In today’s day and age, breaking a tooth is no longer a problem. With how far technology has come, there are plenty of ways you can fix it in no time. Not to mention, there are so many treatment options you can choose from! The biggest battle, however, ranges between a bridge vs. an implant.
Nonetheless, knowing your choice is good enough before settling on anything is crucial. Ranging from the pros and cons to the maintenance and cost-effectiveness, these factors are crucial to keep in mind. That is why in this blog, we’ve covered everything you might need to know about bridges and implants before making the final decision.
What is a Bridge?
When a tooth sandwiched between two other teeth suddenly falls out, it can leave behind a very noticeable gap. Thus, to counteract this, your dentist might suggest opting for a dental bridge as a restorative option. A dental bridge acts exactly like its name. It’s a fake tooth between two crowns. These crowns align with the adjacent teeth to help the porcelain tooth settle in better.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is mainly just a fake tooth that is screwed on top of a titanium screw. This screw is then inserted inside your jawbone to hold the tooth permanently in place. When done right, dental implants can look pretty natural since the titanium body isn’t visible to the outside eye.
Bridge vs. Implant: Who’s The Winner?
Now that you know what a bridge and implant are let’s figure out the main differences that set the two apart.
- Appearance
Bridge: Looks more noticeable due to being connected to other teeth.
Implant: Looks more natural. - Placement
Bridge: Placed between two adjacent teeth that need to be shaved down for dental caps.
Implant: Screwed inside the jaw bone with titanium screws. - Time
Bridge: Takes two visits, spread out within weeks, for the final fitting.
Implant: Takes three to six months to finalize. - Dependability
Bridge: Relies on the two teeth surrounding the missing tooth.
Implant: Relies on the jawbone or a strong bone structure nearby. - Life Expectancy
Bridge: Prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Heavily depends on aftercare.
Implant: Immune to tooth decay but can deteriorate due to gum disease. - Cost
Bridge: A cheaper alternative since they’re not as long-lasting.
Implant: Slightly more expensive than other options because of their long shelf life. - Maintenance
Bridge: Needs to be brushed daily. Since the floss cannot slip between the bridging teeth, you would have to reach under the bridge to floss your gums.
Implant: Acts like an actual tooth, so brushing and flossing your teeth daily is essential - Procedure
Bridge: Easy and simple, with no surgery to worry about.
Implant: Requires an intrusive surgical procedure. Followups can sometimes take months. - Retaining Structure
Bridge: Plays no role in retaining jaw bone structure.
Implant: Since your body doesn’t treat titanium as a foreign object, it is easy for the gums to grow around it. This helps to preserve the bone better.
What’s the Verdict?
Now that all the information is right in your hands, it’s up to you to choose the best option. There are obviously certain precautions you need to take before considering either of them. But regardless, in the battle of a bridge vs. implant, only your dentist knows what’s the better alternative. Schedule an appointment today by dialing (281) 457-6444. Our team of field experts at SIMA Dental will provide you with the dental care you need.