Dental Bridge vs Implant—when it comes to replacing missing teeth, these two options are what come to mind in the first place. Both of these solutions offer advantages and can effectively restore your smile, but how do you decide which one is the one you are looking for? To decide this confidently, you should first understand the key differences between a dental bridge vs implant. In this post, we’ll explain all the necessary details, helping you determine the best option that suits your needs!
Let’s start by taking a close look at each technique and its unique advantages. A dental bridge is a prosthetic component designed to fill the gap of one or more missing teeth. During this process, a false tooth (or teeth) is anchored between two crowns that are attached to the adjacent natural teeth. So why do people choose bridge dental over dental implant?
Less Invasive Procedure: Although dental implants require surgery, dental bridges do not require it which means it has a faster recovery time.
Affordability: Bridges are generally more cost-effective as they are less invasive, providing a viable option for those looking to restore their missing teeth without a significant financial investment.
A dental implant procedure, on the other hand, involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which becomes the tooth root. After placing this post, the patient should wait around 3 months so that it integrates with the jawbone. After this integration, a dental crown is attached to the top of it. So it requires a longer time for a recovery a might be more costly than bridge dental. However, it offers significant benefits:
Long-Term Solution: Dental implants are designed to be very durable and strong, often lasting a lifetime with proper care.
Natural-Looking Aesthetic: Implants closely mimic the look and function of natural teeth, so they provide satisfaction both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. This might be challenging with dental bridges and they might feel and look less natural.
Choosing between dental bridges vs implants depends on your needs, oral and overall health, as well as your expectations. To get an implant, you need to have a sufficient jawbone density to support the titanium post. If you do not have this bone density, you might need a bone graft before getting the treatment which can increase the treatment time and price. But if you choose bridge dental, you do not need a jawbone density as it is not placed into the jaw.
On the other hand, for a dental bridge, the condition of the adjacent teeth is crucial. These teeth need to be strong so that they can support the bridge. If the adjacent teeth are already weakened by decay or previous dental work, a bridge might not be a viable option as it could further compromise their health. In such cases, a dental implant is a more suitable choice as it doesn't depend on the adjacent teeth. Another factor to think about is durability. Implants are designed to be more durable than bridges. So, if you are asking "Is a dental bridge permanent?" the answer is sadly no. Bridges typically last 5 to 15 years but dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. This longevity of a dental implant can make it a more attractive option for those looking for a durable solution.
Both of these treatments require good oral hygiene, but implants tend to be easier to look for. A dental bridge necessitates extra care to clean under the pontic because food particles can get trapped there. However, you can brush and floss the implants like a normal tooth without any special maintenance. When comparing dental bridges vs implants, you should also take into account the naturality. Implants offer a more natural look because they mimic the appearance and function of a natural tooth, and they integrate seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth. Bridges also provide a good aesthetic result, but with time, the supporting teeth may show signs of wear, and it can harm the overall look.
In terms of functionality, implants feel more like natural teeth because they are placed into the jawbone. They provide stability and you can chew or speak comfortably like they are your natural teeth. Although bridges are also functional, they may not offer the same level of stability as implants. So, whether to choose a dental bridge vs an implant heavily depends on your expectations and your oral health. Before deciding on any treatment, keep in mind all the pros and cons and also listen to your dentist’s recommendations.
The best way to choose dental bridge vs implant is to have a consultation with an experienced dentist. The dentist would review your dental history to check if you have any existing health conditions and also your previous dental work. To get a detailed idea of your oral structure, the dentist would probably require X-rays and they can see the position of your remaining teeth and evaluate if you have sufficient bone density to support an implant. After checking the adjacent teeth and overall oral health, they can discuss the treatment options for you. As we covered before, sometimes you may not be eligible for an implant or bridge.
If you have both options possible for you, the dentist would recommend a better choice for you. This step is crucial for deciding which one to choose and making sure that you apply for a really experienced dentist in their field. Because these changes affect your oral health significantly and if the wrong treatment is chosen, you can have serious problems. To get a free online consultation with one of Smile Center's medical experts, you can always reach out to us. Smile Center has been offering dental implants in Turkey with all-included affordable prices and has thousands of successful results. Don't wait, get your healthy smile today!
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Yuan, C. C., Shen, G., Huang, Y., Ding, S., & Yan, M. (2022). The research on the dental bridge model-making process based on the curing shrinkage epoxy and residual stress reduction. Journal of Mechanics, 37, 659-668. https://doi.org/10.1093/jom/ufab030
