Implants Vs. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge, also known as a fixed dental bridge, is a type of dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge can be secured in place by attaching dental crowns to the teeth on either side of the gap, or by bonding the bridge directly to the adjacent teeth. While implants are more expensive, they provide more benefits. Implants are more durable than dental bridges and they don’t require the alteration of nearby healthy teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that a dentist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The replacement teeth look and function like natural teeth, but are much more durable and long-lasting than other restorative dental treatments. Unlike dentures, which are removable, implant-supported restorations are permanently fused to the jawbone for a more natural look and feel.

Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material. Titanium is strong enough to support the structure of your jaw, but it is gentle enough to avoid damaging surrounding tissue and bone. After the implant is placed in your jaw and given time to heal, your dentist will attach an artificial tooth to the post. The entire process can take several months to complete.

If you are healthy enough to undergo dental implant surgery, then you will likely be a candidate for this treatment. Your dentist will perform a consultation to evaluate the health of your gums, bones, and teeth to determine if you are a viable candidate for implants.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of fixed prosthetic that is designed to replace one or multiple teeth in a row. The bridge is fused between two dental crowns and three crowns are placed on the abutment teeth, which are the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. When the crowns are placed and the appliance is secured in place, the bridge will look and function like your natural teeth. The artificial teeth are either made out of porcelain or a composite material.

Unlike dental implants, bridges must be anchored to nearby tooth structure in order to stay in place. Therefore, this treatment option is not suitable for everyone. If you are missing a tooth, it is important to discuss your options with us so that we can determine the best solution for your unique case. In some cases, patients may be a better candidate for an implant-supported restoration. We will be able to determine which solution is best for your smile after a thorough examination that includes X-rays and a visual inspection of the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. Contact us today to learn more!

If you are looking for restorative dentistry solutions such as dentures, partials, or bridgework, contact our office today. We look forward to helping you achieve your healthiest smile yet. We hope to hear from you soon!

What are the advantages of implants?

Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. The dental implant itself is a titanium metal rod that is placed in the jawbone. Once the implant has healed, it’s ready to support porcelain dental crowns. A bridge requires filing down the adjacent teeth for support, which means they require regular upkeep to remain healthy. Since implants are permanent, you never have to worry about them shifting or causing cavities. They are cleaned just like natural teeth as well!

What are the advantages of a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that fills in the space of your missing tooth or teeth, and is typically held in place by natural teeth on either side. The crowns of the adjacent teeth act as abutments to support the false tooth between them, creating a strong replacement for the missing tooth. This is a better option for some patients who want their smile to look natural.

At-Home vs. In-House Smile Makeover Treatments

If you have missing teeth and want to restore the function and appearance of your smile, you will need to make a choice between an at-home treatment and an in-office procedure. Typically, an at-home treatment involves wearing a removable appliance such as dentures. An in-office treatment generally requires multiple visits over a course of several weeks. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s important to discuss your options with your dentist so you can choose the right solution for your unique needs.

Many patients find that the benefits of choosing an in-office treatment outweigh the potential inconveniences of scheduling multiple appointments for treatment. For example, full dental implants require several visits to the dentist’s office over the course of several months. However, this treatment permanently replaces your missing teeth and offers benefits like increased chewing ability and improved confidence. In addition, you will feel confident in your appearance and enjoy an improved quality of life. Discussing your options with your cosmetic dentist is the best way to make the best choice for your dental health needs.

If you’ve lost a tooth and are ready to explore your tooth replacement options, contact our team today to schedule a consultation. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our services and recommend the best treatment options for you!

What are the disadvantages of implants?

• Unlike a bridge, dental implants are placed directly in your jaw and do not require the support of surrounding teeth. Therefore, if one of the neighboring teeth is damaged or lost in the future, it will not be supported in the same way as with a traditional bridge. A dental implant is permanently placed and cannot be removed except by your dentist, so this tooth would need to be removed and replaced as well.

• Dental implants often require multiple visits to the dentist office for placement. This can take several months to complete.

• While dental implants are not technically considered cosmetic surgery, they do require surgery to place, so there is always some risk involved. The implant itself is made of titanium, which has been shown to be biocompatible when placed in bone. However, with any surgery there is a risk of infection, or the implant may not take properly to the jawbone.

• If your jawbone is not thick enough to support an implant, then you may need to undergo a bone graft procedure prior to implant placement.

What are the disadvantages of a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a permanent restoration that is attached to two porcelain crowns, or abutments. The crowns are bonded to the teeth adjacent to the gap in order to fill the space. An implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with your natural bone structure. Once the titanium has fused with the jawbone, the implant can be restored with a dental crown, dental bridge, or even an implant-supported denture. While a dental implant is slightly more expensive than a traditional dental bridge, the advantages far outweigh any additional costs involved. Here are some things to consider about dental implants versus bridges:

- With a dental bridge, surrounding teeth have to be altered to fit the crowns of the bridge. With an implant, the surrounding teeth are left intact. This can help prevent problems with your bite, as well as damage to your adjacent tooth enamel due to grinding and clenching.

- Placing a bridge requires the removal of some of your healthy tooth enamel. This can lead to significant sensitivity issues in the future. Because implants are anchored within your jawbone, they do not require a filing down of your tooth enamel. In fact, this can help preserve the integrity of your tooth enamel.

- Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in a row. They can even replace an entire row of missing teeth. The bridge is used to replace a singular missing tooth, but would fall out of place if more than one tooth is replaced.

- When used to support dentures, implants provide superior stability and security. This results in a more comfortable and convenient solution when compared to traditional dentures.

- A traditional bridge requires that you adhere to the strict dietary restrictions of a temporary restoration. With implants, you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your