If you’re looking to replace a missing tooth, you may be facing a common dilemma of a dental bridge vs implant and uncertain which to choose. It can be upsetting to lose a tooth, particularly if the gap left behind is visible to others. But more importantly, it can cause functionality problems too.
Missing teeth can knock a huge dent in your confidence while making it difficult for you to chew your favourite foods and even speak with clarity. If you find this happening to you, it can be hard to find a reason to smile.
Dental bridge vs Implant – Two options for replacing missing teeth
Here at No Gaps Dental, two of the most common solutions we provide for replacing missing teeth are a dental bridge or dental implants. Undoubtedly you’re already aware that dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement, but could a dental bridge be equally effective?
While fundamentally both a bridge and dental implants address the same problem, at a technical level, they present two vastly different treatments for you to consider and at two different price points.
Before making any hasty decision and then regretting it later, it’s important to have a better understanding of both treatments to decide which option works best for your unique dental needs and lifestyle.
To help you reach a decision, we’ve put together a list of the pros and cons for a dental bridge vs implant.
So pull up a chair and enjoy the read.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is created by placing a crown on each of the teeth at either side of the gap. These are then joined together with one or more false teeth to close the gap and restore a patient’s smile.
The procedure involves reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to make room for the dental crowns which ultimately support the bridge. A dental bridge restores both aesthetics and functionality and is a permanent fixture that can only be removed by our dentist.
So, what are the pros of a dental bridge?
There are several advantages associated with a dental bridge, namely:
- A dental bridge is more cost-effective than a dental implant. That said, when you consider that a dental bridge has a lifespan of 15 years at most, it could be argued that a dental implant which has been proven to last in excess of 40 years, is more cost-effective in the long term.
- Unlike a dental implant, a bridge does not require surgery or bone graft and is a minimally invasive procedure.
- A dental bridge can be completed in around 3 weeks from the first consultation. Compare this with a dental implant that can take up to 6 months or longer from the first consultation.
- Dental crowns come in a variety of materials including porcelain, ceramic, gold, and base metals. Most patients opt for porcelain as it can be shade-matched to your teeth for a seamless smile.
- A dental bridge prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting into the gap and causing misalignment issues.
What about the cons of a dental bridge?
- Healthy teeth need to be filed down to accommodate the dental crowns
- A dental bridge does not solve the problem of bone loss which naturally occurs when a tooth is lost
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed deep into the jawbone replacing missing teeth. Once in position, they’re left to fuse with the surrounding bone to become strong enough to support a prosthetic device such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
What are the pros of a dental implant?
- With care, dental implants have a success rate of 98%
- Dental implants can last a lifetime when cared for properly and are maintained just like natural teeth. However, the dental crowns are likely to need replacing in 15 to 20 years.
- As far as looks go, dental implants closely resemble natural teeth so most people would be hard pushed to tell the difference.
- A dental implant is a stand-alone device and unlike bridges, doesn’t require adjacent teeth to be filed down.
- Since a dental implant stimulates the jaw bone, it halts bone loss which over time can cause a person’s facial features to change shape, giving a sunken look that makes them look older than their years.
What about the cons of dental implants?
- From the first consultation, dental implants can take up to 9 months to complete and involve numerous visits to the dental clinic.
- An implant costs more at the outset than a dental bridge.
- Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a dental implant. If you are a smoker you will need to quit before, during, and after treatment to improve your chances of success. If you have diabetes or heart disease, dental implants may not be an appropriate treatment for you.
Dental Bridge vs Implant – The Conclusion
When it comes to replacing missing teeth with a bridge or dental implant, there are several factors to consider. For example, how many teeth do you need to replace? How much are you willing to spend? Do you have time for multiple dental visits?
A dental bridge is a good solution if your tooth has been missing for some time since bone loss has probably already occurred and there may not be sufficient to place an implant. Your dentist may suggest a bone graft, but this will add further to the costs involved and the healing period.
One dental bridge can also fill the gap left behind by 2 to 3 missing teeth and doesn’t require multiple dental visits.
If you’re looking for a permanent life-long smile that looks natural, can last a lifetime, and prevents any further damage to other teeth, then dental implants are a good solution.
For more information about dental bridges or implants or to book a dental implant consultation, contact No Gaps Dental today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.