structurally weaker, wear down quickly, and are more fragile than the natural tooth, dentures offer a suitable tooth replacement option.
In addition, the design and coloring of the dentures resemble the natural appearance of the tooth and the gum line. Moreover, this resemblance is essential in helping create an image of the natural teeth in position.
The advantages of using dentures include the following;
- Helps restore the healthy appearance of the teeth
- Helps in chewing and eating food
- Improves speech
- Helps maintain normal facial shape
- Can be used to cover several or complete set of missing teeth
- Are removal, easy to clean and store
Important points to note
- Overall, dentures and bridges are both effectively used as tooth replacement devices.
- While dental bridges are only useful in bridging the gap in between several teeth, dentures are helpful in instances where there are missing teeth on one or both gum lines.
- In terms of longevity, both options can last a few years with proper care.
Contact Us
Ultimately, your smile is unique and will require a customized approach to maintain optimal oral health. Learn more about teeth replacement and cosmetic dentistry by scheduling a consultation. Simply click below to any of our convenient locations. Our team would be delighted to assist you!
