Dental Bridges and Partial Dentures in Surbiton: Your Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental Bridges and Partial Dentures in Surbiton: Your Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Post by : Dr Jack Connan BDS GDC No. 277529 | 5 May 2020

Sometimes, people don’t come to see us because of pain; they come because they’ve slowly started hiding their smile. They might avoid photos, chew on one side, or feel self-conscious about a gap where a tooth used to be. Over time, that one missing tooth can affect not just confidence, but also how comfortably they eat and how healthy their remaining teeth are.

This guide explains how you can replace missing teeth with dental bridges that Surbiton patients can rely on and comfortable partial denture options, so you can make an informed decision about what feels right for you.

WHY SHOULD I REPLACE MISSING TEETH?

The appearance of your smile is one important reason. A visible gap can make many people feel less confident when they talk, laugh or have their photo taken.

However, there are also important health reasons to replace missing teeth. When a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side can start to drift or tilt into the space. This can change the way your upper and lower teeth meet (your ‘bite’), which may lead to:

• Extra strain on the teeth and jaw joints.
• Difficulty chewing certain foods.
• Food trapped in the gap increases the risk of decay and gum disease.

Over time, this can mean more dental treatment in the future. By choosing tooth replacement, Surbiton patients can stabilise their bite, protect the remaining teeth and keep their smile looking natural and healthy.

TOOTH REPLACEMENT IN SURBITON: HOW ARE MISSING TEETH REPLACED?

The right solution depends on several factors, including:

• How many teeth are missing?
• Where is the gap in your mouth?
• The health and strength of the surrounding teeth and gums.
• Your personal preferences and budget.

In many cases, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth:

• A partial denture (a removable plate with one or more replacement teeth).
• A fixed dental bridge (a permanently attached replacement tooth or teeth, usually supported by the teeth next to the gap).

A fixed dental bridge is often recommended when there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are on one side of the mouth. With dental bridges, patients typically have a dental bridge procedure carried out over a couple of visits, where the supporting teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and a custom bridge is made to match their natural teeth.

For patients in nearby areas such as Tolworth, a dental bridge solution can provide a secure, natural-looking way to restore chewing function without needing a removable denture. If you’re unsure about a dental bridge vs a denture, your dentist will talk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can choose what suits your lifestyle best.

PARTIAL DENTURES IN SURBITON: WHAT ARE THEY?

A partial denture is a custom-made plate that holds one or more replacement teeth and fits around your remaining natural teeth. It’s designed to blend in with your smile and help you bite and chew more comfortably.

There are several types of partial dentures that patients in Surbiton may be offered, depending on their needs:

• Acrylic partial dentures are usually made from a plastic base that sits on the gums and supports the replacement teeth.
• Metal partial dentures are often made from a lightweight cobalt-chrome framework, which can feel slimmer and more secure.
• Flexible partial dentures: made from a flexible material that can be more comfortable for some patients and may feel less bulky.

Many partial dentures use small, discreet clasps (clips) that gently hug some of the natural teeth to help keep the denture in place. Depending on where these clasps sit, a tiny part of them may be visible when you smile or open your mouth, but your dentist will always aim to keep them as unobtrusive as possible.

With the right type of denture and careful fitting, partial dentures patients choose can be a reliable, everyday solution to restore function and appearance while you eat, speak and smile.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PLASTIC PARTIAL DENTURE AND ONE THAT CONTAINS METAL?

There isn’t just one type of partial denture. Many partial dentures Surbiton patients choose are made from either plastic (acrylic), metal or a flexible material, and each has its own advantages.

Acrylic partial dentures (plastic dentures) are usually the most cost-effective to make. They sit on the gums and can be a good starting option, especially as a temporary way to replace missing teeth. However, if they are not carefully designed and fitted, they can sometimes place extra pressure on the teeth they rest against.

Flexible partial dentures are made from a softer, bendable material. They gently flex around your natural teeth, so they often stay in place without the need for metal clasps. Many patients find them very comfortable and like the way they blend with the gums.

Metal partial dentures are usually made from a strong, lightweight cobalt-chrome alloy. These metal partial dentures tend to be thinner and lighter to wear, and they are often supported by your remaining teeth rather than just resting on the gums. Although the framework is metal, they are finished with gum-coloured acrylic and natural-looking teeth, so they blend into your smile. They are usually more expensive than basic plastic options, but can be a durable part of your long-term tooth replacement plan.

To make this easier to compare at a glance:

Your dentist at Surbiton Dental will help you choose between acrylic partial dentures, flexible partial dentures and metal partial dentures, based on your mouth, lifestyle and budget.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST TYPE FOR ME?

You don’t have to decide alone. Your dentist will examine your remaining teeth and gums, talk through your priorities and explain which type of partial dentures patients typically do best with in a situation like yours.

In many cases, a metal-based denture provides a very stable, long-term result. However, for some people, a flexible or acrylic option may be more suitable, for example, as a temporary solution while you decide between a dental bridge vs a denture in your long-term plan.

CAN I HAVE A DENTAL BRIDGE FITTED STRAIGHT AFTER HAVING A TOOTH REMOVED?

Not usually. After a tooth is taken out, the bone and gums need time to heal and settle. In many people, this can take up to six months. If a dental bridge procedure is started too early, the tissues may continue to change shape and the bridge could end up with a visible gap underneath it.

For this reason, your dentist may:

• Recommend a temporary partial denture to fill the space while your mouth heals.
• Review your progress regularly over the first few months.
• Plan your dental bridge treatment in Surbiton once the gums are stable.

