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What Are Some Key Differences Between Dental Bridges and Dental Implants?

Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges

For a healthier and brighter smile! 

“Should I get a bridge or an implant?” This is a common question people ask when considering tooth replacement. How does tooth replacement benefit you? A tooth replacement option can prevent infections associated with extracted or missing teeth, but a healthy, beautiful smile starts with a quality replacement option. Dental bridges and implants are two popular tooth replacement solutions. The question remains: which is better for your smile: dental implants or bridges? Finally, your dentist will assist you in determining which option is best for you.  

  

Dental Implants vs. Bridges: What’s the Difference?   

What Are Dental Implants?   

A dental implant requires you to undergo oral surgery to position the titanium post into your jaw. An abutment will be attached to the post a few months later, and a dental crown will be either cemented or screwed into it.    

Are you wondering whether your dental implant will blend in with your natural teeth? Well, dental implants will look and feel the same as natural teeth! Additionally, they protect your jawbone from any possible bone loss.   

What Is a Bridge?   

Dental bridges are artificial teeth used to bridge gaps between missing teeth. Your dentist will attach the bridge between two crowns on either side of the missing tooth. Bridges are great if you replace a tooth or teeth at the back of your mouth.  

   

Types of Dental Bridges   

Traditional Dental Bridge   

The most common kind of dental bridge is a traditional one. It makes use of dentures that are secured in place by dental crowns bonded to adjacent natural teeth. This option is ideal when you have natural teeth on both sides of a missing tooth.   

Cantilever Dental Bridge   

Cantilever dental bridges use a dental crown cemented to a neighbouring tooth, so you only need one natural tooth to fill the gap created by the missing tooth.   

Maryland Dental Bridge   

Like a traditional bridge, a Maryland bridge needs two healthy teeth on each side of the missing tooth gap. A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework glued to the adjacent teeth’ backs instead of dental crowns.  

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge   

Bridges supported by an impact force are typically considered the strongest and most stable types. A bridge with an impact-supported base may require several months to complete because it involves two surgeries: one to embed the implants into the jawbone and one to place the bridge.   

   

Types of implants   

Endosteal   

These implants are placed in the jawbone. It is the most commonly used implant type, which is made of titanium and shaped like a small screw.   

Subperiosteal   

These dental implants are placed under the gum but on, or above, the jawbone. This type of implant can be used by patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and who cannot or do not wish to undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.  

   

Dental implant vs. bridge   

Bridges and implants may deliver natural-looking results but have their Pros and Cons.  

 We take a closer look at these two tooth replacement options.   

   

Implant    

Pros   

  • Implants last a lifetime  
  • Function and look like natural teeth  
  • Replace tooth roots to keep the jawbone strong  

 Cons   

  • Involves surgery  
  • Expensive  

Bridge    

Pros   

  • Crown lasts 5-10 years  
  • Function and look like natural teeth  

 Cons   

  • Requires removal of healthy gums from adjacent teeth  
  • Expensive  
  • Don’t replace tooth roots  

   

Dental Bridges vs. Implants: Analysing the Major Differences   

Both dental bridges and dental implants can help restore your smile and confidence. With that said, which one should you choose?   

Let’s take a look at the key differences between these two procedures.   

Cost   

Consider the long-term return on your investment, even though a dental implant will often cost more than a bridge. While implants are made to last a lifetime, as time passes, an implant overtakes a bridge as the most financially smart choice because it doesn’t need to be replaced every few years as a bridge does.  

Wait Time   

Compared to implants, a dental bridge is easier to install. Actually, for a few weeks, you need one or two visits. The recovery period with an implant is a little longer because it might take up to six months for your jawbone to surround the titanium post.  

Durability   

An implant is more reliable, strong, and long-lasting than a bridge. This is because an implant addresses and aids in correcting any underlying structural issues that may exist following the removal of your teeth.  

A bridge may visually close your gap but can’t deal with persistent problems like thinning your jawbone’s bone density. These problems may worsen with time, requiring the removal and replacement of the bridge.  

Natural Appearance   

Bridges now seem more natural than ever, thanks to dental technology improvements. However, most are at least slightly noticeable, especially if positioned near the front of your mouth. On the other hand, an implant is made to resemble the appearance and feel of your original teeth, fusing in naturally and creating an appealing appearance.  

Jawbone Health   

A dental implant offers benefits beyond just cosmetic restoration. It can help strengthen your jawbone! If you lose a tooth for any reason, your jawbone can begin to shrink over time. Every time you bite down or chew with the new tooth, the implant surgically placed in this bone will help strengthen it.  

  

Oral health benefits   

It’s essential to replace missing teeth for your dental and general health. The reason is listed below:  

Eating: Eating is made much simpler with strong teeth, allowing you to continue to eat wholesome, nutritious foods. Teeth replacement can also aid in preventing TMJ dysfunction.  

Stability of other teeth: Each tooth depends on the strength of the others to maintain its position. Other teeth may erupt into a gap left by missing teeth.  

Facial muscles: Even losing a back tooth might make your mouth slouch inward, giving you an older appearance.  

Bone deterioration: Dental implants and bridges can help maintain your jawbone’s strength.  

  

Make the right first step towards better dental health by choosing the best dental option. At Alpha Dental, we are more than just a Perth dental clinic. We are your trusted local family-friendly dentist who cares about your oral health and hygiene. What are you waiting for? We are just a call away.  

Get your appointment today!

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