(Newswire.net — September 30, 2019) — The dental industry has undergone tremendous changes in the last three decades. This is especially the case when it comes to teeth replacements. Today, the issues you need to discuss with your prosthodontist or dentist are slightly different: Dental implant vs dental bridge? Which treatment option is ideal for your situation? Most times, the dental implant is ideal, but several factors need to be considered beforehand.
Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge
This article addresses the dental implant vs dental bridge debate as well as the factors to consider when choosing the ideal option for your particular situation.
Practical Reasons for Both
In the past, your only choice was a bridge, and still involves more than just replacing a missing tooth. The process involves “prepping” the adjacent teeth by removing most of the enamel so as to fabricate the bridge. When it comes to dental implants, the dentist replaces just the individual tooth for a stronger and permanent result. However, a dental bridge may be ideal if the adjacent teeth have enlarged fillings from cavities and whatnot, and need caps or crowns in the future. And if you lost the tooth or teeth a long time ago, and the gum and bone have receded then you’ll need more than just an implant before placement. You can always discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both procedures with your dentist.
Changes in Your Oral Care Routine
Keeping your mouth healthy will be easier with an implant. Dental bridges are fixed or cemented in the mouth, and involve no less than three crowns linked together to fill the space where the tooth is missing. This design leads to issues when flossing and brushing, so meticulous home care and extra oral hygiene are critical. Implants, on the other hand, replace one or more teeth individually without affecting any other teeth, making home care a lot easier. Implants, therefore, allowing you to effectively brush and floss just like your natural teeth — which is important since your dental health can affect your overall health.
Durability
When it comes to durability, dental implants have the upper hand over dental bridges. A dental implant can provide protection that lasts a lifetime while the average life of a dental bridge is about 10 years.
Aesthetics
There’s no simple answer to this but your dentist or prosthodontist will be in a better position to advise you. Often, implants provide the most pleasing results because the dentist can make the final tooth look like your natural enamel.
Cost
While implants can cost more – from preparation to final placement, they can be more cost-effective with all things considered such as sedation and whatnot. Dental bridges will usually cost less, but may need to be replaced in the future.
Bottom Line
So dental implant vs dental bridge? Make the decision after consulting with your dental care practitioner. Your dentist knows your mouth best and has the experience and knowledge to help you decide the best option. Over time, dental implants have become more commonplace, and in most cases, are preferred over dental bridges.