Dentists believe that the best teeth are your own teeth. They will do all they can to make sure you keep your teeth. But sometimes, a tooth is badly damaged or lost. The good news is bridges and dentures are two ways to restore a badly damaged tooth or replace a lost tooth.
Bridges
If a tooth is lost, it is important to replace it with a false (or artificial) tooth as soon as possible. This procedure will prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of line and causing other problems. A bridge is also called a "fixed bridge" or a "fixed partial denture." a bridge can replace one or more missing teeth and is held firmly in place by healthy teeth on each side of the missing one(s). You cannot take a bridge out. It is permanent.
How a bridge is made
A bridge should last for about 10 years, if you take good care of it. Your dentist will show you how to use a floss threader to floss under and around the false tooth (or teeth) in the middle of the bridge.
Dentures
There are two types of dentures: partial and full dentures. Both types are made in a dental lab, based on a mould (or an impression) of your mouth. A partial denture is also called a "removable partial denture" or a "partial." it is made up of one or more false teeth, and held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby teeth. You can take the partial denture out yourself, for cleaning and at night. A partial denture may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge, or when more than just a few teeth are missing.
A full denture is also called a "complete denture" or "false teeth." it can be used when all your natural teeth are missing. Remember, you need to care for a denture as carefully as you would look after your natural teeth.
How to care for dentures