Bridge or denture - anyone had to make this choice?

murphydog999

This is only for one replacement tooth - thats the main problem - upper side, it can be seen when I smile, I don't want a gap.

My dentist has thrown another option into the mix, a unilateral denture. Obviously this means taking it out every day, for cleaning etc (don't know if this would eventually affect the grip?) but at least the 2 other teeth on either side would not need to be compromised, as they would with a bridge.

I understand a 'maryland' bridge is stuck on and only a small part of the surface of the other teeth is taken off to get a decent grip. All my other teeth are healthy and I don't have any other dental problems.

I would be interested to know if anyone else has had to make this choice, as I really don't know what to do?

no1catman

Hi, yes weighing up the choices I felt the work done on 'good' teeth was not a good idea, especially as one would be a canine.
I opted for a flexible denture, that has a 'false' tooth on either side.
Of course the other option - is not have anything there - where is the 'gap'?
The cosmetic aspect IMHO should not be over emphasised - it's can you eat ok that counts!

brook2jack

The gold standard treatment for this , if you are suitable, is probably an implant. That will cost circa 2000 pounds but does not touch the other teeth.

A Maryland bridge is suitable in some places, if the bite is right , but has a limited lifespan because eventually the bond fails , sometimes they can be recemented in but they then come out with increasing regularity.

Otherwise the choice is down to cost and how well you look after your remaining teeth.

murphydog999

An implant is a bit too much, I can't warrant spending that sort of money on one tooth, plus I've been told that there has been some bone loss in that area and I may not be suitable.

Am I correct in thinking that a flexible denture is not the same as an acrylic?

welshdent

I think it depends on which option you go for to be honest. the valplast is nylon based but most of them are quite "acrylicy". They can work well but the case selection is very important. I have made one or 2 and had mixed results if I am honest.