Dental Bridge vs Implant

There may come a time when you need to consider fixing a few of your teeth. You have heard of both dental bridges and implants, but aren’t sure which one is right for you. This article will help you understand what the difference between dental bridge vs implant. We will go over some pros and cons of each one, along with the different types there are to choose from. This article will help you determine which of these two choices is right for you.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are ideal for those who have lost a tooth due to periodontal disease, injury or really any other reason. The implants are made up of a long titanium post that serves as a tooth root. This post supports a crown. Implants are inserted surgically into the jawbone to allow it to fuse in. These often take longer to heal and to integrate into the mouth than dental bridges might.

Once this process has finished, which usually takes around three to six months, an abutment will be attached to the post. It will stick out above the gum to the area where the dental crown will be screwed into or cemented in place.

Types of Implants

There are two main types of implants you can get.

Subperiosteal Implants

These implants involve a metal frame. The metal frame is implanted right onto the jawbone. It sits directly below the gum tissue and is put on during surgery. Another surgery is needed following this implant. The second surgery allows the post to be connected to the first implant. This is done after the gums have healed. Finally, an artificial tooth is mounted onto the implanted post.

Endosteal Implants

These implants also feature a metal frame. The metal frame is fitted directly onto the jawbone. It goes on right below the gum tissue. This frame will fix itself to the jawbone while the gums are healing. After it has healed, the artificial tooth is placed onto the post.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Pros

Natural appeal. Dental implants tend to look more natural and feel more natural than bridges do. because they are stable and strong, they can help keep you smiling confidently.

Little to no maintenance. One of the biggest perks of having a dental implant is that they are able to last for a lifetime and require very little maintenance.

No strain on the teeth. Unlike dental bridges, you won’t have to wory about it deteriorating another tooth.

Cons

Surgery. You will have to undergo several bouts of surgery to get a dental implant.

Cost. These are often priced much higher than getting a bridge.

Time. It takes something like three months at minimum in order to get a dental implant.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are intended to bridge the gap between teeth. This is done instead of implanting a replacement like an implant does. It can bridge the gap between one or more teeth. This bridge is supported by the surrounding healthy teeth or the implants. It is made out of two or more crowns for the teeth on every part of the gap.

These teeth are called abutment teeth. The inauthentic teeth that sit between them are known as pontics. There are different types of bridges that can be used depending on your specific needs.

Types of Dental Bridges

The main types of bridges include:

Cantilever Bridges

This bridge is not common for those who need teeth in the back of the mouth where there will be a lot of force used. These bridges are used when there are teeth adjacent to the gap found only on one side of the missing teeth gap.

Traditional Bridges

This kind of bridge is perhaps the most common. It is often made out of porcelain or ceramic that has been fused to the metal. The bridge is made by using a crown for the tooth on either side of the gap.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

This bridge features porcelain, plastic or porcelain teeth fused to metal. The teeth on either side of the gap are bonded.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Pros

Quick and easy. Unlike having a dental implant, these bridges don’t require any surgery. They are less painful because of it and often only require a simple procedure.

Affordable. These are much more affordable than implants, yet still every bit as strong and supportive for the mouth.

Faster . It only takes a few weeks at the most to get your bridge opposed to months to get your implants, which may take several months.

Cons

Needs replacement. These bridges will often need replaced every three to five years unlike implants that can last a lifetime.

Not as aesthetically pleasing. These bridges do not look as natural as an implant

Will damage your natural teeth. The surrounding teeth have to undergo a lot of prep work that damages them

Which Choice is Right for You?

It really comes down to the cost that you will want to think about. The cost for implants is a lot higher, and implants are often not covered in dental insurance whereas bridges typically are. The procedure duration is another thing to consider, as a bridge only takes two or three visits opposed to several surgeries for an implant.

Finally, consider the lifespan of the new tooth. An implant can last more than fifteen years and sometimes even an entire life when cared for properly; bridges must be replaced frequently.

Conclusion

In the article here, we have examined the pros and cons of a dental bridge vs implant. We also explained in further detail what each one of these things means, along with the types that are available. Have you ever undergone either one of these procedures? We would like to hear about it. Let us know about your experience, along with any questions that you might have, in the comments section that can be found below.