Never underestimate the value of replacing a missing tooth. Consider it a domino effect - if one tooth is lost, it can quickly affect a number of other teeth in your mouth. The adjacent teeth on either side of the gap can tip inward, while the teeth on the other side can erupt.

Quick action is essential for avoiding this knock-on effect. So, bridges versus dentures: which is better for replacing missing teeth? This month, we'll examine both treatment methods and explain all you need to know.

What Is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed and permanent replacement for one or more missing teeth that is supported by the teeth close to the gap. 

What Is a Denture?

A denture is a removable substitute for one or more missing teeth. It is constructed from high-strength dental acrylic resin and secured in place with clasps that tightly grip the surrounding teeth. These clasps can be made of various materials, including stainless steel, gold, and acetyl resin.

How Is a Dental Bridge Created?

A dental technician will make the dental bridge. The visible section of the bridge (the tooth-colored part) will be constructed of either high-strength resin or dental ceramic. These materials will be supported by a high-strength substructure, which is typically constructed of metal (titanium, gold alloy, or chrome alloy) or ceramic (zirconia, lithium disilicate).

Some dental bridges are now created utilizing computerized digital technology known as CAD-CAM (computer-assisted design, computer-assisted manufacturing). The investment in this complex and advanced equipment is significant, allowing patients to attain the best potential results. Similarly, quality may be improved, and production speeds may be raised.

How Are Dentures Made?

Dentures are often constructed using stock teeth. In other words, the dental technician will choose the desired mold, form, size, and color of the teeth from a large selection. Once the appropriate stock tooth has been identified, the technician will make a mock denture out of pink gum-colored wax. 

After this has been tried in your mouth to ensure you are satisfied with the appearance of the new denture, the technician will replace the wax with acrylic using the 'lost wax' process.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge has several benefits, including being built of high-strength material that is unlikely to fail, supporting neighboring and opposing teeth to prevent movement, and merging in seamlessly with your natural teeth.

What Are the Benefits of a Denture?

Dentures have the advantage of:

• Being easy to fix if broken;

• Supporting neighboring and opposing teeth, preventing them from shifting;

• An expert technician can provide a very beautiful and cost-effective choice.

What Are the Downsides of Having a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge can be a perfectly excellent solution to replace a missing tooth, but it has several major drawbacks:

• A dental bridge frequently necessitates prosthetic teeth on either side of the gap, resulting in three affected teeth. This requires a three-unit dental bridge;

• If the bridge breaks, it is extremely difficult to repair and may require complete removal and replacement. Some dental practices provide a warranty with bridges. When discussing your treatment plan with your dentist, make sure to ask about the specific guarantees available to you;

• There is no support for the bone. When you have a tooth extracted, the bone surrounding the space begins to collapse. This bone can only be supported by dental implants. This means that the gum behind the false-suspending teeth may begin to shrink with time. This may result in a space underneath where food may become stuck or begin to appear unattractive.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dentures?

Again, a denture might be a suitable replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. The main disadvantages are described below.

• They are detachable. Many people detest the thought of having to remove their dental replacement prosthesis at night;

• They are more susceptible to breakage. While dentures are more likely to fracture than dental bridges, they are easier to replace if they do break;

• Partial dentures are more difficult to blend in with your existing teeth and gums than bridges.