Is a bridge or partial plate better?

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Bridges vs. partial plates

Bridges are very expensive and supposedly only good for 5 to 10 years. They are permanently fixed to stubs they make of two teeth (one on each side of the bridge) I have one and so far it has come loose twice from eating candy. If I had it to do all over again I'd have a partial. Less expansive and can be taken out to be cleaned.

More input from FAQ Farmers:

• Before you do anything else, check on a partial made of Valplast. It is flexible and supposed to last a lifetime, not metal but made of a nylon compound. It has been used in Europe for decades. Unfortunately, not all dental insurers cover it but it is so much better than a traditional metal-based partial. Bridges are bad news unless they are in the very front of your mouth. Even then, you can expect more trouble down the road.

• The bride I had lasted about 10 years - was great until my teeth underneath started rotting away. I now have a temporary partial (wires hang onto the teeth)Few months I am expected to have a permanent partial. Not sure of the difference, besides the cost. Unfortunately, my temp partial I have now, the teeth have broken off from the actual partial leaving a gap in front of my mouth. This is my second "temp partial in a 6 month period. Time for the lab to follow up on their quality control.

• I have bridges on either side of my lower jaw. They are 10 years old and going strong. no problems. However, I had a lower jaw frontal bridge put in 8 months ago (pulled my 4 front teeth) and I am miserable. I have had the bridge replaced 3 times, and the last they had to cut it out of my mouth. My anchor tooth recently became absessed, and they had to drill thru the bridge to drain the absess. None of the bridges have ever fit. They are uncomfortable, and effect my speech. I am now going to see a prosthodontic specialist (which I should have done in the first place) I am now leaning towards a partial if I haven't damaged my anchor teeth too much. Please research prior to commiting to a frontal bridge.

First answer by Laura Hall. Last edit by Cofeeholik. Contributor trust: 40 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 226 [recommend question]