A partial denture (bridge) consists of replacement teeth built into a gum-colored plastic base. It is connected by metal framing which holds the denture in place while inside your mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth are still intact in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed bridge (permanent) replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space while attaching artificially created teeth to them.
Missing teeth should not be underestimated as the impact can become detrimental. Losing a tooth and not replacing it can damage mouth tissues in addition to causing your remaining teeth to alter their positioning. A missing tooth can interfere with ones ability to communicate effectively while causing your face and lips to sag. Installing a partial denture will not only improve your appearance, but it will allow you to chew properly, avoid TMJ situations, eat a wider variety of foods than without, and protects additional tooth loss down the road.