03
Jul
Dental Implants VS Dental Bridges
The last three decades have witnessed a remarkable advancement in the dental industry, particularly the techniques used in the replacement of teeth. Modern technology is revolutionizing the activities of dentists in providing a cutting-edge service to patients and completing several dental procedures without going through pain or discomfort. The common factor responsible for teeth to be extracted is an infection, but sometimes it could be due to misalignment of teeth or pain. However, a missing tooth is considered unattractive and may cause someone to lose self-confidence.
With innovative options available in cosmetic dentistry to replace missing teeth by a qualified dentist, the question that seems to be trending is; dental implants or a dental bridge, which is better? In as much that your dentist is a qualified practitioner, he or she will determine the best treatment option that will suit your need. However, that shouldn’t stop you from gathering information about the two different dental restorations and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an artificial tooth root that your dentist will place into the jawbone under your gums through a surgical procedure. They are placed in a position to stand as a platform on which your dentist will fix replacement teeth. Some dentists prefer dental implants because they provide a solid platform to support artificial teeth and make them stable. Spokane Dental aids, “In terms of stability, appearance, and functionality, dental implants bring many advantages for people suffering tooth loss. They feel and look like your own teeth, and, being fused with bone, can in many cases last a lifetime with good care.”
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
These types of implants are placed directly into your jawbone through a surgical procedure. However, a second surgery is required to link a post to the implant before an artificial tooth is placed on it.
Subperiosteal Implants
With these types of dental replacement, the jawbone underneath the gum will be fitted with a metal frame which will later get fixed permanently to the jawbone. Artificial teeth will then be placed to the posts which have already been placed in the frame.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A bridge in a dental term is referred to a fixed restoration or prosthesis that is used to replace a missing tooth. The bridge is usually an artificial tooth that can be joined to a dental implant which is known as an adjacent tooth. It is designed to cover the area where a tooth is missing and attached to an implant or a natural tooth surrounding the available space. The name ‟bridge” is given to this dental restoration because it is used to bridge the gap created by missing teeth or a tooth. There are different types of dental bridges and each has its advantages and the ability to restore your pleasant smile.
Traditional Bridges
These types of bridges are designed to be supported in the patient’s mouth by two crowns on each side of the space. The procedure requires a reshaping of the surrounding teeth to create space for the bridge while the crowns will be placed on top of the adjacent teeth or implants. This type of bridge is custom-crafted to match your natural teeth and will allow your dentist to preserve more structure of your natural tooth.
Removable Bridges
Unlike most dental bridges that would be fixed permanently in patient’s mouth, removable bridges or otherwise known as ‟partial dentures” can be taken out and clean or when eating hard foods. They are usually made of a plastic with an exact color of a gum and attached to nearby teeth using small metal clasps.
Implant-supported Bridges
These methods of teeth replacement are mostly preferred when more than one tooth is to be replaced. They are supported by implants instead of crowns and each missing tooth will have an implant placed for it, while the collective implants hold the bridges firmly in place. Implant-supported bridges are comfortable just like the natural teeth and are very secure too.
Difference Between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges
Now that you have some information about dental implants and bridges which are two important methods used in dental restorations, you may want to know what makes dentists choose one ahead of other. Depending on what your dentist decides to do, these two methods have been in use for many decades, but dental implants are widely used nowadays, although bridges were available before them. However, your dentist will consider several factors before deciding on the restoration method that will suit your unique treatment. Below are some of the difference between implants and bridges;
Implants
- They are used to replace an individual tooth for a stronger and longer-lasting result.
- They involve placing a small titanium cylinder in the jawbone that is located below the gum of the missing tooth.
- They need little maintenance and easy to use.
- Implants look and function just like your natural teeth.
- They are stable and are strong.
- They prevent bone loss and enhance the growth of your jawbone.
- Dental implants are restorations that function on their own without putting pressure on other teeth.
Bridges
- They are the best options if nearby teeth need crowns in the future.
- Crowns are placed on both sides of your natural teeth.
- They are simple procedures and do not require surgery.
- They are faster and much easier to recieve.
- They are an affordable form of dental restoration.
If you want to know the best dental restoration that will suit your need, you should consult your dentist and he or she will perform an X-ray to determine the treatment option. While missing or extracted teeth is a common thing that makes most people to consider a replacement, getting the proper restoration remains a concern for your dentist and he or she has the best solution for you. However, you are not alone in the demand for the best dental restoration that is comfortable and affordable. Whether dental implants or dental bridges – your dentist has the expertise to decide the most effective procedure for you.