As of 2023, there are 185,897 dental businesses in the US, with an average increase of 1.0% annually between 2018-2023. So, you can undoubtedly find a clinic that will suit your needs and help you get the smile you deserve.
Missing teeth can affect your confidence, appearance, and even your health. Whatever the reason for your tooth loss, we advise you to replace them as soon as possible. Dental implants or bridges can restore your confidence while preventing future dental problems.
But what is the difference between these treatments, and which is best for you? It is critical to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment before choosing one. Whether you have one or a few missing teeth, there are a few things you should consider.
Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of these treatment options and how our dentist in Scottsdale, AZ can help you decide which solution is best for your oral health.
Dental Implants vs Bridges
Let’s weigh the benefits and disadvantages of dental implants and bridges to help you decide which option is best for you.
Placement of Dental Implants and Bridges
Implants are titanium screws that are surgically implanted into the jawbone in the same way that natural tooth roots are. The implants will become part of your natural anatomy since the human body does not recognize titanium as a foreign substance. They provide unparalleled support for the dental bridge. Dentists can use them to support individual crowns or in conjunction with bridges to offer support for them.
A bridge is a false tooth supported by two dental crowns. The bridges replace teeth rather than tooth roots and do not fuse with the jawbone. The bridges are secured to the gums with crowns put on two or more teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth. Getting a crown requires buffing down adjoining teeth so the crown can be placed. Dental bridges can replace one or several teeth on one side of your mouth.
Flexibility
You need healthy adjacent teeth for support if you want a dental bridge. For bridges to be possible, you must have at least one tooth around your missing tooth. On the other hand, oral surgeons can use implants to replace multiple missing teeth. So, implants are more flexible since they offer various combinations.
Duration of the Treatment
Dental implants can take months to complete, whereas an oral surgeon can install bridges in two visits spread out over a few weeks. First, they will drill into the jawbone and put the implant’s root into the bone. While waiting for your bone to heal, they might place a temporary denture since you must wait between two and six months for your bones to cure before adding crowns.
Cost
In most cases, dental insurance will cover implants. But if you don’t have insurance, you should know that the initial treatment cost of implants is usually higher than the cost of bridges. This is why a dental bridge is more popular for patients on a tight budget. Dental implants, however, last longer than bridges and might be a more cost-effective solution. You can also spread the cost of the treatment, making both options a viable choice.
Longevity
Bridgework has a shorter life expectancy than implants. Bridges typically last five to fifteen years, whereas dental implants usually last 25 years.
Implants can last just like natural teeth if adequately cared for. Bridges, however, can weaken due to pressure and the removal of the supporting teeth. Also, a bridge will need restoration treatment, but you can extend its life by caring for it.
Bridges have more potential for failure because they aren’t held too securely. In addition, tooth decay may destroy the tooth holding the bridge, whereas implants are resistant to decay.
Aftercare
Gum disease can harm both options, so you must practice good oral hygiene after the procedure and in the long run. Flossing is more difficult with a bridge, but you should ask your dentist for instructions to care for it properly.
Which Option Is Best for You?
There are other factors to consider before deciding which treatment option is for you.
Number of Missing Teeth
A bridge is better if you miss two or more consecutive teeth. For every missing tooth, the oral surgeon must attach an implant to your jawbone, resulting in costly and impractical surgery.
Overall Health
You will need surgery for the implants, so they might not be a good choice for patients suffering from conditions that slow healing, like leukemia or diabetes. To be a good candidate for implants, you should have good health and a jawbone healthy enough to support the implants.
Functionality and Appearance
The implants will be hidden within your jawbone, so they won’t be visible. The false teeth will be similar in size and shape to the natural teeth, so they will also look and feel natural. However, bridges are not embedded beneath the gum, so the bridge’s structure might be visible between or behind the replacement teeth.
Damage
Dental implants might be a better option to prevent causing damage to your teeth. For example, the dentist might have to cut your teeth on both sides when you get a bridge. Also, the implants can withstand the same pressure as natural teeth because they are embedded in the jaw. In contrast, bridges distribute pressure to your adjacent tooth, which is usually cut or filed down.
Restore Your Smile
Correct tooth loss and regain your confidence today. Rod W. Gore, DDS is not a typical dentistry practice – it is a technologically advanced office. You will get excellent care, starting with a friendly consultation to assess your dental needs and create a personalized plan.
The professional and knowledgeable staff will give you all the needed information about the procedures you are interested in, so you can easily decide which treatment is best for you.
Contact us today for more information about our general, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments.