5 minute read

If you’ve lost a tooth — or a few — it can affect more than just your smile. Gaps in your mouth can make eating and speaking harder, change the way your face looks, and even cause nearby teeth to shift out of place.

Luckily, there are a few ways to bring back your smile and function. Two common options are bridges and dentures — both designed to look just like real teeth – and before too long they will feel that way, too.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, so you can get a better idea of what might suit you. Of course, your dentist will guide you through your options based on your needs and budget.

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What’s a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed tooth replacement that literally “bridges” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s usually held in place by crowns (tooth-shaped caps) fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap or sometimes by little attachments behind the teeth.

Before you get a bridge, your dentist will prep the nearby teeth and take impressions to make sure the bridge fits your bite perfectly. Then it’s custom-made by a dental technician or prosthetist, and securely cemented in place.

Types of Bridges:

Traditional bridge – Held in place by two crowns on both sides of the gap (3-unit bridge).

Cantilever bridge – Supported by a crown on just one side. Usually used for back teeth.

Maryland bridge – Attached to nearby teeth with small metal or resin “wings” behind the teeth instead of crowns.

Implant-supported bridge – Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth. These offer extra stability and help protect your jawbone, but treatment takes longer and costs more. Implant bridges can one, several or an entiure arch of teeth. Full mouth dental implant bridges are also known as All-on-4® dental implants.

Am I a candidate for a bridge?

Bridges can replace one or a few missing or badly damaged teeth in a row, so long as neighbouring teeth and gums are healthy. They can help prevent teeth from shifting into the gap, improve chewing and speaking, and give you a more balanced bite and restored smile! Unlike dentures, they are fixed in place and can only be removed by a dentist.

To find out if you’re eligible for a bridge or if dentures might be a better option, call us today on (08) 9227 8777 to book a consultation with our Mount Lawley dentists.

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What Are Dentures?

Forget the old-school “false teeth” image — modern dentures are designed to feel comfortable, natural-looking and made to suit people of all ages.

Dentures can replace a few teeth or a whole arch. They’re removable and are either retained by suction or clipped onto implants for a more secure fit.

Getting dentures usually takes a few appointments. Your dentist will examine your mouth, take impressions and ensure the final fit is just right.

Types of Dentures:

Full or complete dentures - replace a full arch of teeth and also support your face. These dentures consist of acrylic teeth and gums attached to a base that either uses suction to attach to the roof of the mouth (upper dentures) or rests on the gum (lower dentures).

Partial dentures - consist of one or more teeth on an artificial gum base that covers the natural gum. They are designed to fit seamlessly between your remaining healthy teeth and are usually attached to these teeth using metal wings or clasps.

Implant-retained dentures - or overdentures are full dentures that attach to dental implants secured in the jawbone, rather than relying on suction or clasps to attach directly to the mouth. These are more secure than unsupported dentures and will not come loose. However, dental implants involve minor surgery and additional cost.

Am I a candidate for dentures?

Dentures are suitable for most people. Full dentures are a more affordable option if all your teeth are missing or need to be removed. Partial dentures can also be a budget-friendly choice compared to bridges, especially if several teeth are missing. However, they can take some getting used to, and aren’t without their pitfalls.

Bridges vs Dentures: What’s the Difference?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your treatment choice will come down to budget, how many teeth you’re missing, your oral health, and how you want your smile to look and feel.

Dentures are typically made of acrylic, which is prone to staining over time, while dental bridges are typically made of zirconia, a strong tooth material that resists stains.

Cost

Dentures tend to be more affordable upfront.

• Partial dentures: from $1,800 (per arch)
• Full dentures: from $3,500 (per arch)

Bridges cost more but are more durable and fitted in place.

• A 3-unit bridge (to replace one tooth): from $4,959

You may be able to claim some of the costs on your health insurance, depending on your level of cover.

Durability

• Bridges generally last between 5–15 years with proper care.
• Dentures may need replacing or relining every 5–10 years.

