A tooth bridge vs implant is a dilemma often faced by patients looking to replace missing teeth. Extracted or missing teeth can pose many dental issues but a quality replacement is key to a healthy beautiful smile. Both dental bridges and dental implants do a similar job of replacing missing teeth but the treatments are quite different. Which brings us to the question of which option is right for you? Let’s start by looking more closely at each treatment.
What are dental bridges?
As their name suggests, dental bridges are used to ‘bridge’ the gap between teeth caused by a missing tooth or teeth.
A bridge is made up of one or more dental crowns (depending on how many teeth are missing) and rests on the gums to fill the space. It’s held in place by two dental crowns at each end of the bridge, that are fitted over the teeth at either side of the gap.
How dental bridges work?
When comparing a tooth bridge vs implant, the former procedure can usually be completed in as little as two dental visits spaced a few weeks apart whereas the procedure for a dental implant can take up to six months and sometimes longer.
During the first visit to get a dental bridge, the dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the space. This involves removing part of the tooth enamel and filing the teeth down to make room for the dental crowns that will be placed over them. Unfortunately, this compromises what were initially healthy teeth and leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Also, the tooth root is not replaced by a bridge so natural bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing will still take place, causing the jaw to change shape over time.
An impression is taken of the prepared teeth and a mould is produced from which the bridge is then created. A temporary bridge will be fitted to protect the exposed gums and teeth while your permanent appliance is being constructed.
During the second visit, the permanent bridge is fitted, the bite checked, and any adjustments made.
How long do dental bridges last?
On average a dental bridge will last around 10 years. Typically a bridge consists of a minimum of 3 dental crowns that are attached to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The design can make it harder to brush and floss the teeth but the hygienist will show you the best technique to maintain good oral hygiene.
What are dental Implants?
Dental implants provide patients with an alternative solution to missing teeth and are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. Surgically inserted into the jawbone, implants look, feel, and act just like natural teeth so that patients often forget they even have them.
How do dental implants work?
A dental implant is in effect an artificial tooth root (usually made from titanium) that supports a dental crown. One of the many benefits of dental implants is that they can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth (implant-retained bridge) or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw utilising an implant retained denture.
Once a dental implant has been placed in the mouth it’s covered with a protective screw and left to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a process known as osseointegration. Depending on the individual this can take up to six months or longer. Once this process has occurred, an impression is taken from which the dental crown is made, and the protective cover is replaced with a temporary crown. This acts as a template for the gums to grow and shape naturally. The restoration is complete when the temporary crown is replaced with a permanent lifelike crown.
Can I get a dental implant after a bridge?
Yes, once the bridge wears out or you decide that it doesn’t look as natural as you had hoped it would, it may be possible to switch from a bridge to dental implants although if bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be necessary before having implants.
How does a dental implant look?
When performed by an experienced dentist it looks just like a natural tooth since it will be shaped and colour matched to the surrounding teeth to create a seamless smile. Moreover, since it acts as an artificial tooth root, any bone loss is halted and the facial structures are retained.
How long does a dental implant last?
With proper oral care, an implant can last for several decades although the dental crown may need eventual replacement.
Tooth Bridge vs Implant – Candidacy
Both dental implants and dental bridges have certain eligibility requirements that must be met to become a candidate and this will be determined during an initial consultation.
A person’s jaw must have stopped growing to have a dental implant and patients suffering from periodontal disease, cancer or diabetes may need additional treatments to qualify for an implant. Smokers will also need to quit during the implant procedure.
Qualifying for a dental bridge is less restrictive with the main determining factor being the health and stability of the supporting teeth.
The cost of a tooth bridge vs implant
Cost can often be the determining factor and while initially, a bridge is likely to cost less than a dental implant, an implant has the potential to last for decades, so it’s likely to be more cost-effective in the long-run.
Here at No Gaps Dental, we’ve fitted thousands of patients with dental implants and for many, the results are often life-changing. Why not schedule a consultation to discuss your best option? Call us on (02) 8806 0227 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.