Dental Bridge Vs Implants: Which Is Right for You?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Only your dentist understands the embarrassment of a missing tooth. Modern dentistry is equipped with AI, gadgets, and well-trained dentists, that can replace a missing tooth with a life-like replica. Dental implants and bridges are two examples of esthetic and permanent solutions to missing teeth.

Bridge vs implant is not a battle that needs to be won. Dental implants and bridges have their own indications, pros, and cons. If you have been advised by your dentist to have an implant bridge or a conventional tooth bridge, this article may help you make the correct choice about which is better bridge or implant.

Tooth bridge vs implant
Dental implants and bridges are permanently fixed to your mouth to replace the missing teeth. A dental bridge is a string of dental crowns/caps that are attached together to replace one or more missing teeth with the help of natural teeth. Dental implant bridges are single or multiple crowns that are joined to dental implants and not the natural teeth.

Here is an overview of the differences between the two - Bridge vs implant:
Dental Bridges: Pros
The procedure is quick and easy:
It takes about 2 -3 appointments to fix a dental bridge and restore your smile. The dental appointments last for 30 to 40 minutes, and the entire process can be completed in less than a week.

No surgery
It is ideal for medically ill patients. If you have the following health issues, then dental bridges would be a decent choice for you to replace your missing teeth:

• Critical heart issues - recent heart attacks, valve replacements, and cardiac myopathies
• Bleeding disorders - leukemia, severe anaemia, or platelet disorders
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Bone disorders or carcinomas

The procedure does not involve incisions or stitches. There is zero to minimal bleeding.

Non-ideal conditions
If you have had a missing tooth for years, the concerned space undergoes severe loss of bone and gums. This may make the space inappropriate for receiving a dental implant.

Budget-friendly
Dental bridges are a good choice for people on a limited budget because they are typically less expensive than dental implants.

Dental Bridges: Cons
It is invasive to the natural teeth
Crowns and bridges are anchored to the adjacent natural teeth for support. This involves unnecessary shaping and trimming of a healthy tooth. The tooth may become mildly sensitive with time.

Limited longevity
Tooth bridges last for many years, but they do not serve you forever. They require replacement due to breakage and deterioration.

Extensive maintenance
Dental bridges attract food particles and residues. It requires meticulous oral hygiene, regular brushing, and flossing.

Dental Implant Bridges: Pros
Preserves the jaw bone
The process by which the implants (titanium fixtures) osseointegrate or fuse with the jawbone helps to preserve bone and prevent bone loss.

It is an independent procedure
Implants do not rely on adjacent natural teeth as anchors. No grinding, shaping, or cutting of the natural, healthy teeth is required.

Lifllike esthetics
Implant bridges are the best dummies for missing natural teeth. They simulate the exact shape, color, and luster of natural teeth and gums.

Minimal maintenance
Oral hygiene is a must with dental implants as well; however, their intimate contact with the gums does not tend to accumulate food residues easily.

Best longevity
Implant bridges are for life. They do not need replacement unless, otherwise, the bone and gums around them get severely infected.

Implant Bridges: Cons
Takes time
Titanium takes 3 to 6 months to fuse with the bone before you can receive the implant bridge. Meanwhile, your dentist may provide you with a temporary implant bridge solution.

It is surgical in nature
Placing dental implants requires a minor jaw surgery to be done under local anesthesia. The gums are partially incised to drill the jaw bones to receive the implant. The procedure is virtually painless under anaesthesia.

Expensive
Implant bridges are a multispecialty approach that is technique sensitive. The titanium implants and the necessary medical instruments used are expensive, as is the expert implantologist.

Which is Better Bridge or Implant?
The bridge vs implant journey is patient specific. The ideal person to guide you on this is a quick search for the best implantologist near me. However, a well-informed person is the best patient. When you have adequate knowledge about dental implants and bridges, it will help you understand your dentist's suggestions much better.

If you just got back from a dental appointment with the best implantologist near me or are planning to go for one, keep in mind the following tips to choose between bridge vs implant:

Meet the dentist
Make an appointment with an implantologist or a prosthodontist who can examine you. Your teeth and jawbone and draw up a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Understand your bone and gum conditions
The possibility of dental implants is affected by the health of your surrounding teeth, the density of your jawbone, and your gum conditions. Moreover, you have to be medically fit and a non-smoker to avail yourself of implant bridges.

Consider the long-term solutions
Discuss with your dentist the potential long-term effects of each option on your adjacent teeth, jawbone, and general oral hygiene.

Understand your main concern, esthetics or function?
Consider how important natural appearance and optimal functionality are to you. Bridges may have some restrictions, but dental implants are typically more realistic and function and look like natural teeth.

Are you meticulous about oral hygiene?
Dental bridges may require additional cleaning methods, such as floss threaders or interdental brushes, to clean beneath the false tooth.

What's your budget?
Understand your finances before undergoing dental implants and bridges.

Do you have time on hand?
Dental bridges are affixed more quickly compared to dental implants. A bridge may be a better option if you need a rapid fix.

Flexibility in the future
Dental implants provide independent restoration without relying on nearby teeth. If you anticipate losing more teeth in the future or want the flexibility to undergo more dental work without tampering with the old ones, then implant bridges might be a better long-term solution.

Conclusion
Remember that the decision of bridge vs implant is unique and works differently from person to person. Always consider the advice of the best implantologist near me to decide on which is better bridge or implant.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.