The loss of teeth can greatly damage your self-esteem. You might not want to smile or talk because it makes you feel self-conscious. In extreme cases, it can make one a recluse. Taking pride in one’s smile is not unusual, which is why dental professionals leverage the latest dental solutions and technology, including dental implants and dental bridges, to help patients get their smile and self-confidence back!
But how do you know which option is right for you? Today we will compare dental implants and dental bridges, so you can determine which may work best for your specific needs.
What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of a Dental Bridge
Typically made from porcelain, dental bridges are tooth replacements that are held in place by the neighbouring teeth. Requiring only a handful of visits to get fitted and placed, dental bridges have a life span of approximately 7-10 years.
Dental bridges are one of the quickest and most efficient ways to replace missing teeth. They are also generally cheaper than dental implants in the short term. In addition, having a dental bridge placed does not require oral surgery. However, just like any other dental treatment, there are some disadvantages, such as, the possible need for the neighbouring teeth to be prepared or filed down. Also, often patients find it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene around bridges. Dental bridges are also not built to last a lifetime and experience a failure rate of 15-20% over ten years. When determining whether dental bridges are suitable for you, it is best to consult your chosen dental professional.
What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Dental Implants?
Typically made from titanium, a dental implant is fused to the neighboring bone essentially replacing the tooth’s underlying structure that it had previously lost. Over time, the bone will grow around the implant securing it in place. After the dentist assesses the healing progress and is happy that the implant has properly secured itself, he/she will restore the implant with a crown. The result is a very natural looking tooth replacement that is built to withstand the test of time. Implants are designed to act as a base for your new fixtures providing your mouth with long lasting structure and stability.
There are many advantages to dental implants, including longevity. A high-quality implant can be quite durable, lasting nearly 30 years or more! Other advantages include:
- Improved ability to eat (as opposed to a denture that could slip out or move when chewing)
- Improved natural appearance
- Does not require preparing or filing down of neighbouring teeth
- Potential easier to clean than a bridge
- Reduced long term risks to bone loss in the jawbone
- Highly successful in suitable patients (less than a 2% failure rate)
One of the disadvantages of dental implants, for some, is the cost. Generally speaking, dental implants tend to be more expensive than alternative treatments. Additionally, minor oral surgery is required for dental implants. Treatment time is also longer than having a dental bridge, as it takes an average of 3 months for dental implants to heal and integrate with the surrounding jaw bone.
Dr. Tosun Dental Clinic
At Dr. Tosun Dental Clinic, our main priority is a safe dental experience for you and your family. Whether you require dental implants, dental bridges, or a simple cleaning, contact our clinic by phone or by visiting our website to schedule your next appointment!
