Dental implants vs. dental bridges: which option is right for you?

Dental implants vs. dental bridges: which option is right for you?

If you have missing teeth, you’re not alone. Data shows that 74% of UK adults have had at least one tooth extracted. You’ve probably wondered about replacing them. Two permanent options are dental implants and dental bridges. Both of these restore function and appearance. But one may be more suitable than the other. Knowing the difference between the two can help you to make an informed decision. Let’s look at each in detail.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements. They are placed surgically into the jawbone and are made of different parts:

• A titanium post.
• An abutment.
• A crown.

The post is placed into the jawbone and acts as an artificial root for the tooth. As time passes, it fuses with the bone, a process called osseointegration. This gives the new tooth a strong foundation. The abutment is a connector piece. It joins the post with the crown.

The process of placing a dental implant is quite long. Once the post is in position and healed, the crown is attached. This is custom-made to look like a natural tooth. It is matched in colour and shape to the teeth around it.

Implants look, feel and function like your real teeth.

What are dental bridges?

Another option as a permanent replacement for a tooth is a bridge. As the name suggests, a bridge uses adjacent teeth for support. Attached to the bridge is the false tooth (also called a pontic). There may be one or more false teeth attached. These are anchored by crowns on your natural teeth.

With a bridge, the supporting teeth on either side must be filed down. This is to help the crowns fit. Bridges don’t require surgery, though, so in this way, they’re less invasive. They’re also quicker to fit.

Bridges restore both function and appearance, but the tooth root is not replaced.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants have several important benefits:

1. They look natural. Implants are designed to blend in with your real teeth. No one will know it isn’t a real tooth.
2. They’re comfortable. They feel like real teeth and won’t slip or cause irritation.
3. They perform well. There are no restrictions. You can chew and speak as normal.
4. They last a long time. With proper care, they can last 25 years or more.
5. They’re easy to maintain. Just like natural teeth, they’re easy to clean.
6. They may save money long-term. Although they have a higher upfront cost, they may last longer than other types of teeth replacement, giving you a good return on investment.

Benefits of dental bridges

Dental bridges also have benefits. These include:

1. They have a natural appearance.
2. Fitting is non-invasive and no surgery is required.
3. They allow normal chewing and speaking (though they’re not as strong as implants).
4. They last between 5 and 15 years, depending on care.
5. They are more affordable, at least initially.

Which is right for you?

Deciding whether to go for dental implants or bridges is a personal decision. If you want a long-term, durable solution and already have good bone health, then dental implants are best. For people wanting a quicker and non-surgical option, bridges might work best. They’re also a lower-cost option. Ultimately, you need to consider your budget, current oral health, and your lifestyle needs. Ringway Dental is here to help you decide which is the best option for you. Contact us today for a consultation.

Related Posts