Missing Teeth in Myrtle Beach: Dentures vs. Dental Bridges
- Klea Skendo
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Depending on their location, they may also change how you chew, speak or feel during everyday conversations.
Two common options for replacing missing teeth are dental bridges and dentures. They both fill spaces in the smile, but their design, maintenance and ideal uses are different.
A dental examination is necessary to determine which option may fit your oral health, remaining teeth and personal goals.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth that fill—or “bridge”—the open space.
Traditional bridges are supported by teeth on either side of the gap. Unlike a removable appliance, a fixed bridge is placed by the dentist and is not taken out by the patient each day.
A bridge may be considered when:
One or a few teeth are missing
Healthy supporting teeth are available
You want a restoration that remains in place
The surrounding teeth and gums can support the bridge
The missing teeth are located in a suitable area
The health of the supporting teeth is especially important because they help hold the bridge in place.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces some missing teeth while fitting around natural teeth that remain.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture replaces all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch.
Dentures may be considered when:
Several teeth are missing
Teeth are missing in different areas
All or most teeth in an arch need replacement
A removable option is appropriate
The remaining teeth cannot support a traditional bridge
Dentures must be removed and cleaned regularly. They may also need adjustment over time as the shape of the mouth and gums changes.
What Is the Main Difference?
The clearest difference is that a traditional dental bridge is fixed in place, while conventional dentures are removable.
A bridge generally replaces a smaller number of teeth in one area. Dentures can replace several missing teeth across the mouth or an entire arch.
Neither option is automatically right for every patient. Your dentist must consider:
The number of missing teeth
Where the spaces are located
The condition of your remaining teeth
Your gum health
Your ability to clean and maintain the restoration
Your comfort and personal preferences
Your treatment budget and insurance benefits
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Some patients become accustomed to a missing tooth and wonder whether replacement is necessary.
Depending on where the tooth is located, an open space may affect chewing or speaking. Nearby teeth may also shift over time. Replacing missing teeth can help restore function and create a more complete-looking smile.
The recommendation will depend on your individual mouth. Not every space requires the same solution.
How Do You Care for a Dental Bridge?
A fixed bridge should be brushed along with your natural teeth. You will also need to clean beneath the artificial tooth and around the supporting teeth.
Your dental team can demonstrate floss threaders, interdental brushes or another cleaning method appropriate for your bridge.
Keeping the supporting teeth and surrounding gums healthy is important for the long-term stability of the restoration.
How Do You Care for Dentures?
Dentures should be cleaned every day using a soft brush and an appropriate nonabrasive denture cleanser.
Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive for some denture materials. Dentures should also be kept moist when they are not being worn, following the instructions given by your dentist.
You should contact the dentist when dentures:
Feel loose
Cause sore areas
Become cracked or damaged
Affect your ability to chew
No longer fit as they once did
Do not attempt to adjust or repair dentures at home.
What Happens During a Tooth-Replacement Consultation?
Your consultation may include:
An examination of your teeth and gums
Digital X-rays when appropriate
A review of how many teeth are missing
An evaluation of possible supporting teeth
A conversation about removable and fixed options
A discussion of estimated costs and insurance
Bring a list of questions and explain what matters most to you—comfort, appearance, maintenance, cost or another concern.
Dentures and Dental Bridges in Myrtle Beach
Pearly Whites provides restorative dental care for patients in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest and nearby communities.
If you are missing one tooth, several teeth or have an older denture that no longer fits comfortably, schedule an evaluation. Our team will explain what we see and help you understand which available options may be appropriate.
Call Pearly Whites at (843) 385-9032.
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