Dental Bridges vs. Implants: What’s the difference and how to choose?

Missing teeth not only affect your appearance. They can also impact your speech and ability to eat. And the gaps in your smile can lead to shifting teeth and, eventually, further tooth loss. Fortunately, a variety of restorative dentistry treatments are available to replace lost teeth and restore complete oral function. Dental bridges are the traditional method of tooth replacement, and they are still a realistic and reliable option. In recent years, however, implants have become an increasingly popular restorative solution.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges and his team offer a full range of restorative dentistry solutions. At a consultation, he will explain all of your options. Then he will work with you to choose a treatment that fits your health needs, as well as your budget, comfort level, and cosmetic goals.

Contact our office to learn more about dental bridges and implants and to find out which treatment may be right for you.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge can replace one or several adjoining missing teeth. Bridges are made of multiple attached dental crowns. The crowns on each end will sit on top of the neighboring natural teeth. To place a bridge and create sufficient room for the crowns, your dentist will need to reshape these teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace the missing dental roots. These small posts will be surgically placed in your jaw, where they will fuse with the healthy bone tissue. This process could take up to six months. Once the implants have fully integrated with the jaw, Dr. Bridges will attach a custom-made restoration to the top of the implant post or posts.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a more conservative choice than implants. If you select a bridge, you will not need to undergo surgery. Additionally, you will not need to wait for complete healing before you can receive your restoration. Instead, your treatment will usually take just two appointments spaced a few weeks apart. Finally, dental bridges cost less than implants, and insurance may cover a greater amount of the treatment cost.

The Benefits of Implants

Although bridges are more conservative, implants are usually considered the ultimate tooth replacement. First, implants do not necessitate reshaping otherwise healthy teeth. More importantly, implants help to ensure overall oral health. Like tooth roots, they send regenerative signals to the jawbone, which help to prevent jaw deterioration and additional tooth loss.

Dental implants are also very durable. Studies show that 90 to 95% of implants last ten years or more. Finally, although implants have a bigger price tag upfront, because they last so long and can prevent the need for further restorative treatment, implants may save you money in the long run.

Candidacy for Bridges vs. Implants

To qualify for a bridge, your nearby teeth must be healthy enough to support the restoration. On the other hand, as a candidate for dental implants, you must have a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone tissue.

Dr. Bridges can assess your candidacy for both treatments during a thorough exam using our advanced imaging technology.