A temporary denture can be a useful way to replace missing teeth straight after an extraction, while you wait for the ideal time to fit a more permanent dental bridge in Tolworth or Surbiton.

HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY DENTURE?

Good cleaning will help your denture last longer and keep your mouth healthy. A simple rule is: brush, soak, brush.

• Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel, in case you drop them.
• First, brush your dentures to remove loose food and plaque.
• Then soak it in an effervescent denture cleaner to help lift stains and freshen it (always follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
• Finally, brush the denture again, just as you would brush your natural teeth, but avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can scratch the surface.

Most dentists advise using a small to medium-headed toothbrush or a special denture brush, along with toothpaste or a denture-friendly cleaner. Make sure you clean every surface of the denture, including the part that rests against your gums. This is especially important if you use any type of denture fixative.

If you notice that your partial denture appliance is starting to collect stubborn stains or tartar (hard scale), ask your dentist or hygienist to clean it professionally.

SHOULD I TAKE MY DENTURE OUT AT NIGHT?

In many cases, yes. Your dentist may recommend removing your denture at night to give your gums and mouth a chance to rest. Constant wear can increase the risk of sore spots and infections under the denture.

If you take your denture out at night:

• Rinse it thoroughly.
• Store it in a container of clean water, or denture solution if advised, so it doesn’t dry out, warp or crack.

Your dental team will give you personalised advice on wearing time and cleaning, so your denture and your mouth stay as comfortable and healthy as possible.

DENTAL BRIDGES IN SURBITON: WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE TO A PARTIAL DENTURE?

If you would prefer not to wear a partial denture, a common alternative is a fixed dental bridge. This is a non-removable way to replace missing teeth by using the teeth on either side of the gap for support.

With a fixed dental bridge, your dentist will usually:

• Place crowns on the teeth on either side of the space.
• Join these crowns together with a false tooth (or teeth) in the middle.
• Secure the bridge in place using dental adhesive so it stays fixed in your mouth.

The bridge is made in a dental laboratory to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth. Once fitted, it cannot be removed for cleaning, so you’ll be shown how to clean around and underneath it at home.

For some patients, another option is an adhesive bridge, often called a Maryland bridge. Instead of full crowns, this type of adhesive bridge uses small “wings” that are bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth with very minimal drilling. This can be a more conservative option, especially for a single missing front tooth.

Whether you are considering a dental bridge in Surbiton or Tolworth, your dentist will talk you through which style might suit you best.

CAN I ALWAYS HAVE A DENTAL BRIDGE DONE IN SURBITON TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH?

Not everyone is suitable for a fixed dental bridge. Bridges rely on having enough strong, healthy teeth with good bone support on either side of the gap. If the supporting teeth are heavily filled, loose, or affected by gum disease, they may not be ideal to hold a bridge.

Your dentist will examine:

• The condition of your remaining teeth and gums.
• The position and size of the gap.
• Your bite and how your teeth meet.

From there, they will advise whether a bridge is a good option for tooth replacement for Surbiton patients in a similar situation, or whether partial dentures, dental implants, or a combination approach might be better. The goal is always to help you replace missing teeth in a way that is stable, comfortable and long-lasting.

WHAT ARE BRIDGES MADE OF?

Modern dental bridges are designed to be both strong and natural-looking. Many are made from:

• Porcelain fused to metal: a precious or non-precious metal base for strength, covered with tooth-coloured porcelain so it blends with your natural smile.
• All-porcelain or ceramic bridges: made entirely from a special type of strong porcelain or ceramic, often chosen for front teeth because of their highly natural appearance.

Your dentist will recommend the most suitable material based on where the bridge will sit in your mouth, how much you use that area for chewing and your cosmetic preferences.

HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY BRIDGE?

A bridge needs daily care, just like your natural teeth. Proper cleaning helps prevent problems such as gum disease, decay around the supporting teeth and bad breath.
You will need to:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, taking care around the edges of the bridge.
• Clean underneath the false tooth every day, as food can get trapped in these spaces.

Because an ordinary toothbrush can’t reach under the bridge, your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use:

• Special floss (superfloss).
• Interdental brushes.
• Or a bridge threader/needle.

With good home care and regular check-ups, dental bridge patients can choose serve as a reliable part of their long-term tooth replacement plan.

ARE THERE OTHER METHODS FOR FIXING FALSE TEETH?

Yes. In some cases, dentists use a combination of crowns and partial dentures to improve stability and appearance. For example, crowns can sometimes be used to hide or reposition the clips that hold a denture in place, keeping metalwork out of sight when you smile.

These are more specialised treatment plans and are tailored to your mouth. If you’re interested in alternatives such as combination crowns-and-denture designs, fixed dental bridge options, or how a dental bridge vs denture might work for you, your dentist at Surbiton Dental can explain what’s realistic in your specific case.

CONCLUSION: CHOOSING THE RIGHT WAY TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH IN SURBITON

Whether you’re considering partial denture options (such as acrylic partial dentures, metal partial dentures or flexible partial dentures) or a fixed dental bridge, the aim is the same: to help you replace missing teeth so you can eat, speak and smile with confidence again.

There is no single “best” solution for everyone. The right approach depends on your remaining teeth, your oral health, how many teeth are missing and how you feel about removable vs fixed options. Your dentist will guide you through each choice, from Maryland bridge and adhesive bridge designs to more traditional bridges and dentures, so you can make an informed, comfortable decision about your tooth replacement treatment in Surbiton.

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