For most individuals losing teeth can prove devastating without visiting the tooth fairy. Fortunately, there are various options in the dental industry to ensure your smile keep shining bright. Getting proper tooth replacement by your local dentist will ensure your teeth remain aligned. Also, it can assist in avoiding difficulty while speaking or eating and maintaining your facial shape.
Let’s look at two standard options and compare an implant vs a dental bridge.
A dental implant refers to a metal post that replaces acts as a replacement for a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is added on an extension of the post on the dental implant to give you the appearance of a natural tooth.
A dental bridge refers to artificial teeth held in place by those around your missing teeth. Usually, they are made from materials such as plastic or porcelain to align with your natural tooth colour. Bridges can cover a single or numerous missing teeth.
Here are the pros and cons of each and the different factors that can assist you in determining which option is best for you.
Dental Implant Vs Bridge
Both dental bridges and implants have the potential to deliver natural-looking results. However, each comes with its drawbacks and benefits. Here are various ways in which both tooth replacement options compare.
Dental Bridge Pros
- It’s a cheaper and faster replacement
- High possibility of being covered by insurance
- No need for invasive surgery or bone grafting
- Much limited risk when it comes to your health than for implants
- Only requires two visits to a dentist within a couple of weeks
Dental Bridge Cons
- They are less durable compared to implants, and they can’t last more than a decade
- For them to last longer, there is a need for proper care
- Tends to lose the natural-looking appearance with age
- Can destroy the healthy teeth immediate to the missing tooth
- High tooth decay and cavities in surrounding teeth compared to implants
Dental Implants Pros
- Appear and feel like natural teeth and last for a lifetime.
- Retain the natural appearance longer compared to bridges
- It’s a one-time purchase for a lifetime replacement
Dental Implant Cons
- They are pretty expensive and less likely to be catered for by insurance.
- It might take you up to 6 months to get a dental implant
- It might result in surgical complications
Implant Vs Bridge Cost
Generally, dental bridges have a lower upfront cost compared to implants. Also, the insurance is much more likely to cover part of the cost, if not the entire amount. The prices are different depending on various factors such as location, materials used, the type of implant and the length of the procedure.
Bridges are pretty cost-effective compared to implants due to similar needed dental work and extra surgery for an implant.
Keep in mind that the price doesn’t include the dental crown, which attaches the tooth to the primary teeth.
Despite implants having a higher upfront cost, they tend to age better than bridges, so you don’t need to replace them often.
How To Choose Between an Implant and A Bridge?
If you are ready to have your missing teeth fixed, some options will save that empty spot from being an easy target for different diseases while assisting you to gain confidence. With the fast-paced progress in dentistry, you can choose various options ranging from a dental bridge and implant to dentures. However, your best option relies on your overall health, budget and number of empty spots.
Number Of Missing Teeth
In some cases where you have multiple teeth missing, a dental bridge will be a great option compared to an implant. A separate implant must be surgically attached to your jawbone for every missing tooth. Thus, resulting in costly and impractical surgery. To acquire the dental bridges, have great bone support and strong teeth.
Time
The whole process of acquiring a dental implant can go up to several months, whereas a dental bridge can be done just by visiting your dentist twice in a couple of weeks.
When acquiring a dental implant, a surgeon will drill into your jawbone then attach the implant’s root to the bone. A temporary denture might be inserted as you wait for the bone to heal. The waiting period for the bone to heal before the addition of the crown range between 2-6 months.
Durability
Dental implants are more durable than bridges, offering protection that lasts for a lifetime. The implants are made of materials that fuse with the jawbone naturally through a process known as osseointegration. As a result, they are pretty resistant to gum problems and decay.
On average, a dental bridge lasts for approximately ten years. Part of your teeth remains beneath it. Normal wear might lead to gum disease.
Cost
If you already have dental insurance, it will more likely cover a dental bridge rather than an implant. If you don’t have dental insurance coverage and the two options are out of your budget, consider talking to the dentist regarding partial dentures and other options.
Overall Health
When it comes to dental implants, they need surgery. Thus, they might not be a great option if you have underlying medical conditions that lower the healing rate, including leukaemia and diabetes. To be the best candidate for a dental implant, you should have good overall health. Also, it would help if you had a jawbone free of decay and healthy enough to support the implant.
Conclusion
Dental bridges and implants are two options for making a replacement for missing teeth. Dental bridges have a higher likelihood of being covered by your insurance. In addition, bridges need a lower upfront cost.
However, if you are not within a tight budget and cost is not a big deal, you can opt for dental implants. They don’t destroy the surrounding teeth and also last longer. Consult your dentist to determine the best option based on your situation.
