The Difference Between a Partial Denture and a Bridge
Aug 20, 2025
The fundamental difference between a partial denture and a bridge is simple. A partial denture replaces one or more teeth with a removable structure, while a bridge is a permanent solution cemented in place.
Contemporary dental technologies and implants have made replacing teeth more flexible and versatile than ever before, so the basic definitions of partial dentures and bridges may not cover every available solution.
The team at Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates in Beachwood, Ohio, can help you navigate the options to find a solution that fits your needs. We specialize in both bridges and partial dentures, so let’s take a closer look at each of these replacement methods.
The history of dentures spans centuries. Early attempts to replace teeth likely involved something like a partial denture, which anchors the replacement teeth to surrounding natural ones.
Today, partial dentures can also fill in gaps using materials closely matching your natural teeth and gums. However, cosmetic reasons aren’t the only reason to seek a partial denture.
Without compensating for your missing teeth, your oral health may suffer. With gaps in your dental arches, the teeth opposite those spaces lose support. This can affect how you eat and speak. Adjacent teeth may also drift, you may lose bone tissue in your jaw, and your cheeks may collapse inward.
Bridges can often fill the same gaps in your smile as partial dentures with a permanent installation. Bridges have two primary components: crowns, which fit over healthy teeth adjacent to gaps, and pontics, the artificial tooth that stands in for missing teeth.
In this case, we prepare the healthy teeth so they can receive crowns, typically by removing enamel from each one. The crowns of the bridge will be cemented onto these teeth. A pontic sits between the pair of crowns, permanently attached to each.
Usually, a small space between the pontic and the gum helps prevent gum irritation and allows food debris to be cleaned from under the artificial teeth.
Dental implants can be used instead of bridges or partial dentures, or serve as a hybrid solution supporting the bridge or denture. No matter which option you choose, the components are all custom-designed to fit your mouth.
To decide on the ideal fit for you, schedule your personal consultation with us at Sabrina E. Mickel DDS, & Associates. Request your appointment online or by phone today.