What's the best for tooth pain and cosmetics?
Bridge vs Implant
If you have missing, damaged, or painful teeth, you should know that you have options. But, when weighing the benefits of a bridge vs implant, there’s a lot to consider. How many teeth are in jeopardy? Do you need a permanent or temporary solution? And, what’s your budget for the necessary dental services?
When it comes to answering these questions, only you and your dentist have all of the information. But, in today’s post, we’re going to arm you with the knowledge you need to ask the right questions.
Bridge vs implant… what are they?
While a dental implant fully replaces a damaged tooth, root and all, a bridge uses surrounding teeth as support to fill the space left by a missing tooth. Because of this, dental implants are incredibly stable. Anchored in place by titanium roots, they’re the go-to answer if you want a long-lasting, durable, and natural-looking solution.
Bridges, on the other hand, provide a less durable solution. However, the treatment requires less surgery and is faster in accomplishing a final outcome because there is no healing time. Unlike dental implants, though, bridges can affect the adjacent teeth negatively by creating problems with the nerve, which can mean further treatment and cost. If this happens, a one tooth problem can become a two or even three tooth problem.
Major differences between bridges and implants
As a solution to missing teeth, both bridges and implants offer different benefits. But, there are a few major differences that separate them.
- Cost: First and foremost, dental bridges can cost less than implants. Of course, over time this cost difference may even out as bridges don’t last as long as implants.
- Aesthetics: Dental bridges are more visible than implants, leading to a less natural look. Implants are fixed to your jaw and can be customized to perfectly match your teeth.
- Speed: Bridges can often be completed faster than implants, as the process is less complicated. In most cases, they can be installed in two to three visits.
- Surgery: While implants require a surgical procedure, they are far more stable than a bridge and offer a more lasting, long-term, natural-looking solution to missing teeth.
- Durability: Dental bridges generally have an expected lifespan of five to fifteen years, whereas dental implants can last for many decades, saving money in the long run.
- Function: Implants allow you to eat the foods you love without fear, they offer a more natural-feeling answer that lets you fully enjoy your existing diet with few changes.
When examining the benefits of a dental bridge vs implant, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll want to work closely with your dentist to determine the best option for you. By weighing the pros and cons together, you can arrive at the option that will best suit your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
The costs of bridges vs implants
We understand that cost is often an important factor when it comes to determining what solutions are possible. While it may appear that bridges cost less than dental implants, the numbers can be confusing. For example, a well-fitted, high-quality dental bridge will last a maximum of 15 years, whereas dental implants can last much longer. More importantly, the real benefit of dental implants is that they provide a more natural appearance and feel with a better biologic result that conservatively leaves other teeth alone.
When weighing the costs and benefits of a bridge vs implant, your best bet is consult with a professional. Discuss your concerns with your dentist, let them know your budget, and work to identify the best solution for your situation.
Have more questions about your options?
At West Wind Dental, we take pride in offering our clients the most knowledgeable dental services in Kalamazoo. With years of experience and a caring, compassionate staff of dental professionals, we’re the area’s go-to source for restorative dentistry. From full-mouth dental implants to state-of-the-art preventative dentistry, we’re here to assist with all of your needs.
Whether you’re looking to improve your dental health or you’re investigating the benefits of All-on-4 dental implants, our team is here to help. So, if you have questions about bridges, implants, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Dr. Andrew Hamilton, DDS, FAGD
Dr. Hamilton is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society (KVDDS), the American Academy of Implant dentistry (AAID), the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics (IAFA) and also attends courses with the Pikos Institute in Northwest Florida. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICIO), has achieved fellowship status in the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) and in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), has graduated from and is an alumnus of the Kois Center program in Seattle, and is on the faculty of the Global Dental Implant Academy (GDIA).
The little spare time left over is spent Steelhead and Salmon fishing and the occasional round of golf.
