Bridge and partial are both dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth, but they differ in their design, application, and level of invasiveness.
A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are attached to adjacent teeth (abutments) using dental crowns. The crowns are cemented onto the abutment teeth, creating a fixed bridge that spans the gap.
A bridge is a good option for patients who have strong, healthy adjacent teeth that can support the artificial teeth. The procedure is generally more invasive than a partial denture, as the adjacent teeth need to be prepared and reduced in size to accommodate the dental crowns.
A partial denture, on the other hand, is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of a framework of metal or plastic that supports the artificial teeth and rests on the patient’s natural teeth and gums. Partial dentures are usually held in place by clasps or hooks that attach to the remaining natural teeth.
A partial denture is a good option for patients who have multiple missing teeth and want a removable prosthetic that can be easily cleaned and maintained. The procedure is generally less invasive than a bridge, as it does not require any preparation of the adjacent teeth.
In summary, while both bridge and partial dentures can replace missing teeth, a bridge is a fixed restoration that requires preparation of the adjacent teeth, while a partial denture is a removable prosthesis that attaches to the remaining natural teeth. The choice between the two options depends on the patient’s specific dental needs, budget, and preferences, and should be discussed with a qualified dental professional.