Dental Bridge vs Implant – Making The Right Choice for Your Smile
According to research, around 70% of adults (35y – 45y) lose at least one of their teeth, and by the age of 75, more than 80% of Americans lose all of their teeth. So, getting your missing teeth replaced by either Dental Bridge or Dental Implants becomes essential.
What is the Difference Between Dental Implant vs Bridge?
Dental Implant: An artificial tooth root, typically made of titanium is surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Implants fuse with the jawbone over time, providing stability and preventing bone loss. They are a long-lasting solution for individuals with missing teeth.
Dental Bridge: It consists of artificial teeth anchored to crowns placed on the neighboring natural teeth. Bridges restore the appearance of a complete smile, enhance oral functionality, and maintain proper tooth alignment. They can be a suitable option when dental implants are not feasible.
Who Needs Tooth Implant?
They can provide a long-term solution, by replacing the roots of the missing tooth with a biocompatible titanium implant. Hence, providing a durable solution to many dental problems.
Missing Teeth
If someone has one or multiple missing teeth, then implant teeth will be the best option for treatment. It consists of three parts:
- The implant itself
- Abutment: A connector that attaches to the implant
- Crown: A visible replacement tooth
Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can provide a strong and realistic solution.
Jawbone Density
Whenever someone loses a tooth, the bone surrounding it starts to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. When too much of that bone is lost, there will not be anything to support the implant.
If you need a dental implant, you must have a sufficient jawbone density that can withhold the artificial implant. To confirm this, the dentist will conduct a thorough X-ray test of your mouth, to make sure there is enough strength in your jawbone.
Need a Long-Term Solution
Unlike a tooth bridge, implants can have a longer life span ranging from 5 to 15 years. Hence, it will be the best option for someone who needs a long-term solution for their missing teeth.
Who Needs Tooth Bridges?
Unlike permanent implants, bridges do not require a strong bone structure and do not need an implant to withhold the artificial teeth.
Strong Surrounding Teeth
If the teeth around the missing tooth are healthy and strong, then no matter the condition of the roots, you can have a dental bridge treatment. The dentist will place a Crown Tooth between the healthy teeth, and cover the gaps.
Non-Surgical Solution
Some patients prefer a non-surgical solution, and Dental Bridges offers one. The procedure involves preparing the adjacent teeth by reshaping them slightly to accommodate the bridge. This can be a more comfortable option for those who prefer to avoid surgical procedures.
A Quicker Solution
Unlike dental implants, dental bridges only need a couple of weeks to implement. Because they do not require any implant in the roots and the waiting time to let it heal properly.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
If we take proper precautions and care for Dental implants, they can prove to be very beneficial. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Dental Implants:
Pros
- Teeth Implants are a durable solution for missing teeth, as they can last from 5 years to 15 years. According to a study in 2021, 99% of implants lasted for 3 years, 98.5% for 5 years, 97% for 10 years, and 95% for 15 years.
- After you’ve lost your tooth, there is a 98% chance that you will lose the bone too, so teeth implants prevent this.
- As it can fill the missing teeth gap really well, it enhances the stability and durability of the surrounding teeth.
- After the titanium screw diffuses into the bone completely, it restores the natural biting force.
- When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone can also loosen its shape, so tooth implant restores its natural shape
Cons
- Around 11% of smokers reported its failure
- It requires dental surgery which can take months to heal properly
- Some medical insurance companies might not cover the expenses
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Pros and Cons of Dental Bridge
Teeth Bridge has several advantages and disadvantages over other alternatives like Dentures and overdentures. Some of them are explained below:
Pros
- It does not cost as much as Dental Implants.
- It does not require surgery and can heal much faster.
- If you have multiple teeth missing in a row, bridges will be a good option to replace all of them, without spending much resources.
Cons
- Bridges are not as durable as Implants and can only last 5 – 7 years.
- If the root of your teeth is damaged, bridges will not restore them properly
- Unlike Implants, it will not recover the natural shape of your jawbone when the missing teeth are replaced
- Around 30% of patients have reported that bridges damaged the teeth surrounding them.
Dental Bridge VS Implant Cost
The overall cost of both treatments can vary according to some factors:
- Material Used
- The country/city you live in
- Number of missing teeth
- Types of Implant or Bridges
According to the American Dental Association, the Dental Bridge can cost around $500 – $1200 per missing tooth, while Dental Implants can cost around $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth.
How to Choose Between Dental Bridge and Implant?
There are some factors that you must consider before choosing between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges. The factors that we discussed below are referred to by Experienced Dentists.
Budget Limitations
The choice of dental treatment can vary according to the patients’ budget constraints. As we discussed above, the cost of a tooth bridge can range from $500 – $1200 depending on the number of missing teeth.
While the cost of a tooth implant can vary from $3000 – $4500 per missing tooth. So, understand your budget limitations and make a firm decision to satisfy your needs.
Time Constraints
The whole process of Dental Implants takes months and many appointments with your dentists. This duration can also vary depending on the time taken for the jawbone to completely diffuse the implant within.
On the other hand, bridges will only take a couple of weeks, and two appointments with the dentist. The time difference can be justified by the durability that Implants can provide.
Dental Condition
Implant teeth are only needed when the roots of the missing tooth are damaged and cannot withstand anything. Only then, your dentists will recommend dental implants. Meanwhile, a permanent bridge is applicable if the root and the surrounding teeth are healthy.
So, make sure of this difference and ask your dentist if the roots are damaged or not. After the results, you will have a clear idea of the treatment that you need.
Missing Teeth Pattern
Understand this, if you have more than one missing tooth consecutively, then no matter whether the roots are healthy or not, a permanent bridge will be a better option. Treating this condition will require multiple implants being defused in the jawbone, which will lead to extra cost, time, and impractical surgery.
Moreover, if you have only one tooth missing, then first understand the Dental Condition discussed above, and make a decision.
Bone Structure
If your roots are damaged, then bridges can still be an option that can help you live a normal life, but it will not strengthen the bone structure. Permanent Dental Implants, on the other hand, will do the opposite.
This will turn out to be a better option, because the titanium implant can strengthen the jawbone, hence enhancing the bone structure.
Conclusion
Both dental implants and bridges are good treatments for missing teeth. If you are a bit tight on budget then you should go for bridges. If not, then implant teeth will be a better option for achieving a long-term solution for various dental problems.
