Tooth loss can be a major source of discomfort and embarrassment, whether you have one missing tooth or several. Which is why we want to help. Our team can take on minor and more complex cases with dental prosthetics. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about the difference between dental bridges and partial dentures.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a great way to take on minor tooth loss. With this prosthetic, we can address one lost tooth or as many as three in a row. The prosthetic itself is made from ceramic, a material that is strong and durable, and able to be color-matched to blend with your smile. The prosthetic contains the new teeth with crowns on either end. We watch the crown portions to the abutment teeth on each side of the gap, which secures your new ones firmly in place. The prosthetic can stay in place for about 10 to 15 years on average.
Partial Dentures
What if you have several gaps in your smile, spread out across the arch of your upper and/or lower jaw? When this happens, you have tooth loss too severe to be handled with a bridge, but you still have enough natural teeth in place that a full denture isn’t needed yet either. In these situations, we help with a partial. The prosthetic contains new ceramic teeth set in an acrylic base, and metal clasps will attach to natural teeth to hold it in place. The partial’s new teeth will fit in the gaps of your smile, protecting you from complications like misalignment, and providing a full and functional smile that looks natural.
Implant Dentistry
Dental implants are a way to address missing teeth and even secure prosthetics like bridges and partials. These are inserted into the jawbone and act like new roots, which keeps the jaw strong and intact, and allows your new teeth to remain in place much longer than traditional options. Our team could use these to secure your bridges or partials, or even a complete set of dentures, so you can smile with confidence again.
If you suffer from mild or more severe cases of tooth loss, don’t assume it is too late for your smile. Instead, reach out to our team today to learn more and start your journey to a full smile again. If you have any questions about how we treat missing teeth, or if you would like to enjoy a full smile in 2026, then contact our team today.
Dental Impressions Offers a Complete Smile Again
Our team is eager to help you enjoy a healthy smile again. To schedule an appointment and lost teeth, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
