Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges – Which Option is Best For You

When you are considering tooth replacement, the question before you is this – should you consider a dental bridge, or a dental implant? Before you can obtain an answer to that question, you’ll need to get hold of all the facts of both options. You’ll need to learn the pros and cons of each, and figure out which option will suit your needs best. In this article, we are endeavoring to do our best to clarify your dilemma.

Dental Implants Vs Dental Bridges – Which Option is Best For You

What Are Dental Implants

A dental implant is basically a strong post made out of the non-corrosive, pure titanium material. Dental implants are your best option if you have missing teeth, periodontal disease, or sudden loss of multiple teeth owing to accidents.

The titanium post is the screw-like root part that supports a crown, which is the fake tooth that you see on the outside. The post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses over time into the bone itself, anchoring itself into position. This process is called the osseointegration and when this is over in about 3 to 6 months, an abutment is attached to the titanium post; the dental crown is cemented or screwed into this abutment.

Types of Dental Implants – Which Dental Implant Type Is Best For You

There are three types of dental implants at present, as follows:

• Endosteal: Endosteal dental implants are titanium screw posts that are embedded into your jawbone. The dental crown is attached to the screw posts with the help of abutments. These implants take time to heal and usually require a healthy jawbone.
• Subperiosteal: With this type, a metal frame is placed underneath your gum line and the implants sit on top of the jawbone, not within. The gum line is then allowed to grow over the metal frame. Subperiosteal dental implants are recommended for people without enough bone height in their jawbone.
• Zygomatic: Zygomatic dental implants are embedded within the cheekbone, not the jawbone.

Pros And Cons Of Dental Implants

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Low maintenance: Opt for high quality dental implants and with little maintenance, you can enjoy a full jawline for a lifetime.
• Natural looking teeth: Dental implants give you strong, totally natural-looking teeth.
• Jawbone protection: Dental implants help to prevent bone loss and preserve the natural volume of the jawbone.
• No tooth strain: Dental implants are firmly embedded on their own supports and do not apply strain on surrounding teeth.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• Surgery is essential: The usual risks of surgery are applicable – possible jaw fracture, nerve damage, infection, possible damage to surrounding teeth and so on.
• Time investment: The entire procedure can carry on for several months, as the bone must heal after each surgery.
• Cost factor: The cost of dental implants varies from case to case, given the number of implants required, but cost is a definite con factor.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are used to bridge dental gaps, supported either by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges consist of single or multiple crowns for the gaps that are being filled.

Types of Dental Bridges- Which Dental Bridge Type is Best for You?

The following three kinds of dental bridges are commonly used:

• Traditional Dental Bridges: These are made either of metal-fused ceramics or porcelain. The bridge itself is a crown that uses two adjacent teeth or implants for support.
• Cantilever Dental Bridges: Cantilever bridges are used when only one adjacent tooth is present next to the dental gap. These bridges cannot take too much strain on them.
• Maryland Bonded Dental Bridges: These bridges are made out of metal-fused porcelain, plastic or resin-bond. The adjacent teeth are bonded to the bridge’s wings on either side for support.

Pros And Cons Of Dental Bridges

Advantages of Dental Bridges

• No surgery: Dental bridges can be installed without surgery, which makes this option one step procedure and no surgical risks
• Saves time: A couple of clinic visits and a few weeks of healing should do the job.
• Saves money: Bridges are just as strong as the supportive abutments teeth,but cost much, much lesser.

Disadvantages of Dental Bridges

• Not very pretty: Implants definitely look more natural than bridges.
• Higher maintenance: Your bridges will need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
• Tooth damage: The teeth adjacent to the bridge might suffer removal during the preparation for the bridge.

Conclusion : Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges

Now that you know the details of both dental implants and bridges and the pros and cons of dental bridges and dental implants, what’s your conclusion? Which do you choose? You’d opt for bridges if you want to save money, time and discomfort. You’d opt for dental implants if you want a natural-looking, long-lasting, low maintenance solution to missing teeth. Another aspect to consider will be your suitability for either dental bridges or implants. Check with a qualified, experienced dentist and undergo a thorough eligibility test before you decide.