Which Is Better, Dental Bridge or an Implant?
A familiar problem affecting many is tooth loss. Estimates are available that 69 percent of adults between 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth; by 74, approximately 25 percent of Canadians lose all their teeth.
When you miss a tooth, it is essential to seek an appropriate replacement solution to keep your remaining teeth aligned. Replacement teeth also help retain your facial appearance and prevent challenges when eating or speaking. If you intend to replace your missing teeth, dental bridges and implants are the two most common options available.
Dental bridges are fake teeth held in position by healthy teeth beside the edentulous gap. Porcelain or acrylic helps make dental bridges appear similar to natural teeth. Whether you want to replace a missing tooth or several dental bridges can help cover the missing tooth gap in your smile.
Biocompatible titanium helps make dental implants function as artificial tooth roots after embedding in your jawbone with a dental crown mounted atop them or a bridge.
This article compares the benefits and downsides of bridges and implants while looking at factors that help determine an option better for your specific needs.
Dental Implants Vs. Bridges
Implants and bridges deliver natural-looking results. However, they come with a set of benefits and downsides. Consider how these two tooth replacement solutions compare by learning their pros and cons.
Dental Bridge Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
Dental bridges are likely covered by insurance and don’t require extensive bone grafting surgery as it is familiar with implants.
The upfront cost of dental bridges is lower, and you can receive them in two visits to the dental clinic in Bolton, with locations on Healey road and harvest Moon Drive. You can receive dental bridges in approximately three weeks than months needed by dental implants.
Drawbacks
- Dental bridges need replacements every 5 to 7 years, although you can extend their longevity up to 15 years.
- As they age, dental bridges lose their natural-looking appearance.
- Dental bridges make you vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities in the surrounding teeth, unlike implants.
- Bridges damage the healthy teeth surrounding the missing tooth gap.
Dental Implant Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
- Dental implants last for 15 years or more, making them a durable option for replacing missing teeth.
- Implants retain their natural-looking appearance longer than bridges.
- In addition, implants don’t damage the healthy teeth surrounding the edentulous gap.
- The ten-year success rate of dental implants is higher at around 97 percent.
Drawbacks
- Dental implants are not likely to receive coverage from insurance providers.
- The dental implant process requires six months or more before getting artificial teeth.
- Dental implants require a higher upfront investment, and the surgery can result in complications.
Choosing between Implants and Bridges
If you are contemplating between a dental bridge in Bolton or an implant, you get excellent advice about tooth replacement solutions from an experienced dentist. The optimal option for you depends on your budget, the number of missing teeth, and your overall health.
If you possess dental insurance, your provider will likely cover the costs of a dental bridge than an implant. However, if you don’t have dental insurance and bridges or implants are out of your reach, you can discuss with the dental clinic for options like partial dentures, et cetera.
If you miss more than one consecutive tooth, a dental bridge is an excellent option than an implant. Separate implants need embedding into your jawbone for every missing tooth, making the replacement option expensive and impractical.
Your overall health also plays a role because dental implants require surgery and are not optimal options if you have diabetes or other immunosuppressive conditions. The optimal candidates for dental implants are patients with good overall health and jawbone free from decay and healthy to support implants.
The dental implant procedure requires a few months while getting dental bridges from the Bolton provider involves a couple of visits. If getting dental implants, the titanium post is embedded into your jawbone to attach the implant’s root to your body. Your provider might attach a temporary denture over the implant while you wait to recover from the surgical procedure.
In contrast, bridges need restructuring of your natural teeth besides the missing tooth gap and a gap of three weeks for the dental laboratory to customize your dental bridge. You can have your permanent dental bridge fixed in your mouth in three weeks.
Dental bridges and implants are excellent solutions for replacing a missing tooth. If costs aren’t a constraint, neither is your overall health and consider dental implants as a better option because they last longer without damaging your surrounding teeth. However, dental bridges are better for your needs if you are affected by any health conditions and don’t want to invest considerably in your missing tooth. Your dentist can help determine the best option after examining your health and teeth when you discuss your needs.
Do not consider leading a toothless life after missing a tooth or two but discuss your specific needs with South Hill Dental providing dental bridges in Bolton. Your discussion with the practice helps you determine which replacement solution best suits your needs.