A dental bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. They’re attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The natural teeth serve as the support for the bridge, and they are called abutment teeth. They are prepared by removing a thin layer of tooth structure to make room for the bridge to be cemented on adjacent teeth.

Dental bridges are used to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth. They can help improve your ability to speak and chew properly and prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.

Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are prosthetic device options for missing teeth. RPDs consist of artificial teeth and gums attached to a metal or plastic framework that fits into the mouth and is supported by the remaining natural teeth and gums.

The biggest advantage of RPDs is their affordability and easy maintenance. They’re less expensive than other teeth replacement options like dental implants or fixed bridges. They’re also easier to clean and maintain than fixed dental appliances.

However, some patients find them uncomfortable and can cause sore spots on the gums. They also require regular adjustment to maintain a proper fit as the jawbone changes. Additionally, they can make eating certain types of food more difficult. Finally, they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other options.

RPDs are often a good option for patients who have lost teeth but are not good candidates for dental implants or fixed bridges. Your dentist can help you determine whether RPDs suit your needs and circumstances.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper, lower arch, or both. They’re made of acrylic or porcelain teeth embedded in a pink acrylic base resembling gum tissues. Complete dentures rest directly on the gums and are held in place by suction.

One of the main advantages of complete dentures is that they provide patients with a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of teeth. They also support the facial structure, preventing the sunken-in appearance when teeth are missing.

However, complete dentures also have downsides. They can be uncomfortable, particularly when first fitted, and may require regular adjustments to ensure a proper fit. Some patients may also experience difficulty speaking or eating with their dentures, particularly if they’re not properly secured.

Complete dentures are recommended for patients who are not good candidates for implant treatment or other tooth replacement options. They provide a cost-effective solution for restoring a full set of teeth and improving oral health and function. It’s important to discuss all options with your dentist to determine if complete denture treatment is the right course of treatment for your needs.

Fixed Dental Bridges

Fixed dental bridges are popular teeth replacement options for missing teeth. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth anchored to the remaining healthy teeth adjacent to the gap. This is done using dental crows cemented onto those healthy teeth, with the artificial tooth suspended between them to fill the gap.

Fixed dental bridges are an alternative option for patients who want a non-removable prosthesis and have healthy teeth on either side of the gap that can support the bridge. They can improve the smile’s appearance, restore the ability to chew and speak properly and prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place.

One of the main disadvantages of fixed dental bridges is that they require healthy teeth to be trimmed. A layer of tooth enamel is removed from the adjacent teeth, and the teeth are capped with dental crowns to hold the bridge in place, weakening these teeth and making them more susceptible to tooth decay. Additionally, bridges don’t stimulate the jawbone in the same way that implant treatment does, which can lead to bone loss over time.

Resin-Bonded Bridges

Resin-bonded or Maryland bridges are a tooth replacement option for patients who have lost a single tooth or a few teeth in a row. This type of bridge consists of a pontic (artificial tooth) held in place by metal or porcelain wings on either side of the gap. The wings are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, making them less invasive than traditional bridges.

The major advantage of these prosthetic teeth is that they require minimal preparation of the adjacent teeth. This means that healthy tooth structure can be preserved, making it a more conservative option. Additionally, resin-bonded bridges are usually less expensive than other bridge options.

However, resin-bonded bridges are not suitable for all patients. They are only appropriate for gaps between teeth that do not undergo significant biting or chewing forces, as the wings may come loose or break over time. Patients with poor oral hygiene or grinding habits may not be suitable candidates for this type of bridge. Additionally, resin-bonded bridges may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other options, as the metal wings may be visible when smiling or talking.