Dental bridges and dental implants are effective treatments for tooth loss, restoring chewing function, improving speech, and giving you a fuller, healthier smile.
On average, Australians between 15 and 34 have more than 4 missing or decayed teeth. This number rises to over 10 between the ages of 35 and 54. By the time they are 75 or older, Australians usually have at least 24 missing or decayed teeth.
Whether you experience tooth loss due to periodontitis (gum disease), tooth decay, genetics, or an accident, it’s important to seek immediate dental care. Restorative treatment such as a dental bridge or implant not only helps with eating and speaking but is also critical in retaining bone structure and maintaining the shape of your face.
As two of the most common restorative options, choosing between dental implants and dental bridges can be difficult. At No Gaps Dental, we offer both dental implants and dental bridges. At an initial consultation, one of our dentists can assess your oral health and recommend the missing tooth replacement option for you.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth. A bridge is made of two or more dental crowns and a false tooth called a pontic. The crowns on either side of the pontic are fitted over the top of your natural teeth for support.
A dental bridge procedure is typically completed over two dental appointments a couple of weeks apart.
The crowns and pontics used for dental bridges are fabricated from porcelain or ceramic so they can be matched to the colour of your existing teeth to restore your natural smile.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) dental crowns. CEREC technology enables us to fabricate high-quality custom crowns onsite in as little as 15 minutes.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, typically crafted from titanium, that supports a dental crown to replace a missing tooth. Sometimes a bone graft or sinus lift is necessary before the dental implant surgery.
The bone graft enhances the width and depth of the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the implant.
A sinus lift involves moving the sinus membrane upwards to make room for additional bone in the upper jaw.
A screw-like rod is placed into the jawbone during dental implant surgery, where it will fuse to the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant heals, which usually takes anywhere from 4-6 months, you’ll return to the dentist to have an abutment placed, connecting your artificial tooth or dental crown to the dental implant.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer same-day ceramic crown placement using CEREC technology for your convenience. This allows us to design, fabricate, and fit your custom crows in a single dental visit.
After taking 3D scans of your teeth and gums, we mill your custom crowns onsite and fit them on the same day. This makes for a much faster, more convenient experience than traditional dental crown impressions and placement, which can take up to 2 weeks due to lab processing times.
Dental implants are the most realistic option for replacing missing teeth because they function and look like natural teeth.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
Before choosing between a dental implant or bridge, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. For individuals struggling with gum disease or smokers, a dental bridge is a great tooth replacement option that is virtually unaffected by your gum health.
The pros of dental bridges include:
- They are cost-effective and are often covered by dental insurance.
- The dental bridge procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t require surgery or bone grafting.
- Dental bridges are fitted quickly, often within two weeks.
The drawbacks of dental bridges:
- They must be replaced every 5-7 years.
- The surrounding teeth are often vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are more challenging to clean.
- The healthy abutment teeth supporting the pontic can become damaged after the bridge is fitted.
- Dental bridges do not stimulate the jawbone, and therefore do not prevent bone resorption.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most effective solution for patients with extensive tooth loss and structural damage to their jawbone. Advantages of dental implants over other procedures, like dental implants include: 
- Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option.
- Dental implants replicate the function of a natural tooth, so they look and feel authentic.
- A dental implant doesn’t cause harm to the surrounding healthy teeth.
- Dental implants have very high success rates. Approximately 97% of recipients still have their original implants after 10 years.
- You don’t have to modify your diet because dental implants are as strong as your natural teeth.
- No special dental products or tools are required for maintaining good oral hygiene; simply brush and floss as normal.
Drawbacks associated with dental implants include:
- The procedure requires multiple dental visits and can take more than 6 months to complete.
- The upfront costs of dental implants are higher than bridges.
Choosing Between a Dental Bridge or Implant
To determine whether a dental implant or a bridge is the right option for you, schedule a consultation with No Gaps Dental.
While implants are more expensive up-front, they are a permanent solution with a one-time cost.
Considering their success rate, durability, and ease of maintenance, a dental implant offers better value than many tooth replacement options, including dental bridges and dentures.
Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Bridge or Implant Today
Schedule a consultation with the team at No Gaps Dental to discuss whether a dental implant is a good option for your smile and oral health. An initial examination will determine whether your jawbone is healthy enough to support a dental implant.
Call No Gaps Dental on (02) 8806 0227 to book your appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.