The question of whether a dental bridge qualifies as a denture often arises because both devices are forms of prosthetic dentistry designed to replace missing teeth and restore function. However, dental professionals differentiate these solutions based on their structure, permanence, and method of support. Understanding the specific design and application of each device is necessary to clarify the difference between a fixed dental bridge and a removable denture.
Defining the Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or a few missing teeth by “bridging” the gap in the dental arch. This appliance is permanently cemented into the mouth and cannot be removed by the patient. The structure of a traditional bridge consists of a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is held in place by crowns placed over the natural teeth adjacent to the space.
These adjacent teeth, called abutments, must be prepared to securely accommodate the retainer crowns. The pontic, often made from porcelain or ceramics, fills the empty space and rests above the gum line. Other types, such as a cantilever bridge or a Maryland bridge, exist, but the defining characteristic of a dental bridge is its permanent attachment and reliance on existing dental structures for stable support.
Defining the Denture
A denture is a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth and is characterized by its removable nature. Unlike the fixed bridge, a denture can be taken out by the patient for cleaning and while sleeping. Dentures are categorized into two main types: partial and complete.
A complete denture is used when all teeth in a single arch are missing, supported exclusively by the underlying gum tissue and the alveolar bone ridge. The prosthetic teeth are set into an acrylic, gum-colored base that rests directly on the gingiva. Partial dentures are used when a patient retains some natural teeth; they fill the gaps and are secured by clasps or attachments that connect to the remaining teeth. The support mechanism for traditional dentures relies on resting on the soft tissue, sometimes supplemented by suction or adhesives, rather than being cemented to individual tooth crowns.
Comparing Fixity and Support Mechanisms
The fundamental difference between a dental bridge and a denture lies in their permanence and support mechanism. A dental bridge is a fixed restoration, permanently bonded to abutment teeth or implants, which provides superior stability and function. In contrast, a traditional denture is a removable appliance designed to be taken out daily by the patient.
The type of support is distinct: a bridge is tooth-supported, using crowns on prepared natural teeth or implants as anchors. Dentures, particularly complete dentures, are tissue-supported, resting on the gums and jawbone ridge. While a partial denture is sometimes colloquially referred to as a “removable bridge,” this is a misnomer. Its structural reliance on clasps and tissue support is functionally different from the cemented crowns of a true bridge.
A bridge is a non-removable, fixed prosthetic that derives its stability from existing teeth or implants, making it structurally and functionally separate from a denture. A bridge typically replaces a few teeth, while a denture can replace multiple teeth or an entire dental arch.