Dentures or Bridges: Which Is Right for You?

Missing teeth affect more than your smile. They can make chewing harder and allow nearby teeth to shift over time. Bridges and dentures are two common ways to replace them, and the right choice depends on your situation.

Dental bridges

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in a row. The replacement tooth is attached to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

• Fixed in place, so you don't remove it
• Feels and works much like natural teeth
• Requires healthy neighboring teeth strong enough to support it
• Those neighboring teeth need to be reshaped for crowns

Dentures

Partial dentures replace several missing teeth and clip onto your remaining natural teeth. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw.

• Can replace many teeth at once, including teeth in different spots
• Removable for cleaning and while you sleep
• Often a lower-cost option for replacing several teeth
• Usually takes a few weeks to get used to

Questions to help you decide

• How many teeth are missing, and where?
• Are the surrounding teeth and gums healthy?
• Do you prefer something fixed, or are you comfortable with a removable option?
• What does your budget and insurance coverage look like?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. At your visit, we'll look at your teeth and gums, explain the pros and cons of each option for your situation, and help you choose the one that fits your health, comfort, and budget.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for a dental exam. Have a question about your own teeth? Call us at (410) 747-7495.