Dental Bridge vs. Implant is a raging debate among those looking to replace their missing teeth. After all, it’s natural to wonder which of these two dental restoration methods is best for you.
Whether we talk about tooth extraction or loss, the main priority is restoring functionality. Missing teeth can also affect self-esteem, confidence, appearance, and speech. Dental bridges and implants can address all these problems.
Even though dental implants and bridges appear to create similar results, both these options are vastly different technically. Keep reading more about these options if you want the right solution to replace missing teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
A tooth’s underlying structure (including bone, ligaments, and nerves) is more complicated than people most appreciate. When this structure is removed, the neighboring area begins to deteriorate slowly.
A dental implant helps to replace this tooth structure with a metal post, generally one made of titanium. The new bone grows around the implanted metal over a couple of months. A crown is screwed on top of the implant and sealed after the dentist tests the new structure and declares it secure enough.
Dental Implant Pros and Cons
Pros
- The treatment does not damage the healthy teeth around your implant.
- It has a very high 10-year success rate of around 97 percent.
- It can last 15 years or even more, which is the longest-lasting option on the market.
- It retains a natural-looking appearance which is longer than bridges
Cons
- It has a higher upfront cost.
- It can lead to surgical complications.
- The process of a dental implant can take up to 6 months.
- Insurance does not generally cover it.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge helps to attach the remaining healthy teeth surrounding a gap by creating a bridge across the area in a patient’s smile. Two teeth on the opposite sides of a hole are extracted to accommodate a bridge in more traditional versions of the procedure.
A cap is placed over each tooth and accompanied by the bridge replacing your missing teeth. In the parts of your mouth where only one tooth is missing or can handle less force, dentists usually use a winged or Maryland bridge embedded in the neighboring teeth instead of one that fully caps them.
Sometimes when there are no teeth on both sides of the gap, the solution to this problem is installing a cantilever bridge. This bridge is attached to a single tooth on one side to let the bridge structure hang over the gap.
Dental Bridges Pros and Cons
Pros
- It generally has a lower upfront cost than dental implants.
- It often requires just two visits to the dentist spread over a couple of weeks.
- This procedure is usually covered by insurance.
- It does not require bone grafting or invasive surgery.
Cons
- It may damage your healthy teeth around the missing tooth.
- It loses its natural-looking appearance with age.
- There is a risk of more cavities or tooth decay in surrounding teeth.
- It needs to be replaced every 5 to 7 years (although it sometimes can last more than ten years).
How to Choose Between a Dental Bridge and an Implant
Just so you know, only a professional dentist can advise you about the better option between a dental bridge and an implant for tooth replacement, depending on your situation. The best choice for you will depend on the following:
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Dental Bridge vs. Implant – Health Benefits
A dental bridge provides a quick solution for missing teeth, but a tooth implant offers several practical health benefits. Dental implants help gums infected from missing teeth heal and promote jawbone growth.
A dental bridge can damage the remaining natural teeth, which should undergo significant preparation to accommodate a dental bridge. This means dramatically altering the structure of your natural teeth.
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Dental Bridge vs. Implant – Durability
Another primary consideration in the dental bridge vs. implant debate is durability. Everyone wants a restoration that lasts a lifetime. Dental implants are fixed securely to the jawbone and can withstand pressure, just like natural teeth. A dental implant can last the rest of your life; however, you may need to replace dental crowns after a few years due to daily wear and tear.
Dental bridges strain the mouth more because they aren’t securely fixed to the jawbone. They do not stimulate the jawbone so that it recedes, and you will have to replace your restoration. An expert dentist that offers consultation to assess your jawbone is ideal if it’s been years since you lost your tooth.
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Dental Bridge vs. Implant – Appearance
When considering the benefits of dental bridges vs. implants, the appearance of teeth is often a top priority. Everybody desires to have a tooth replacement that looks like a natural tooth. Dental implants and bridges are discrete and restore the appearance of your genuine smile.
However, a tooth implant is less noticeable because it is embedded below your gum. On the other hand, a dental bridge sits on top of your gums, and it depends on its location in the mouth, which may be noticeable to observant eyes.
Unable to Settle the Dental Bridge vs. Implant Debate? Contact Dental on the First Today!
If you are still unsure which treatment solution is right for you- Dental Bridge vs. Implant, feel free to contact Dental on First today! We will be honored to answer all your questions and set up a time for you to come in for a consultation to determine better which treatment is proper for you.