Bridges & Dentures: Restore Your Smile and Oral Function

Customized Tooth Replacement Solutions by Dr. Mark Bilello, DDS

We take pride in helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles

A 2002 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 178 million Americans have lost one or more teeth, and 40 million of those people have no remaining natural teeth. If you’re in this category, having lost teeth, Dr. Bilello may recommend a bridge, partial denture, or full denture to restore your appearance and comfortable, effective oral function.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is much like its name; it bridges the gap between healthy teeth, where natural teeth have been lost. The structure of a traditional bridge includes one or more prosthetic teeth, with dental crowns on either end. The crowns attach to natural, healthy teeth for support. Alternatively, a dental bridge can be anchored to a dental implant.

Types of dental bridges:

Traditional bridge: replaces one to three teeth; anchors to two crowned teeth
Cantilever bridge: attaches to only one crowned tooth for support
Maryland bridge: no enamel preparation; the bridge attaches to neighboring teeth with porcelain or metal bands instead of crowns
Implant-supported bridge: attaches to one or more dental implants for stability

Bridges are fixed (non-removable) prosthetics that typically last 10 to 15 years or longer.

Care for a bridge as you would your natural teeth, brushing twice and flossing once a day. An interdental brush or Waterpik will help you clean beneath the bridge. Attend six-month checkups and cleanings. Note that patients with dental bridges are more susceptible to developing gum disease, so thorough cleaning is extremely important.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture, also known as a partial, replaces multiple lost teeth across one arch. It fits between natural teeth, filling each space with a pontic (false tooth). The pontics are attached to a chrome cobalt, acrylic, or nylon framework. Partials can be secured by clasps on neighboring teeth or dental implants, if you prefer a lasting, lifelike solution.

Partials typically last five to 15 years. They can be created as removable or implant affixed appliances.

Care and maintenance of a partial requires daily cleaning by brushing and rinsing with a denture cleaner or mild, fragrance-free soap. Don’t use normal toothpaste on your partial. Soak your removable partial denture daily for 15 to 30 minutes in a vinegar and water solution or denture cleaner.

Tips for care and maintenance of a partial denture:

Handle with care. Lay a towel in the sink so that if you drop the partial, it won’t break.
Never use hot or boiling water on your partial. Cold or room-temperature water is perfect.
Do not move, bend, or alter the framework or clasps; they can break or misalign the fit of the appliance.
To store your denture, keep it moist in water or denture cleaner. This will help avoid the potential for warping, which would alter the fit. If you don’t wear your denture overnight, keep it in a water-filled denture case.
If the partial feels odd when in place, visit Dr. Bilello for an adjustment or replacement.
Never use bleach, abrasive cleansers, or other potent chemicals on your partial.
To extend the life of your partial, don’t expose it to direct sunlight or harsh temperatures.
Do not store your partial in water for more than a day, because this could alter the fit.

Full Dentures

Full dentures replace all of the teeth on the upper or lower arch, or both arches. To make a denture, a set of pontics is permanently anchored to an acrylic, gum-colored base.

Dentures can be stabilized with natural suction (top palate only), denture adhesive, or dental implants.

Types of dentures:

Traditional, or conventional, full dentures are the most common type.
Immediate dentures can be placed immediately after tooth extractions.
Implant-supported dentures snap onto four or more dental implant posts.

Dentures typically last five to 10 years and need relining every year or two to maintain a comfortable fit. Relining involves re-molding the part of the denture that sits on the gums.

Care and maintenance of a full denture and a partial denture are the same. Refer to the list above for instructions and tips about caring for partial dentures.

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