Can Dental Bridges Be Removable?

If you wanted to know if your dental bridges can be removed, the short answer is no; they are not made to be removable. However, partial dentures, which are very similar to dental bridges, can be removable. Let's take a closer look at understanding 

Why can’t they be removable?

A dental bridge cannot be removable because the anchoring system to keep the bridge in your mouth is cemented to your other healthy teeth. In contrast, a partial denture uses a metal plate that holds it to the top of your mouth.

Removable partial denture vs. fixed dental bridge

The most obvious difference is that a fixed bridge is meant not to be removed, and a dentist would be the only person to remove it. At the same time, a removable partial denture can be removed at home for convenience. 

Continuing to have good hygiene is also the main difference. With a fixed bridge, it is much more tedious to clean and also crucial. Without proper cleaning, cavities can arise under the bridge, which is impossible to fix without breaking the bridge. Since a partial denture can be removed, cleaning is straightforward and no different from routine oral hygiene. 

Both procedures will feel strange to the mouth, tongue, and gums. So getting used to the new teeth will take some time. A removable partial denture tends to take more time to get used to than a fixed bridge because of irritation to the gums. A removable partial denture can rub on the gums, which in turn will cause sore spots. Luckily, that doesn’t last forever. 

Why a fixed bridges would work for you

If you are looking for a stable and reliable bite, a fixed dental bridge is the way to go. It is cemented into your mouth, which means you never have to worry about it flying out of your mouth like dentures or moving around when you eat. 

A fixed dental bridge would also be a good choice if you don’t want to go through a surgical procedure but still would like the permanence of dental implants. Implants require surgery and a lot of time to heal. Fixed bridges are much less time-consuming, do not require surgery, and give similar results to implants.

A fixed dental bridge also prevents other teeth in your mouth from moving and keeps the structure of your face the same. While compared to dentures that change the way your face looks and changes the way you bite down.  

Why a partial denture (removable dental bridge) would work for you

The main reason people opt for this option is because of affordability. A partial denture is cheaper than a fixed bridge, a crown, or surgical implants. If money is a significant factor in your decision, this would be an excellent option to consider. 

Partial dentures are easier to maintain and clean as well. They are just easier in general—less time to wait and less pain than other options. The issue is the longevity of partial dentures. Usually, you will have to return to the dentist and decide on a permanent option later down the road. A partial denture tends not to be a good choice in the long game. 

Dental bridges technically cannot be removable, but partial dentures are a removable option that is strikingly similar. Both are good options, and depending on your lifestyle, one or the other should be able to accommodate you wonderfully.

Request an appointment here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com or call Kevin J Daily DDS at (831) 580-1141 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.

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