Have you ever felt self-conscious about a chipped, cracked, or missing tooth? Millions of people around the world face similar dental challenges. Fortunately, there are effective permanent fixed dental solutions available to help, such as dental bridges and implants. These procedures can restore your smile’s appearance and function, and help you regain your confidence.
But what’s the difference between the two, and which one is better for your situation? Let’s compare and contrast these dental treatments and see which is best.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is like a road bridge over a river (where the river is the space where a missing tooth is) and consists of a cap or cover typically called a crown) on one side of the missing tooth joined to a false tooth suspended over the gap joined to another cap or crown on the other side. A bridge can look like there is no missing tooth. Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, but are mostly made of porcelain for durability and to create an appearance that matches the natural teeth.
Many people prefer dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants, but they are not appropriate in all situations. The crowns that go over the supportive teeth are best for teeth that need protection but still have a stable root. If the root is decayed and the tooth is unlikely to be saved, a dental implant may be the only effective option.
Pros
- Restores damaged or decayed teeth without surgery
- Stabilises cracked or fractured teeth
- Preserves existing tooth structure
- More affordable than dental implants
- Can be done without the need for surgery (no bleeding)
- Can be done in a shorter and quicker time- 2 weeks turnaround time
Cons
- Requires tooth recontouring, which is irreversible
- May cause temporary sensitivity after the procedure
- May be susceptible to chipping or cracking
- Dental cement can wear away over time, potentially leading to the bridge becoming loose or dislodged
- Need to use special bridge floss to clean under the bridge or use special interdental brushes like Piksters
What is an implant?
The main alternatives to dental crowns, implants are permanent titanium screws that go into the hole in the gum and bone, where your tooth root used to be, and are finished with a crown or artificial tooth prosthetic on top. Dental implants are ideal for those with more severe decay and damage, and those facing tooth loss or extraction.
Pros
- Do not require the grinding down of adjacent teeth for support
- Provides a complete tooth replacement
- Very durable, permanent, and can last a lifetime
- Preserve jawbone mass and prevent bone resorption
Cons
- Much more invasive of a procedure as they require surgical placement into the jawbone
- Have a higher upfront cost compared to other tooth replacement options.
- Requires an invasive surgical procedure which is usually done under local anaesthetic.
- Require more recovery time- minimum 12 weeks turnaround time is recommended for best healing
How are they similar and different?
Both bridges and implants are excellent options for fixing decayed and missing teeth. However, they differ in their approach.
A bridge only covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum, while a dental implant replaces both the tooth and the root. With an implant, a titanium metal screw is surgically placed into your jawbone to hold the artificial tooth in place. Understanding the health of your tooth root will impact which procedure you need.
When comparing the process time, a dental bridge takes about 2-3 weeks and 1-2 appointments. You will need a consultation with your dentist to prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth , as well as a second appointment for the bridge placement.
In comparison, dental implant treatment takes a 2-3 months. You will need to come in for multiple appointments, including an initial consultation, x-rays, the actual procedure, and follow-ups. Once the procedure is complete, it will take time for your implant to fuse with your jawbone, and you’ll need to stick to a soft foods diet to avoid any damage. It’s important that you follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure your implant fuses correctly and you do not encounter any complications like infection.
How durable are dental implants and bridges?
Both dental implants and bridges are durable options for restoring damaged or missing teeth. However, they differ in their longevity and maintenance requirements:
- Bridges: While a dental bridge can last for 10-15 years with proper oral hygiene, they are more susceptible to decay and may require replacement over time.
- Implants: Dental implants are generally considered a more permanent solution, with a lifespan of 25 years or more. They will not decay but can still be affected by gum disease.
If you are prone to tooth decay or cavities, implants may be a better option for you. However, it’s important to discuss your individual needs and preferences with your dentist to determine the best solution for your situation.
Get your dental solutions solved
Getting dental help shouldn’t be scary or overwhelming. Our team at Oakleigh Dental is here to walk you through the entire process from start to finish. So whether you need a 6 month cleaning, a cavity filling, or looking to get a crown or implant, we have the best team available.
Contact us today and learn more about how we can help.
