According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), about 120 million people in the U.S. have at least one missing tooth. Approximately 36 million no longer have any natural remaining teeth. About 15% of edentulous individuals (lacking teeth) have dentures made yearly.

If you also have missing teeth, you will be happy to know that dentures are no longer your only tooth replacement option. Thanks to technological advancements, you can now get bridges, too!

In this dental health guide prepared by our Q & A Dental Care team in Macedonia, OH, we will discuss what dental bridges and dentures are and their differences. Please read on, as what you discover here can give you the insights you need when choosing dental solutions that best suit your oral health needs and budget.

Dental Bridges and Dentures: The Chief Differences

One of the chief differences between bridges and dentures is that the former is not removable, while the latter has removable options.

With bridges, the dentist bonds or cements them in place, so you cannot "take" them out like traditional dentures. If needed, only a dentist can remove them using specialized tools like descalers and dental spoons.

On the other hand, you can remove traditional dentures yourself. However, you must remove, clean, and disinfect your dentures overnight, as this is an integral step in denture maintenance.

A Closer Look Into Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are tooth replacement options that literally "bridge" the gap left by missing teeth. They can replace one or missing teeth.

How Dental Bridges Work

Dental bridges work differently depending on their type. You have several options, but two of the most popular, thanks to their strength, stability, and longevity, are traditional and implant-supported bridges.

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges use two dental crowns on either end. Crowns are cap-like structures that cover the entire teeth. Between the crowns, artificial teeth form the rest of the bridge and fill in the spaces left by missing or extracted teeth.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

An implant-supported bridge uses crowns attached to dental implants as its "posts" instead of crowns that cover natural teeth. Unlike traditional bridges and dentures, which only replace the visible part of the tooth, implants replace the entire tooth structure, from the visible section down to the tooth roots. The artificial tooth roots fuse with the jawbone, making them a permanent part of the mouth and providing excellent stability and support. 

If you have three or more missing teeth in a row and want a more "permanent" replacement option, your dentist in Macedonia, OH, may recommend an implant-supported bridge. Of all tooth replacement options, dental implants provide the longest-lasting solution. They also have other benefits, such as stimulating and preserving the jawbone, but they cost the most. 

Top Dental Bridge Benefits

Because dental bridges are securely in place, they allow you to chew, eat, and speak normally like before.

High-quality dental bridges also complete your smile with their natural-looking artificial teeth. Your Macedonia dentist will match the color and shade of the bridge with the rest of your natural pearly whites. You can enjoy flashing your dazzling smiles again, which, as Verywell Health points out, can help boost your mood and health.

Dental bridges also offer more permanence than traditional dentures. They are more stable, and you do not have to worry about slippage, which may happen with ill-fitting removable dentures. 

Drawbacks of Dental Bridges

Before your dentist can place crowns, they must "thin down" the natural teeth first. So, with dental bridges, you must be ready to let your dentist alter your permanent teeth.

Improper brushing and flossing, especially around the bridges' crowns, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. However, optimal oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist can minimize these risks.

What About Traditional Dentures? 

Traditional removable dentures can replace one or more missing teeth or entire arches. You can (and must) remove them to keep them clean and disinfected. As an article published in the Wiley Online Library points out, poor oral and denture hygiene and wearing them full-time or at night can lead to denture stomatitis.

How Traditional Dentures Work

Traditional dentures have a flesh-colored base that fits over the gums. The base provides the framework for the artificial teeth and holds them securely in place. 

Traditional dentures can either be complete or partial.

Complete dentures, which replace an entire arch of teeth, usually require a particular type of glue called denture adhesive to remain firmly in place. On the other hand, partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth in a single arch using specialized clasps. They hook around the remaining natural teeth, providing improved stability.

Traditional Denture Benefits Explained

From unwanted teeth movement to reduced chewing ability, these are among the primary negative impacts of missing teeth. Like high-quality dental bridges, traditional dentures can help minimize such consequences by filling in the gaps left by lost teeth. They can help you bite, chew, eat, and speak better, and you can also feel more confident with a complete smile. 

Drawbacks of Dentures

Removable dentures can warp and become ill-fitting over time. They may cause gum irritation or become loose, increasing the risk of slippage. 

Implant-Supported Dentures: A Viable Alternative

Nowadays, you can also get removable or fixed implant-supported dentures. Like implant-supported bridges, they attach to dental implants and provide similar benefits (e.g., permanence and jawbone stimulation and preservation). And since they securely connect to the implants, they will not move, slip, or fall as traditional dentures can sometimes do. 

Ready to Explore Dental Bridges and Dentures in More Detail?

Dental bridges and dentures are both ideal tooth replacement options. However, bridges provide more permanence, as they affix to the mouth. On the other hand, traditional dentures are removable and often cost less than fixed bridges.

If you are still having difficulty deciding which option is best for your needs, our dental team and highly experienced dentist at Q & A Dental Care in Macedonia, OH, can help. Dr. Montgomery specializes in oral surgery and general, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. With his skills, knowledge, and experience, he can guide you in choosing the best tooth replacement. 

Speak with us today, and we will happily help you recover your dazzling, healthy smile!