Posted on 4/1/2024 by Office at Capitol Square Dental
Are you feeling insecure about your missing teeth? Do you wish to restore your pearly smile and improve your oral health? Well, there is good news as the field of dentistry provides you with two popular options: False Teeth vs Bridge. At Capitol Square Dental, we offer both services to our patients looking to fill in the gap from missing teeth.
False Teeth vs Bridge: Which is better?
Let us delve deep into false teeth and dental bridges and explain what they are, discuss their benefits, and how they compare regarding durability, lifespan, and impact on oral health. Keep on reading to find out “False Teeth vs Bridge: Which is Better?”
WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES?
Dental bridges are fixed dental prosthetics that are used to replace one or more missing teeth. It bridges the gap between two natural teeth or dental implants. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored to adjacent teeth called abutments. Dental bridges are specially made to resemble the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth and provide a seamless and functional restoration.
TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES
The common types of dental bridges are:
TRADITIONAL BRIDGES:
These are the most commonly used bridges with artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth. They are quite sturdy and work excellent for those missing one or more teeth in a row.
CANTILEVER BRIDGES:
A Cantilever bridge is used when you have a missing tooth, but there’s only one adjacent tooth next to the gap. The bridge is used to attach the artificial tooth to the adjacent natural tooth.
MARYLAND BONDED BRIDGES:
These bridges are quite gentle on neighboring teeth. They use metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of nearby teeth to hold the artificial tooth in place. They’re commonly used for front teeth replacements.
IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGES:
If you are missing several teeth in a row, especially molars, your dentist will most likely recommend an implant-supported bridge. It involves the placement of dental implants in the jawbone to support the bridge instead of relying solely on neighboring teeth.
WHAT ARE FALSE TEETH?
False teeth are commonly known as Dentures. These dental appliances are easy to remove and are used to replace your missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. These false teeth are custom-made for everyone according to fit each individual’s mouth and resemble their natural teeth.
FALSE TEETH VS BRIDGE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Aspect
False Teeth (Dentures)
Dental Bridges
Ideal For
Multiple missing teeth or full arches
One or a few missing teeth in a row
Jawbone Health
It can be worn even with significant bone loss
Requires sufficient healthy adjacent teeth or implants for support
Stability and Comfort
It may require adjustments for comfort and stability
Offers stable and permanent tooth replacement
Durability and Maintenance
Require regular removal for cleaning and maintenance
Relatively low maintenance and can last longer with proper care
Cost Consideration
Generally more affordable upfront
Initially costlier but may be a long-term investment/td>
Aesthetic Concerns
Can replace an entire arch of teeth, restoring smile aesthetics
Offers a natural-looking replacement for individual missing teeth
Preservation of Adjacent Teeth
Do not affect adjacent teeth
Requires alteration of adjacent teeth for placement