When you need a smile makeover, there are numerous avenues that you can take to get it. The downside to that is deciding on the best route to take. If you can’t choose between dental bridge vs implant dental treatment, this guide will help you out.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of dental implants vs bridges.
What Is a Dental Implant?
When deciding between a bridge vs dental implant services, it’s important to know exactly what the treatments are. Dental implants are a great option for individuals who’ve experienced periodontal disease or a tooth injury. It’s made from a titanium post that acts as a tooth root and supports an artificial crown.
A dental implant is surgically inserted into the jaw bone where it then fuses with the surrounding bone to create a stable structure. After three to six months once the fusing process is complete, an abutment is then attached to the titanium post. It sticks out of the gum line to provide a base for the dental crown to screw onto.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are used to bridge the gap between missing teeth. It’s supported by the natural teeth or implants that are already within the mouth. A cap is placed over each tooth and paired with the bridge to help replace missing teeth. This procedure is best for individuals who don’t need extensive dental work.
Dental Bridge vs Implant Pros and Cons
One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is that they help to promote healing of the jawbone and gums. Plus, they place less tension on surrounding teeth. For individuals who have severely damaged oral health, dental implants help them to rebuild the structure of their mouth. Here are a few more dental implant advantages:
Dental Implant Pros
Look like natural teeth: Dental implants look and feel a lot like natural teeth. They’re also durable, so it’s a win-win.
Jaw bone protection: When you have an open gap from a missing tooth, it causes your jaw bone to deteriorate. However, the implants help to trigger natural bone growth and preserve the remaining jawbone, which prevents overall bone loss.
Low maintenance: Another great advantage of dental implants is that they last for long amounts of time and require very little maintenance. Once they’re in, you don’t have to worry about frequently going back to the dentist to maintain them.
Dental implant cons
Surgery: You will have to undergo surgery in order to attach the dental implants to your jaw bone. As with any procedure, there are risks to receiving surgery. With dental implants, some of the risks are nerve damage, infection, and jaw fractures.
Cost: The cost of your dental implants depends on the type that you’re getting and the condition of your mouth and teeth. But generally speaking, they are more expensive than other dental treatments
Lengthy process: Dental implants aren’t something that can happen in one dental visit. When most people are deciding between dental bridge vs implant treatment, this is one of the issues that deter them. It takes at least three months for the bone to heal in the jaw, and the entire process could take several months.
Dental Bridge Pros
Easy procedure: In contrast to dental implants, bridges don’t require surgery and they are not as painful. Also, if you’re ready to get a new smile quickly, you can have your dental bridges inserted in a single visit.
Quicker: The entire process of getting bridges is only a few weeks. After they are sculpted and fitted within the dental lab, it only takes a short procedure to put them in.
Affordable: Bridges are less expensive than implants. But even they are cheaper, they’re still a strong and durable option.
Cons
Frequent replacement: Unlike dental implants, you’ll have to get new bridges every few years.
Don’t look natural: Dental bridges don’t look as natural as implants. So if you’re looking for a replacement that looks close to natural teeth, these aren’t the best option.
Ruins natural teeth: The teeth surrounding bridges have to go through a lot of alterations, which require a significant amount of removal from the tooth structure. Therefore, if you ever wanted to remove your bridges, the remaining teeth might not look good on their own.
Lifespan and Cost
In regards to the lifespan of a dental bridge vs implant, dental implants are the winner. They generally only have to be replaced every 15 years because of natural wear and tear. On the contrary, bridges require replacement every 5 to 7 years. If you want a long-term dental treatment, then implants are your best bet.
When comparing dental bridge vs implant treatment, individuals are deterred from implants because of the cost. However, since they don’t need replacing very often, they’re worth it. The price you pay varies depending on factors like insurance, the area that you live in, and the number of implants that you’ll need.
Choosing a Bridge Vs Dental Implant Treatment
Deciding between a dental bridge vs implant dental treatment is a bit difficult. But if you weigh out the pros and cons detailed in the information above, it should make your decision a lot easier. Which will you choose?
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