In everyday conversations with patients, we’ve noticed that there is often confusion about which type of tooth replacement is needed in a specific case.
Although it might seem that everyone understands the terms denture, bridge, or crown, in practice that’s not always the case. A patient encountering these types of restorations for the first time may feel confused or anxious because it’s not entirely clear what each of them represents — and consequently, what the final result will look like.
The goal of this text is to clarify and explain the difference between a denture and a bridge so that patients can decide on tooth replacement confidently and without fear.
Step One – How Many Teeth Are Missing and Which Ones?
Every tooth replacement process begins with a clinical examination and X-ray analysis.
All remaining teeth, as well as the gums, must be healthy. At least six weeks should pass after an extraction for the tissues to heal completely.
Depending on how many teeth are missing and whether they are front or back teeth, all possible replacement options are considered.
It’s important to replace missing teeth — even if only one tooth is gone — because the health and longevity of the remaining teeth depend on proper restoration.
Step Two – The Difference Between a Denture and a Bridge
When a Bridge Is Made
If the missing tooth (or teeth) is located between two healthy teeth, a bridge can be made.
A bridge is a fixed ceramic restoration that is cemented onto the supporting teeth and cannot be removed.
The main condition for making a bridge is that there are abutment teeth strong enough to support it.
For example, if teeth 4 and 5 are missing, the bridge is supported by teeth 3 and 6.
However, a bridge cannot be made if teeth 5, 6, and 7 are missing, because there is no posterior tooth to serve as a support. A bridge cannot “hang in the air” — it must have both a front and back abutment, i.e., healthy teeth.
When a Denture Is Made
If there aren’t enough remaining teeth to support a bridge, then a denture is made.
A denture is a removable prosthetic restoration that can be taken out for cleaning and hygiene maintenance.
Depending on the number of remaining teeth, we distinguish:
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Complete dentures, made for patients without any natural teeth.
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Partial dentures, made for patients who have a few remaining teeth, but not enough for a bridge.
Combined Work
There is also the possibility of combined restorations, meaning a combination of a bridge and a denture.
For example, if a patient has only front teeth (such as incisors), these can be protected and aesthetically improved with a bridge, while the missing back teeth are replaced with a denture.
This type of work is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, as the denture attaches firmly to the bridge without visible metal clasps, which many patients find unattractive.
The bridge remains fixed on the teeth, while the denture is removed daily for cleaning.
Step Three – Completing the Treatment
Once you decide to begin treatment, depending on the type of restoration, it usually takes 7 to 15 days for the work to be completed.
During this period, you’ll visit the dentist several times for tooth preparation, impressions, and fittings.
After completion, your dentist will instruct you on how to properly maintain the hygiene of your bridge or denture.
Even though these are artificial teeth, they require daily care and regular yearly checkups to ensure their longevity.
