If you’re thinking about replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant or dental bridge in Sydney, you may be wondering about the merits of both treatments and which is the right choice for your smile.
At No Gaps Dental, we understand that there’s a lot to consider on the path to a natural-looking, fully functional smile restoration, and you need a solution that makes sense for your lifestyle and treatment goals.
In this comparative guide to bridges vs dental implants in Sydney, we’ll cover everything from cost to care and aesthetic to timeline, to help you better understand what each treatment could mean for you.
The Difference Between Dental Bridges and Dental Implants
The tooth implant vs bridge debate reveals several advantages and disadvantages for each tooth replacement option.
You’ll need to consider the surgical requirements, maintenance, appearance, and cost of each, and what they would mean for your lifestyle when choosing your best treatment option. An experienced dentist can also help you determine your suitability, and you can book an appointment at one of our 18 dental clinics in Sydney today to learn more.
Dental Implant vs Bridge Pros and Cons
Surgical Procedure
Dental implants are made up of titanium rods fused to your jawbone to support a dental crown or bridge, while dental bridges are like false teeth made from porcelain or plastic that are held in place by the surrounding teeth.
Implants are a sturdy, reliable option that can even reduce bone recession, but they do require a surgical procedure to embed them in your jawbone. It will take about 4–8 months for the surgical site to heal and for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, after which the implant is fitted with an abutment and a dental crown for a natural-looking and fully functioning tooth.
It’s important to note that there is a small risk of infection and nerve damage with any dental surgery, and your dentist will discuss all of this with you beforehand.
As Dr Marcia Okada notes, a dental bridge procedure is a lot less invasive than surgery. For dental bridges, the teeth adjacent to the gap are prepped and fitted with dental crowns to anchor the bridge, which is then cemented in place. Unlike dentures, a dental bridge is not removable1.
Due to the filing down of healthy teeth to support a dental bridge, your surrounding teeth may weaken over time. This makes implants the preferred option for front teeth, where appearance and preservation are often a priority.
Care & Maintenance
If you want your dental implants or bridges to last for as many years as possible, good oral hygiene is essential, and you must be willing to commit to that ongoing maintenance.
“Thankfully, dental implants are easy to clean,” says Dr Okada. “You simply brush and floss as normal.”
Some other tips for properly looking after your dental implants or bridges at home2 include:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Cleaning and flossing under the bridge with specialised floss or brushes
- Avoiding hard, sticky, and sugary foods
- Not chewing or biting on hard objects like pens and fingernails
However, as dental bridges offer restricted access for things such as flossing, maintaining them can be a little more tedious. As a result, dental bridges tend to fail in 5–10 years from poor oral health, compared to the average 20–30 year lifespan of dental implants under proper care.
Durability
Dental implants are fixed securely to your jawbone and, like a natural tooth, can withstand pressure. A dental implant is 97% likely to last at least 10 years3, although the dental crown may need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
“A dental bridge is not fixed to your jawbone, and tends to put greater strain on your mouth,” explains Dr Okada. “Dental bridges also don’t stimulate your jawbone, so it may recede and you may have to replace your restoration down the line.”
It’s recommended that you book a consultation with your dentist to assess your jawbone beforehand, particularly if it has been a few years since you lost your tooth.
Appearance
Both dental implants and bridges are discrete treatment options, and each is designed to restore the appearance of your natural smile.
However, as tooth implants are embedded below the gum, they’re typically less noticeable than dental bridges, which sit on top of the gum and may be noticeable under close scrutiny depending on their location in your mouth.
Length of Treatment
Tooth implants can take several months to complete because the implant has to fuse with the jawbone before the abutment and dental crown can be added. If you lack sufficient jawbone density, you may also require a bone graft or sinus lift surgery before undergoing dental implant surgery, and this can add to the length of your treatment.
Dental bridge treatment is much quicker, usually taking between one and three weeks to install and requiring just two visits to your dentist. However, while dental bridge treatment can be completed faster, it can weaken over time, and you may need to undergo further treatment.
On the other hand, with proper care, dental implants can last between 20-30 years, and you should only need to visit your dentist for your six-month check-ups.
Health Benefits & How Missing Teeth Affect Your Jawbone
Although a dental bridge offers a quick solution for missing teeth, dental implants offer a number of practical health benefits.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry4, a tooth implant can help gums that have been infected as a result of missing teeth heal. Additionally, dental implants can preserve and stimulate jawbone growth over time.
In contrast, a dental bridge does not interact with the bone, and this can lead to shrinkage or weakening of the jaw over time. It can also damage and alter the structure of your remaining natural teeth, which have to undergo significant preparation to accommodate a bridge.
Dental Implants vs Bridge Cost
Lifetime Cost Comparison
Dental implants come with a higher upfront cost than dental bridges, but when it comes to overall treatment costs, dental implants may actually be the most cost-effective option.
Dental bridges are generally cheaper and can replace a tooth in just one or two appointments, meaning fewer visits to your dentist overall.
However, dental implants are designed to be much longer lasting, and generally require considerably fewer replacements or repairs. Implants are also more beneficial to the surrounding teeth and overall health of the mouth than dental bridges, which can also help to reduce additional treatment costs over time.
Insurance Coverage
Due to the higher initial cost of dental implants, your insurer is more likely to pay for a bridge than for an implant.
If you’re relying on your insurance for treatment, it’s worth talking to your provider about your coverage first, and your dentist can help provide the relevant information and procedure numbers you’ll need to supply.
Choosing Between a Dental Bridge vs Implant
If the cost and speed of treatment are major factors in your choice between a tooth implant vs dental bridge, then a bridge is likely your best option. With shorter treatment times, a lower cost, and no surgical requirements, a dental bridge can help you restore the appearance of your smile quickly and effectively.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to restoring your missing teeth, then dental implants may be your best option. Although they’re initially more expensive, dental implants offer a more comprehensive restorative solution for your mouth.
To learn more about the tooth restoration options available at No Gaps Dental, or to discuss the suitability of dental implants vs bridges vs dentures for your smile, you can talk to one of our 70 experienced dentists in Sydney about a personalised treatment plan.
We believe that quality care should never be out of reach, and it’s why we offer flexible payment plans to help you cover the cost of your tooth restoration.
Call us now or book a consultation online today to get started.
References:
1 HealthDirect “Dental Bridge”
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-bridge
2 Bupa Dental “How to look after a dental implant, bridge or dentures at home”
3 Healthline “What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Dental Implants?”
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/benefits-of-dental-implants#benefits
4 American Academy of Implant Dentistry “Implants vs. Dentures & Bridges” https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.