Let’s face it—a missing tooth doesn’t just affect your smile; it affects your life. What may have been cute in childhood can now chip away at your confidence, make eating difficult, interfere with clear speech, and jeopardize your long-term oral health. Without timely treatment, it can trigger a chain reaction—shifting teeth, bite problems, and even jawbone deterioration.

At Foothill Dental Care, we believe no one should have to live with the daily challenges or embarrassment caused by tooth loss. That’s why we offer personalized tooth replacement solutions designed to restore both your smile and your confidence. Two of the most common options—dental bridges and dentures —each offer unique benefits depending on your specific needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Whether you’re missing a single tooth or several, understanding how these options compare can empower you to make the best decision for your oral health and overall well-being.

Dental Bridges vs. Dentures: What’s the Best Option for You?

• Removability: Dental bridges are fixed in place and can only be removed by a dentist, offering a stable, permanent solution. Dentures, however, are removable prosthetics that you can take out daily—making them easier to clean and maintain.
• Ideal Candidates: Dental bridges are most effective for replacing one or two missing teeth in a row when healthy adjacent teeth and a robust jawbone offer reliable support. If you’re missing multiple teeth or an entire arch, partial or full dentures are generally the more practical and versatile option.
• Impact on Surrounding Teeth: Because bridges depend on neighboring teeth for support, those teeth may need to be reshaped to anchor the bridge securely. Dentures, however, rest directly on your gums and don’t affect adjacent teeth, helping to preserve your natural dental structure.
• Materials: Bridges are crafted from durable, natural-looking materials such as porcelain or ceramic, designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Dentures are typically made from acrylic resin and often include metal frameworks to provide strength while remaining lightweight and removable.
• Appearance and Comfort: Dental bridges are crafted to closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, delivering a seamless, comfortable fit that feels like your own. Dentures, while effective, may take time to get used to and can sometimes feel bulky or less natural when speaking or eating.
• Durability: With proper care, dental bridges can last 10 to 15 years or more. Dentures typically need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced every 5 to 8 years due to changes in your gums and jawbone over time.

Expert Dentures & Dental Bridges in Livermore

Ready to transform your smile? It all begins with a consultation at Foothill Dental Care in Livermore, where we’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and recommend the most suitable tooth replacement option for you. While both dentures and bridges effectively replace missing teeth, they function differently. In some cases, the choice is clear—if you lack healthy adjacent teeth to support a bridge, dentures may be the more practical solution. We also offer dental implants, which can restore both function and natural appearance when other options aren’t ideal.

Don’t let missing teeth affect your confidence or comfort any longer. Call us at (925) 961-5484 or schedule your appointment online today. Your journey toward renewed confidence starts here!