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The Truth About Bridges, Dentures and Partial Dentures

Fixed Bridges

A fixed bridge is a linked group of caps or crowns that 'bridge' a space where you are missing teeth. They are cemented to anchor teeth at each end of the toothless space. They are a second choice option to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is the first choice to replace a lost tooth.

 upper anterior bridge missing central teeth and an upper left bridge missing a rear side tooth

left: upper side bridge missing two front side teeth.  center: a lower molar bridge with severe bone loss and gum shrinkage under the fake molar.  right:  a lower molar bridge

The Benefits of  Fixed Bridges

• they can be made quickly following the loss of a tooth

• they have a medium cost value between dentures and implant tooth replacements 

The Risks of Fixed Bridges

• fixed bridges require anchor teeth to support bite pressures higher than they were intended to: they fail
• fixed bridges require the anchor teeth at each end to be filed down to be covered with crowns
• the cement can break loose on long section fixed bridges developing decay under the crowns
• a tooth supporting a bridge can fracture; the bridge will be lost
• a nerve can die during or after the crown preparation process requiring root canal
• if root canal cannot be provided or fails; the bridge can be lost

Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures or partial dentures were the only treatment we could offer our patients who were missing large numbers or all of their teeth. Dentures are a last resort option at this time.

upper full denture covers the roof of the mouth  -  upper partial denture  -  lower partial denture

The Benefits of Dentures and Partial Dentures

• they can replace many teeth with one prosthetic appliance

• they are low cost

The Risks of Dentures and Partial Dentures

• dentures sit on the bone causing it to dissolve in time making the dentures loosen requiring remaking or relining of the denture at additional cost every few years

• dentures slip during use and may fall out of place when chewing

• dentures block taste buds so you may not taste your food

• dentures collect germs and odors in the pink plastic

• partial dentures use a metal clasp to hold on anchor teeth: they pull on these teeth loosening them

• partial dentures collect food around the metal clasps and pink plastic areas 

• partial dentures collect germs and odors in the pink plastic

• decay is common about the metal clasps as food sticks adjacent to the roots of the teeth