Our smiles serve as our initial introduction to the world, but if you’re self-conscious about a missing tooth, you may be reluctant to flash your pearly whites. Whether the result of injury, illness, or decay, if you’ve lost an adult tooth or teeth, you know that it can impact your self-confidence.
Missing teeth can also adversely affect your bite, and the bone resorption associated with tooth loss can weaken your jaw’s ability to support the lips and cheeks, causing your face to appear older.
Fortunately, there are several options for replacing missing teeth. The two most common restorative treatments are dental implants or a dental bridge. If you are looking for a solution to missing teeth, it’s essential to know the difference between an implant and a bridge and the pros and cons of each.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a device created by your dentist that bridges the gap left when you lose a tooth. Bridges have been a part of dentistry since the early 1900s and remain a popular recommendation for tooth loss among dentists.
There are different types of dental bridges, but in its most basic form, a dental bridge is one continuous piece composed of one to four fake teeth called pontics that fits neatly into the gap created by missing teeth.
To make a bridge, a dental professional takes an impression of your mouth, creating a model from which the bridge, pontics, and crowns are formed.
A traditional fixed dental bridge is held in place by dental crowns that fit over the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap, anchoring the bridge to the mouth.
To create a perfect fit for the crown over the existing teeth, the dentist reshapes the natural teeth and removes a portion of the enamel. The dentist then installs the bridge and cements it in place.
Pros of a Dental Bridge
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a great option to prevent shifting in the mouth and improve your ability to speak and chew naturally. They are usually lightweight, easy to get used to, and comfortable.
-
Quicker, Simpler Procedure
From start to finish, a dental bridge procedure is usually completed in 1-2 visits to the dentist. Installing a dental bridge vs. an implant is a much simpler process.
-
No Surgery
One of the reasons a bridge is quicker to install is that it doesn’t involve any surgery. Whereas dental implants require a surgical procedure, a prospect some patients find invasive.
-
Affordability
Bridges are generally considered to be one of the most cost-effective ways to replace missing teeth. Also, dental insurance companies are more likely to pay for a bridge than a costlier implant.
Cons of a Dental Bridge
-
Tooth Preparation Can Damage Teeth
One of the biggest disadvantages to a dental bridge is the preparation needed on adjoining teeth in 0rder to attach a crown.
Removing the naturally protective enamel to contour and reshape the tooth increases the risk of permanent damage.
- Added Stress on Natural Teeth
Another potential drawback of a dental bridge is the strain they place on structures in the mouth surrounding your gap. They also do not support the underlying tissue leading to bone loss, shifting teeth, and changes in facial shape.
- Don’t Last as Long as Implants
Another big difference between a dental bridge vs. an implant is that bridges don’t last as long. While dental implants are expected to last a lifetime, dental bridges only last 5-15 years, depending on your level of care. Because of the stress a dental bridge places on anchor teeth, they may need to be frequently replaced.
What are Dental Implants?
The second option for the replacement of missing teeth is a dental implant. The most significant difference between an implant and a bridge is how the artificial tooth secures to the mouth.
Rather than relying on adjoining teeth, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. Generally made of titanium, the implant fuses with the bone over time to create a secure base for a prosthetic tooth.
Dental implant surgery is typically performed in stages, allowing a patient to heal in between each.
To place the dental implant, an oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum to reveal the jawbone. Next, a hole is drilled into the bone where the metal implant post is installed. Once the bone has healed and fused with the implant, an abutment is placed to attach an artificial crown.
Pros of Dental Implants
-
Less Burden on Surrounding Teeth
A big drawback of a dental bridge vs. an implant is the stress it places on the teeth that anchor it in place. Dental implants support the surrounding teeth, as well as the gum and bone tissue underneath the implant site to strengthen your jaw and improve your oral health.
-
Durability
Unlike a dental bridge, an implant is a permanent solution for most people. The implants are fused to the jawbone, so it’s more stable than a bridge and more likely to last over time.
-
Realistic Results
Implants look and function in precisely the same way as your natural teeth, allowing you to chew and speak with ease.
Cons of Dental Implants
-
Longer, More Complex Procedure
One of the biggest cons of dental implants is the length of time it takes to prepare for and install them. Depending on your needs, you may need multiple trips to the dental office, and the lengthy prep time means you have to wait longer for the final result.
The procedure is also more complicated than installing a dental bridge, often requiring oral surgery and more extended healing periods between steps in the process.
-
Higher Cost
Another drawback to dental implant surgery is the cost. Because the procedure is more complicated than bridge installation and uses higher quality materials, it’s more expensive, especially if you need multiple implants.
Combination Approach
Increasingly, dental professionals are using a hybrid approach to replace missing teeth. If you have lost a significant number of teeth in one area, your dentist may recommend installing an implant to anchor a bridge more securely.
The Takeaway
Now that you know a little more about the difference between a dental implant and a bridge, we recommend discussing your course of tooth loss treatment with a qualified professional.
With more than 50 highly experienced dentists in state-of-the-art dental clinics located conveniently throughout Sydney, No Gaps Dental can provide you with knowledgeable service from your initial consultation about a dental bridge vs. an implant to the conclusion of your procedure.
You don’t have to struggle with the stigma of missing teeth. Call No Gaps Dental at (02) 8806 0227 to begin your journey to a healthier mouth and a happier you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.