One study found the survival rate of bridges to be around 72% after 10 years.* Another study found that the average time to replace dentures was 5 ½ to 6 ½ years.**

 

* Burke FJ, Lucarotti PS. Ten year survival of bridges placed in the General Dental Services in England and Wales. J Dent. 2012 Nov;40(11):886-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2012.07.002. Epub 2012 Aug 3. PMID: 22864053.

** Taylor M, Masood M, Mnatzaganian G. Differences in complete denture longevity and replacement in public and private dental services: A propensity score-matched analysis of subsidised dentures in adult Australians across 20 years. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2023 Apr;51(2):318-326. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.12744. Epub 2022 Mar 25. PMID: 35338502.

Comfort & Fit

• Bridges can feel like natural teeth once they’re in.
• Dentures can take a little time to get used to and require some changes to your diet — but it is very possible to adapt with time.

If dentures become loose or uncomfortable, book in to have them adjusted.

Appearance & Function

• Both can be made to look very natural.
• Bridges usually feel more stable when chewing or speaking.
• Dentures have less chewing function, unless supported by dental implants.

Care & Maintenance

• Bridges stay in your mouth and are easy to clean — just brush and floss like normal.
• Dentures need daily cleaning and overnight soaking to keep them fresh and in shape.
• Your dentist may recommend a denture reline every few years if they start to feel loose.
• Both options require you follow a good oral hygiene routine, a healthy diet and attend regular dental visits to lower your oral health risks.

Quick Pros & Cons

Bridges

✔ Pros:
• Fixed and stable
• Durable and long-lasting
• Can feel like natural teeth

✘ Cons:
• Needs healthy adjacent teeth to be anchored in place
• Can put stress on neighbouring teeth
• Not ideal for many missing teeth

Dentures

✔ Pros:
• More affordable
• Can replace lots of teeth at once
• No surgery required

✘ Cons:
• Can feel less stable
• May affect speech, chewing, diet and digestion
• Needs daily maintenance and ongoing relines and adjustments

Want a More Permanent Solution?

If you’re looking for something that feels as close as possible to natural teeth, ask us about dental implants. These are titanium posts placed in the jaw that can support a bridge or secure dentures in place.

If you’re thinking about replacing a full set of teeth, All-on-4® dental implants consist of a full mouth fixed bridge supported on just four implants — in as little as five days.

All-on-4 is a revolutionary concept designed to make full-mouth tooth replacement quicker and easier — often without the need for bone grafting. It involves placing four dental implants, two at the front and two at the back on an angle to avoid nerves and sinuses.

Within a day or two after surgery, your surgeon tries in a custom-made, titanium-reinforced acrylic bridge. By day five, the new teeth are securely in place — giving you a full smile within five days.

All-on-4 dental implants look and function more like natural teeth than any other tooth replacement option – and while no prosthetic teeth will feel exactly the same as natural teeth, all-on-4® teeth are considered the closest match.

What Our Patients Say:

“I had a fantastic experience at Mount Lawley Dental Clinic. The clinic is spotless, with a calming and professional atmosphere. Highly recommend this clinic for anyone looking for excellent dental care in a clean and supportive environment.” – Stuart Smillie

“Mount Lawley Dental has great service. Everyone who works there is very kind. I am very happy with the way my teeth turned out. Couldn’t be more impressed!” – Jack

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you're thinking about getting a bridge, dentures, or something more permanent — we’re here to help. Call Mount Lawley Dental on (08) 9227 8777 or book online to chat with our friendly team.

We welcome patients from North Perth and surrounding areas including Highgate and Inglewood.

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References

 

1. Burke FJ, Lucarotti PS. Ten year survival of bridges placed in the General Dental Services in England and Wales. J Dent. 2012 Nov;40(11):886-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2012.07.002. Epub 2012 Aug 3. PMID: 22864053.
2. Taylor M, Masood M, Mnatzaganian G. Differences in complete denture longevity and replacement in public and private dental services: A propensity score-matched analysis of subsidised dentures in adult Australians across 20 years. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2023 Apr;51(2):318-326. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.12744. Epub 2022 Mar 25. PMID: 35338502.