Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants – What’s right for you?
If you have missing teeth, both dental bridges and dental implants are viable options for you. Each has its unique advantages; it’s merely a matter of selecting the one that best suits your needs. At The Practice, our experienced dentists have experience with a range of dental treatments, including bridges and implants. Let’s look into the difference between these two options.
About dental bridges
For many years, dental bridges have been a popular method of replacing teeth.
Dental Bridges offer an effective solution for replacing missing teeth with artificial ones. These ‘bridges’ are securely anchored on both sides of the gap, with the false tooth elegantly nestled in between. They serve as a fantastic alternative to dentures and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, a combination of both, or zirconia.
What you need to know about dental bridges:
- Non-surgical: Dental bridges don’t require surgery.
- Durable: Dental bridges are stable and will enable you to eat and speak with ease.
- Adjacent teeth need to be modified: To accommodate the bridges, the adjacent teeth will need to be reshaped, which can impact their structure.
- Maintenance: Bridges require special care, such as regular flossing under the bridge to prevent plaque buildup.
About dental implants
Dental implants are an alternative to dentures, offering a permanent and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants can either be used for either single or multiple teeth.
Dental implants serve as a substitute for the root of a tooth. Generally, they are made from titanium alloy and surgically implanted into your jawbone. Following implantation, there is a healing time of about three to four months, allowing the implant to fuse with your jawbone.
Once you have healed, our experienced dentists place a tailor-made crown on top of the implant, matching it to your existing teeth. It will look and function like your natural teeth.
What you need to know about dental implants:
- Natural look and feel: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function and they are a long-lasting solution.
- No modification to surrounding teeth: Unlike bridges, dental implants don’t impact adjacent teeth as the implant is inserted into the jaw.
- Bone health: By stimulating the jawbone, dental implants can help to prevent further bone loss.
- Surgical procedure: Dental implants involve oral surgery and there is a healing period before the crown can be attached.
- Durable: With the right care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective, long-term solution.
How to choose the right solution
Wondering which option, bridges or dental implants, is the right choice for you? While your dentist will be able to advise the best choice for you, it helps to understand the factors involved when making this decision, including:
Your oral health: The state of your oral health is a determining factor in deciding if you should have a dental bridge or dental implant. Ideally, the adjacent teeth should be in good condition with sufficient strength to support the bridge. If they are heavily damaged or weakened, it may not be advisable to use them as abutments for a bridge. In such cases, alternative dental implants might be the best option.
The number of missing teeth: How many teeth you need replacing will determine whether you should opt for a dental bridge or dental implant. Dental bridges are great for replacing one or a few adjacent missing teeth. However, if you have multiple missing teeth at different locations, dental implants are the better solution.
Long-term goals: You need to consider your long-term goals. Dental bridges are quicker and require less invasive treatment, whereas dental implants are more durable, permanent replacement, and could be the more viable option for you.
Budget: Your budget is also another significant factor that may influence whether you choose dental implants or dental bridges. Dental bridges are more cost-effective initially, however, they may require more maintenance over time. Dental implants, while more expensive initially, can provide better value due to their longevity.
Overall health: Your overall health will impact whether dental implants or dental bridges are the right solution for you. Dental implants require oral surgery, so if you have a specific medical condition that could affect the healing process, dental bridges may be the better option.
Aesthetics: Both bridges and implants provide great end results in terms of aesthetics. However, dental implants very closely replicate the look and feel of natural teeth.
Dental treatment at The Practice, West End Brisbane
At The Practice, our skilled dentists will do everything they can to get the best possible result. Whether they decide dental implants or dental bridges are the best options, they will give you expert advice and professional care to ensure the best solution for your requirements.
To arrange an appointment at our South Brisbane dentist, call 07 3733 or book online and let our experienced dentists take care of all your dental needs.
