Comparing Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Dental implants and bridges are two options you get to explore if you have missing teeth. These oral restorations restore the function and appearance of missing teeth in their unique way. Missing teeth can reduce one’s confidence. Not replacing lost teeth can also cause the remaining teeth moving out of their proper alignment. This can lead to a variety of dental issues like tooth decay.
Dental implants vs. bridges
To help you make an educated decision on which oral prosthetic will work best for you, let us take a closer look at how these restorations work:
1. Dental implants
Nowadays, these are the preferred way to replace missing teeth. They provide a complete solution that replaces lost roots and the visible part of teeth. Dental implants are surgically inserted into a person’s jaw and fuse with bone tissues in a process called osseointegration. The implant serves as an artificial root, and a restoration like a crown is attached to it to replace the visible part of the tooth. Dental bridges can also be attached to implants.
The benefits of replacing teeth with dental implants include:
- There is no specialized cleaning needed, just brushing and flossing
- It prevents the bone tissue loss that takes place when a tooth falls out; this condition is called jawbone atrophy and can make a person’s face appear wrinkled and sunken
- Implants look just like the rest of the patient’s teeth, so it is virtually impossible to notice when a person has implants
- Implants restore the function of teeth; there is no adjustment period with implants because the prosthetic feels just like the tooth it replaced
- Implants do not strain adjacent teeth, but the same cannot be said about dental bridges
- Implants can last a lifetime
There are a few things that are not so great about implants. These include:
- The process of getting implants can take up to six months
- Placing implants requires oral surgery
- Patients might need to get bone grafts before getting implants; this is usually the case when the patient’s jaw is not thick enough to hold implants
- Implants are typically the most expensive way to replace missing teeth
2. Dental bridges
These oral prosthetics are used to close up gaps caused by missing teeth. The bridge is usually supported by the teeth closest to the gap on either side. The teeth that serve as anchors for a bridge are called abutment teeth and are often fitted with crowns to provide more stability for the bridge.
The benefits that come with replacing teeth with bridges include:
- The installation of bridges does not require surgery
- The process can be completed in as little as two weeks
- Bridges restore the look and function of missing teeth
- Bridges are more affordable than implants
The disadvantages that come with implants include:
- Bridges are not as aesthetically pleasing as implants
- Permanent alterations are made to abutment teeth
- Bridges need to be replaced every seven years
- Bridges hinder oral hygiene
Explore your options with us
Call or visit our Marietta clinic to learn more about how bridges and implants can be used to replace your teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.greatsmiledentistmarietta.com or call Great Smile Dental at (770) 239-2506 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Marietta, GA.
Recent Posts
When Would You Need Dental Implants?
If you have ever critically damaged or lost a tooth and had it repaired, you probably had a dental implant set. A dental implant is a metal fixture installed by a dentist that fuses to the jawbone via a process called osseointegration. This allows for artificial teeth to be securely placed on top of it.…
Mini Vs. Regular Dental Implants
If you are an adult investigating procedures for replacing a missing tooth, dental implants may be the ideal option for supporting an artificial tooth in an otherwise healthy smile. Because implants can be affordable and nearly invisible when placed correctly, this procedure is popular with young people and older individuals alike.Before a patient decides to…
Dental Implants: A Long-Term Solution For Missing Teeth
When opting for dental implants to address missing teeth, people want to know that the result is attractive and long-lasting. The process of getting implants is often more expensive and lengthier than other alternatives, so patients need to know that they are investing their money wisely. Fortunately, dental implants are a long-term solution for missing…
Common Truths And Myths About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a bit of a mystery for those individuals who have never received more than a cavity filling. If you are scheduled to receive dental implants, make sure to understand the truth about the procedure and implants to set yourself up for success.Unfortunately, sometimes patients who need implants do not proceed with the…