Patients who are missing one or more teeth have plenty of options today when it comes to replacing them and restoring their normal bite patterns. While dental implants have been growing in popularity in recent years, they are still prohibitively expensive for many patients, particularly if they are missing more than one tooth. This article is intended to help patients who have already decided not to undergo dental implant surgery decide between partial dentures and Dental Bridges in Lacey WA.
Pros of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are custom-fabricated using a molded plate, to which are affixed one or more replacement teeth. These devices are intended to be removable, which some patients find more convenient than fixed prostheses. They allow patients to eat most foods and resolve any problems with speech that they may have due to missing teeth.
Cons of Partial Dentures
Unfortunately, many patients find that partial dentures take a good deal of adjusting in order to chew and speak normally. Learning how to insert, remove, and clean these prostheses can also take a good deal of time, and patients often find that there are some foods they are unable to chew with partial dentures.
Pros of Dental Bridges
Bridges, sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, are cemented permanently into place and can be affixed to natural teeth, crowned teeth, or implants. Patients who choose Dental Bridges in Lacey WA often find that they prefer a permanent, rather than a removable, solution.
Cons of Dental Bridges
These prostheses can only be removed by a dentist, which makes replacing them when they wear out a bit more complicated than partial dentures. These dental prostheses also require adequate support in order to function as intended, so they are not appropriate for patients who do not have healthy teeth or implants surrounding the area of the jaw that is missing teeth. Some patients also find that they are more difficult to clean thanks to their fixed nature.
Seek a Professional Opinion
The best way for dental patients to decide between partial dentures and fixed bridges is to schedule an appointment with a dentist for a professional evaluation. Contact Family Dental and Dentures to get started today.