What is the difference between a partial denture and a dental bridge?

 

A partial denture is a dental prosthodontic appliance (artificial tooth or teeth) that can be removed from the mouth and cleaned like conventional dentures.  Partial dentures are often referred to as removable partial dentures or RPD’s.  Partial dentures are one option available to replace missing teeth.  Artificial teeth are added to an acrylic base with metal clasps that hook and fit around existing teeth located on either side of the missing teeth. These clasps help to stabilize the partial denture and hold it in place.

 

A dental bridge, however, is different from a partial denture.  It is another option available to replace missing teeth.  A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic device that is permanently anchored in the mouth and is also referred to as a fixed partial denture.  A dental bridge literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth are missing.  Teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared and capped crowns and then the replacement teeth are attached to those crowns to form a bridge.

 

While conventional fixed dental bridges are highly effective in restoring oral health to the mouth, they do require the natural teeth surrounding the gap to be trimmed down and capped with crowns that will support the bridge.  Implant-supported bridges are an ideal alternative for some patients who have sufficient jawbone density.  Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, where they integrate into the bone and can be used to support the bridge without the need for alteration of natural, healthy teeth.

 

Both partial dentures and dental bridges are options for replacing missing teeth. Every patient is unique.  To learn if you are a good candidate for a partial denture or a dental bridge, with or without dental implants, schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Gulbransen, a trained specialist and Prosthodontist.  After evaluating your mouth, Dr. Gulbransen will advise you of all the options available to you to restore your beautiful smile.

 

 

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Are you interested in learning about alternatives to traditional removable dentures?  If you or someone you know has lost teeth through an accident, disease or decay, dental implants may be an excellent tooth replacement option.  With the advent of predictable cutting-edge dental implant technology, there are many viable treatment options available to patients who previously had no choice but to wear dentures.  Now there are many fixed and removable options which utilize placement of dental implants in the jawbone to replace missing teeth.

Dental implants can be used when:

• All of a patient’s teeth are missing
• Several teeth are missing
• A single tooth is missing

To learn more about dental implants, click here.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?  Every patient is unique. General overall health as well as the health of your mouth are all important factors when considering dental implant placement and restoration.  Additionally, adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support dental implants.

Not only are traditional dentures sometimes difficult to adjust to, but loss of natural teeth causes bone loss and deterioration called resorption.  Placement of dental  implants in the areas where the original teeth were, minimizes this bone resorption.

The first step is to visit our office for a consultation and complete evaluation with Dr. Gulbransen.  Treatment options vary with individual needs.  For information on  your initial appointment, click here.  As a trained dental specialist in prosthodontics, Dr. Gulbransen is well equipped to provide patients with all of their treatment options.  There is no standard, cookie-cutter treatment modality–every patient has their  own individualized treatment planning process.  Successful implant placement involves a coordinated team approach composed of prosthodontic dental specialist Dr. Harold Gulbransen, the oral surgeon or periodontist who surgically places the implants, and the lab technician.  For information on our team approach,view our blog.

Please call or e-mail our office at staff@sdprostho.com with any questions or concerns.  We look forward to having the opportunity to assist you with your prosthodontic needs.