Partial Denture vs Dental Bridge: Which Is Best for Your Smile?

If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth, you may be wondering about your tooth replacement options in Grove City, OH. Partial dentures, dental bridges, dental implants…There are lots of different options, and it’s not always easy to know which one may be right for restoring your smile.

So, in this guide from Grove City Smiles, we’ll discuss the difference between partial dentures vs. dental bridges. We’ll break down the details about how both options work, the pros and cons of choosing each one, and much more. Read on and learn more about replacing missing teeth with bridges and partial dentures.

The Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth 

Why replace missing teeth at all? Here are a few reasons why it’s important to see Dr. Michael Pappas at Grove City Smiles and explore your options for tooth replacement:

• Restore your confidence – If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you may worry about being judged by others when you smile, speak, laugh, or even eat around them. This, in turn, can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. But once you replace your missing teeth, you can feel proud of how you look once again.
  
  
• Speak clearly again – Tooth loss can also make it harder to speak clearly and confidently, especially if you’re missing lots of teeth or multiple front teeth. Tooth replacement options like bridges and partial dentures let you speak clearly and confidently again.
  
  
• Eat your favorite foods – It can be a lot harder to bite and chew certain foods with missing teeth. But when you replace your missing teeth, you can go back to your normal diet without any issues.

• Prevent teeth shifting – Once you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth will start to shift toward the empty socket. This can lead to crooked teeth, bite issues, and a variety of other oral health problems. By replacing your missing tooth, you can eliminate the risk of teeth shifting.

What Are Partial Dentures? Explaining The Basics

Partial dentures consist of one, two, or multiple false teeth that are attached to a gum-colored plastic and metal framework. A few different types exist, but they all basically work the same way. Partial dentures are removable. They clip onto your healthy teeth, and then use false teeth to fill up the gaps in your smile.

This replaces your missing teeth, and allows you to smile naturally, speak clearly, and eat all of your favorite foods. Thanks to modern technology and materials, it’s pretty difficult to tell the difference between dentures and natural teeth.

Partial dentures are a great option for patients who are missing just a few teeth and who may be on a tight budget. They are typically the most cost-effective way to replace teeth, especially if you’re missing multiple teeth that are far apart from each other.

What Are Dental Bridges? What You Should Know

Dental bridges use two crowns that are placed on healthy “abutment teeth” on either side of a gap in your smile. Then, between these crowns, one or more false teeth (pontics) are suspended. This “bridges” the gap in your smile, giving dental bridges their name.

Bridges can be used to replace a row of one, two, or even three missing teeth at once. Unlike removable partial dentures, dental bridges are permanently affixed to your healthy teeth. They do not need to be removed, which makes them stronger, more stable, and more convenient.

Dental bridges are typically a good option for patients who are missing multiple teeth in a row and who would like a more stable, durable, long-term solution than partial dentures.

The Key Differences Between Dental Bridges & Partial Dentures

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of both dental bridges and partial dentures, let’s take a deeper look at the key difference between each type of tooth replacement:

• Materials – Partial dentures are typically made from a combination of acrylic resin and metal. They sometimes use porcelain, but this is not very common. Bridges, on the other hand, are usually made from porcelain and metal, which makes them more durable than partial dentures.
  
  
• Removability – Partial dentures are always removable. You will need to take them out at night, to clean them after meals, and whenever you brush and floss your remaining teeth. Bridges, on the other hand, never have to be removed. You will simply treat them like natural teeth, brush normally, and use a few special techniques to make sure that you clean between your bridge and your gums.

• Longevity – Overall, dental bridges last longer than partial dentures. Dental bridges have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years with proper care, while partial dentures typically last between 5-10 years.

• Cost – While both treatments typically qualify for dental insurance coverage, partial dentures are a more affordable tooth replacement option, particularly if you’re missing lots of teeth in different parts of your mouth. This makes them a better option for patients on a tight budget.

Pros and Cons of Partial Dentures

Considering partial dentures? Not sure if they're right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of replacing your missing teeth with partial dentures.

Partial denture pros

• Typically the most affordable option for tooth replacement
• Can replace lots of teeth that are far away from each other
• Removable for cleaning and hygiene
• Relatively fast treatment time
• No need to trim any healthy teeth

Partial denture cons

• Can be uncomfortable if the fit isn’t right
• Needs periodic adjustments
• Requires more maintenance
• May shift or move in some situations
• Not as strong or durable as bridges

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges 

Dental bridge pros

• Very natural look and feel with porcelain materials
• Permanently fixed in place, no need to remove them
• Extremely stable for better chewing ability
• Simple at-home oral hygiene
• More comfortable overall than partial dentures

Dental bridge cons

• More expensive than partial dentures
• Requires removing enamel from two otherwise healthy teeth
• Takes some practice to get used to cleaning below the bridge

Understanding The Costs Of Dental Bridges & Partial Dentures

Wondering which tooth replacement option is covered by dental insurance? The answer is “both!” In most cases, your insurance plan will pay for either a bridge or a partial denture. Depending on your plan, your insurer may pay between 50% and 80% of the cost of treatment up to any applicable annual limits.

Overall, though, partial dentures are a more affordable option for most patients, with an average cost of around $1500. Dental bridges, on the other hand, usually cost around $5000, though this can vary based on how many teeth you're replacing, the materials used, and lots of other factors.

At Grove City Smiles, we know that costs can be a concern for our patients. So along with accepting dental insurance, we offer financing options to help you split the cost of your dental care into affordable monthly payments. Just ask our team to learn more about your options for financing your new bridge or your set of partial dentures!

How Do I Make The Right Choice For My Smile?

When choosing between partial dentures and dental bridges, there are lots of things to keep in mind. For example, if you prefer a more affordable option that’s removable and doesn’t require permanently altering your healthy teeth, partial dentures may be a good option.

On the other hand, if you have a bigger budget for dental care, you want a more stable and natural-looking smile, and you want replacement teeth with a longer lifespan, dental bridges may be a better choice for your needs.

What’s the best way to find out? Consulting with an expert, of course! At Grove City Smiles, Dr. Pappas and our dental team can work with you to make sure you choose the right tooth replacement option for your oral health, your personal preferences, and your budget. With our team on your side, you can be confident about making the right decision.

Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options At Grove City Smiles

Whether you’re interested in dental bridges or partial dentures in Grove City, OH, Dr. Pappas and our expert team of dentists are here to help. We specialize in restorative dentistry and offer both bridges and dentures, as well as other alternative options for tooth replacement, such as dental implants.

So don’t wait, and don’t let tooth loss negatively affect your lifestyle, self-esteem, and your oral health any longer. Contact us at (614) 350-5300 or book your first visit online to learn more about your options for replacing your missing teeth in Grove City.