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Tooth loss has been a problem for as long as people have had teeth, and much of dentistry’s history involves finding how to prevent tooth loss, or replace teeth that are lost. At one time, dentures were the only way to restore a smile that suffered tooth loss. Today, however, modern dentistry offers a variety of prostheses that can help patients who’ve lost one, several, or all of their teeth regain their full, beautiful smiles. For instance, a dental bridge can replace a single lost tooth, or a few lost teeth in a row. Partial dentures, which are a modified version of traditional dentures, can replace several teeth that are lost, but not in an adjacent pattern.

Custom Dental Bridges

When you’ve only lost one tooth, or two teeth that are right next to each other, a full denture wouldn’t be appropriate for replacing them. Instead, your dentist can recommend a dental bridge, which consists of one or two replacement teeth (pontics) that fill the gap in your smile. A bridge is supported by dental crowns attached to the nearby healthy teeth, known as abutment teeth, and both the pontics and crowns are made from lifelike dental porcelain.

Comparing Full and Partial Dentures

A conventional denture, or full denture, is a single dental prosthesis that consists of a complete row of replacement teeth situated on a gum-colored plastic base that fits onto your dental ridge. When patients lose all of their teeth on one or both dental ridges, dentures can help them regain the confidence and comfort of a full smile. By contrast, partial dentures are designed to fit around teeth that still remain on your dental ridge. A partial denture is also designed to follow the contour of your dental ridge, but with the additional support of inconspicuous clasps for a stable, durable fit.

Find Out if a Bridge or Partial Denture Is Right for You

If you’ve several teeth, but still retain healthy ones, then find out if a dental bridge or partial denture is your best option. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108. We also welcome patients from Mount Vernon, Iowa City, Hiawatha, and all nearby communities.