Choosing Between Bridges vs. Dental Implants
Tooth loss, decay, stains, and dental trauma are key dental flaws affecting millions of people globally. If you have a dental issue that’s blemishing your beautiful smile, you have several restorative procedures to consider.
Dental implants, crowns, veneers, inlays & onlays, fillings, bonding, and bridges are the most common dental treatments for dental imperfections.
In this article, we’ll focus on two of these treatments – dental implants and dental bridges. While they work differently, both treatments have a similar goal – to enhance your smile by improving your aesthetics and bite function.
What are Dental Implants?
An implant is used to replace a severely decayed, diseased, damaged, or missing tooth. Implants feature screw-like titanium posts that are fixed into the underlying jawbone of the missing tooth through surgery. Then, a dental crown is fitted to protect the implant and enhance its strength.
Unlike alternative restoration procedures such as dental bridges and dentures, implants become a part of your mouth by replacing the roots of the extracted tooth.
Since the implant bonds with your jawbone and gums, it’s incredibly stable and durable. It behaves, looks, and feels like your natural tooth.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
You might be a good candidate for implants if you:
- To replace missing teeth
- To replace a severely decayed or damaged tooth that can’t be treated
- To resolve bite or jaw problems caused by teeth shifting due to missing teeth
- To hold or support a denture or bridge
What are Dental Bridges?
Unlike an implant that replaces the entire tooth, a dental bridge fills the vacant space of the missing tooth. The dental bridge helps create a natural appearance by using porcelain. Dental bridges are secured in your mouth supported by the adjacent teeth near the gap left by the missing tooth. The neighboring teeth are called abutments, and your dentist places the fake tooth between two abutments existing in your mouth to hold it in place.
Who Needs Dental Bridges?
If maybe a good candidate for bridges if you have:
- Gaps from missing teeth
- Trouble chewing
- Trouble speaking
Are Implants Better Than Dental Bridges? Factors to Consider
Well, it all depends on the specific condition of the teeth. For instance, if you have gaps from missing teeth, you don’t always need an implant to restore your smile.
A better option is to consider restoring your mouth with dental bridges. Bridges help keep your teeth from shifting while maintaining your natural smile. On the other hand, if your tooth is severely damaged and beyond saving, it’s best to replace it with a dental implant.
When deciding between dental bridges and dental implants, here are vital factors to consider:
- Type of Damage
The type or complexity of your tooth damage is the primary factor to consider when choosing between implants and bridges.
A dental bridge will repair and hide the damage while keeping your teeth aligned to prevent shifting. This prevents further damage and enhances your smile.
In contrast, if you’re dealing with significant tooth damage such as severe decay, dental trauma, or loose tooth due to periodontal disease, a dental implant is the ideal remedy. It will eliminate the problem and provide a long-term solution to the problem.
- Durability
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, dental implants are the real deal. With proper care and installation, dental implants can last for a lifetime. In contrast, dental bridges last for about 10-15 years, meaning that you have to replace them.
- The Complexity of the Procedure
If you don’t like the idea of surgical treatments, dental bridges offer a suitable option to transform your smile. Dental bridges are not surgical, but you will have to revisit the dentist after about 3 weeks to get your custom bridges fitted. Implants, on the other hand, are placed surgically and the treatment can take up to 10 months.
- Cost
The major disadvantage of dental implants is the high cost. On average, it could cost around $3,000 – $6,000. A dental bridge can cost about $2,000 to $5,000, depending on various factors.
Final Verdict
When choosing between dental bridges and implants, the proper treatment depends on the factors we’ve discussed. Do you need help deciding which treatment is better? Contact Bella Smiles today to book your appointment.