Dental bridge vs. dental implant. Which is better for you? Let’s find out.
Missing and damaged teeth have never looked attractive and probably never will. Most people look for immediate solutions to remedy this problem. This is done not only to maintain the appearance of their smiles but also to prevent dental and oral problems.
Restoring the functioning of your teeth using cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures has become easier to access in recent times. The appearance of your smile and how you do it play an essential role in your social standing.
Dental implants and dental bridges are two of the more popular methods of restoring and enhancing your smile using cosmetic dentistry. We at First On Dental are here to tell you what dental bridges and dental implants are and the main distinctions between them.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge fills the gap where one or more teeth are missing. This is done with the help of creating a bridge of artificial teeth between two healthy ones.
A crown is placed on the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These healthy teeth act as an anchor for the artificial teeth that fill the missing teeth gap by creating a bridge.
Bridges are an excellent alternative to opt for when you have two or more missing teeth. It is essential to have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap caused due to the missing teeth.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
- The procedure to install bridges is non-invasive, which can result in a less terrifying experience for people who are scared of visiting the dentist. This puts bridges ahead in the dental bridge vs. dental implant battle.
- The treatment plan for bridges moves faster as it is non-invasive.
- People who have suffered from loss of bone density can opt for tooth bridges as it does not require artificial teeth to be placed on the jawbone, unlike implants.
- Bridges tend to be more affordable than implants and, therefore, more easily accessible to people looking for tooth replacement options.
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
- Dental bridges tend to lose their natural look much faster than dental implants.
- The teeth surrounding tooth bridges are more susceptible to tooth damage and cavities.
- Dental bridges require more frequent replacement than dental implants.
- Tooth bridges are also harder to maintain than implants, which gives an extra point to implants in the dental bridge vs. dental implants showdown.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are structures that replace missing teeth. The dentist uses screw-like devices to insert implants into your jawbone. These implants act as anchors for the artificial teeth also called crowns.
The crown is created to match your natural teeth and looks and feels like your natural teeth, too. Implants are also a good option for patients missing more than one tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Dental implants behave like natural teeth and look like them, too, giving you a strong and confident smile.
- A gap due to missing teeth leads to teeth shifting and loss of jawbone volume. Implants ensure that there is no loss of jawbone density and that your remaining teeth remain in place.
- The surrounding teeth are exposed to no damage when you get implants.
- Dental implants are longer lasting than tooth bridges as they are permanently attached to the jawbone.
- Implants require lesser maintenance than dental bridges. Dental implants can be adequately maintained by following regular oral hygiene habits.
- Implants do not require regular replacements.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- Because the implant is inserted into your jawbone using a screw-like device, a dental implant procedure is more surgically invasive than a tooth bridge procedure.
- It takes a longer time to install implants to replace missing teeth.
- The patient might end up with surgical complications as it is an invasive procedure.
- Implants are more expensive than tooth bridges and might be less affordable and less accessible as a treatment option for people. This gives an edge to bridges in the dental bridge vs. dental implant quest.
Dental Bridges Vs. Dental Implants – Which Should You Choose
Tooth loss has become relatively common due to poor eating habits, difficulty grinding teeth due to stress, and not maintaining oral hygiene. According to a study, about 69% of American adults who are between the age of 35 and 44 lose at least one permanent tooth.
Replacing your missing tooth and restoring its function is extremely important as it avoids loss of jawbone density and helps in boosting confidence. Two of the more common procedures people opt for to restore their smile, and tooth function are dental bridges and implants. But when it comes to dental bridge vs. dental implants, how should you choose?
Insurance
Insurance is a significant concern when it comes to dental treatments. Dental procedures can get quite pricey, and it’s always helpful when a particular dental procedure is covered by insurance.
A dental bridge procedure is more likely to be covered by your insurance. The chances of a implant procedure being covered by your insurance plan are much slimmer. So if you are baffled between dental bridge vs. dental implants, then a tooth bridge procedure is a better option for you vis-a-vis insurance.
Replacements
Going for tooth bridges is a good idea if you are willing to spring for regular replacements for your missing teeth every five to seven years. Sometimes, with proper maintenance, dental bridges can last for about ten years. But they do require more maintenance and need replacements more often.
Dental implants are a more permanent and longer-lasting solution to missing teeth. Therefore, they do not require regular replacement and are considered the longest-lasting option to replace missing teeth.
Cost Factor
Cost is usually the deciding factor determining the course of decision-making, and doing a dental bridge vs. dental implant comparison needs to take cost into consideration.
Implants are more expensive and usually cost between $1500 and $1600. Dental bridges are more affordable and cost between $500 to $1200.
To sum it all up, implants are a longer-lasting option. Patients should opt for dental implants if they want a permanent solution to missing teeth and wish to visit their dentist less frequently.
Dental bridges do the job for a certain period and help restore your teeth’ function. If patients opt for bridges, they should be prepared to spring for a replacement in a couple of years.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant – Let Dental On First Find You The Best Option For You
If you are still caught up in the dental bridge vs. dental implant tug-of-war, the experts at Dental On First can help you find the ideal option. Dr. David Tycast, one of the best dentists in New Prague, Minneapolis, leads a qualified team of specialists who believe in delivering the best possible service to achieve great results. Please fill out our New Patient Form, and we will register you immediately. You can also contact us to schedule an appointment or call us at 952-758-3003 to get in touch.
