Modern dentistry makes replacing a missing tooth a smooth task. You will get back a complete and beautiful smile, just like before.
Nowadays, several options are available for tooth replacement. The two most popular are dental bridges and dental implants. Both are best for you but there are differences in their procedures.
Comes with different advantages and disadvantages, dental bridges and dental implants will be studied in this guide.
Dental Bridges
As the name itself says, “bridges”. One or more missing teeth can create a gap, this gap can be filled by dental bridges.
A false tooth, also called a pontic, is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. Various materials, such as gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials can be used to make pontics.
Types
Several types of dental bridges are available for you:
- Traditional Dental Bridge
Made from porcelain fused with metal or ceramics, these dental bridges are the most common. A dental crown is attached to the surrounding teeth with a fake tooth in between.
- Mayland Dental Bridge
Rasin-bonded or Maryland dental bridges are often recommended for replacing teeth at the front of the mouth. These dental bridges can be made of ceramics, graphene or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
- Hybrid Bridge
For making a restoration that is functional and aesthetically pleasing different materials are used to create this.
There can be more types of dental bridges like cantilevers and implant-supported. Moving forward to advantages…
Advantages
Count dental bridges advantages with us:
- Teeth can shift because of the gap created by the missing teeth. Dental bridges can come to the rescue. Dental bridges can prevent the shifting.
- Your speech clarity and chewing food ability will be enhanced with the help of dental bridges.
- A missing tooth can affect the jawbone. Dental bridges can preserve jawbone shape.
- In comparison with dentures, dental bridges are more effective and long-lasting.
Counting on advantages must not let you be unaware of disadvantages.
Disadvantages
Some disadvantages you can face while choosing dental bridges can be:
- The risk of gum disease is present because if your dental bridge and underlying gum tissue are not cleaned properly, plaque and bacteria can be caused.
- Facial sagging, tooth movement and further tooth loss can happen because dental bridges do not address bone loss in the jaw.
- A small amount of enamel from neighbouring teeth may need to be removed to fix crowns properly.
- Some people can face allergic reactions.
Dental Implants
Your healthcare provider will insert an artificial structure into the jawbone, this artificial structure is a dental implant. If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants can help.
Types
Different types of dental implants can be:
- All-on-4
In case, you have missed all or most of your teeth then dental implants of this type are suitable for you. If you want a more natural-looking smile then choose this dental implant procedure.
- Zygomatic
This tooth replacement option is best for people who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Placed into the cheekbone, these implants provide support for a full arch of teeth.
- Endosteal
In this, a titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to hold the artificial tooth. Endosteal is the most common type of implant.
Advantages
There are many advantages of dental implants that make them so popular among people. Take a look:
- Dental implants are more durable than any other tooth replacement option. They are made to last for a lifetime.
- A dental implant can restore your smile while functioning and appearing natural.
- There is no need to remove the enamel of the neighbouring teeth.
- Bone loss in the jaw can be prevented with dental implants.
Disadvantages
With effective and lifetime solutions you have to pay a little more amount in comparison to other solutions. We are moving forward with disadvantages:
- Dental implants can be more expensive than any other treatment.
- A risk of infection is always present in any other surgical procedure including dental implants.
- A certain amount of bone density and volume is required to have dental implants.
- The crown placed may require maintenance.
Dental Bridge VS Implant
Comparing dental bridge vs implant so that you can choose the best one for yourself:
- Lifetime
Dental bridges have a lifetime of 5 to 15 years, while dental implants are designed to stay for a lifetime.
- Cost-effective
Compared in terms of cost, dental implants are one one-time investment and stay for a lifetime while dental bridges can be cheaper but stay for only 5-10 years with maintenance.
- Comfort
Most people find dental implants more comfortable than any other solution. Although both solutions can be comfortable, implants can give a more natural look and chewing ability.
- Appearance
Dental bridges can become more noticeable with time, on the other hand, implants can complete your smile while functioning and appearing naturally.
We think that dental implants have won this race. In terms of cost-effectiveness, comfort, appearance and durability, dental implants are more suitable than dental bridges.
