Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
If you have lost one or more teeth to decay, infection or trauma, you might be looking towards dental implants and bridges to fix your dental imperfections. However, before settling for either, you should learn more about the 2 tooth restoration procedures and their pros and cons. This article will discuss the difference between dental bridges and dental implants to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Dental Bridges and Implants
Dental Implants
Dental implants are prostheses fixed to the jawbone via titanium screws to serve as artificial tooth roots. Dentists in Phoenix, AZ, often use crowns on patients with dental implants for the best cosmetic results.
Once your dental implants fuse to the jawbone, you will be able to smile and eat in public without people noticing that you heard undergone a cosmetic procedure. Furthermore, dental crowns look and feel like natural teeth, so you’ll get used to wearing them within a short period.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a device with artificial teeth that function and resemble natural teeth. A lot of dental bridges in Phoenix are made of porcelain or plastic materials, so they easily blend in with your natural teeth once fitted. There are various types of dental bridges. You can ask for removable dental bridges if you find them more convenient. Here are the types of dental bridges you can get from a dental clinic in Phoenix:
Traditional Dental Bridges
They are the most popular dental bridges with one dental crown attached to 2 surrounding natural teeth with one artificial tooth in the middle. Although strong, this type of bridge may not work for everyone since they need 2 healthy natural teeth near the missing tooth’s socket.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
Maryland bonded bridges are similar to traditional bridges, the only difference being that they use a porcelain or metal framework for anchorage instead of dental crowns. They are also cheaper than traditional bridges but can cause tooth discolorations.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of crowns and metal frameworks. Apart from being strong and durable, dental implants don’t need adjacent teeth for support and can fill huge gaps left by several missing teeth. The major downside to using implant-supported bridges is that they are invasive and have a long recovery time.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
cantilever dental bridges only need one natural tooth for support. They are not as popular as other bridges because they can only be used to restore missing posterior teeth. Dentists in Phoenix don’t use this type of bridge to replace back-ended teeth since they strain the single tooth attached for support, especially when chewing.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges
Pros of Getting Dental Implants
Are Durable: Dental implants are durable. With good aftercare, you can expect your implants to last for more than 15 years before they wear out to the point that they need to be replaced.
Don’t Damage Surrounding Teeth: dental implants are fixed to the jawbone through titanium screws. Since they don’t rely on natural teeth for support, the implants won’t wear out surrounding teeth, as with most dental bridges.
Provide Attachment Sites for Other Dental Devices: dental implants act as artificial tooth roots with attachment sites called abutments. This allows other dental devices like crowns to be attached to the implants more easily.
Cons
Are Considered Cosmetic: Most insurance providers recognize dental implants for their cosmetic benefits. This is disadvantageous to many patients with dental insurance since they would have to pay the entire cost off pocket.
Long Recovery Time: patients will need to wait for about 6 months until osseointegration has finished taking place and their dental implants have completely fused to the jawbone tissue.
Expensive: dental implants are costly. Since most dental insurances don’t pay for the surgery, patients may have to pay more than $3000 to replace their missing teeth.
Pros of Getting Dental Bridges
Minimally Invasive: dental bridges are less invasive than dental implants. Patients don’t need to get a bone graft or have their jawbone drilled for their bridges to be fitted.
Short Recovery Time: patients who have undergone a dental bridge operation only need to wait for 2 weeks before they can go back to eating regular food.
Affordable: dental bridges are cheaper than alternative tooth replacement procedures and are covered by most dental insurances. Patients will only need to pay $1200 or less, depending on the type of dental bridge they choose.
Cons
Less Durable: even though dental bridges can last for 10 years before they need to be replaced, they have a short average lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
Can Damage Surrounding Teeth: most dental bridges depend on natural teeth in their surrounding for support. The dental bridges can frequently stress the natural teeth and cause wear.
Conclusion
Dental bridges and implants are reliable and effective tooth replacement options that promote good oral health. However, you should factor in cost, time, and the number of teeth to be replaced before deciding which smile makeover to get. Dental bridges are cheaper and minimally invasive, while dental implants are stronger and more durable.
If you need help choosing the best dental procedure for your dental needs, visit us at Encanto Family Dental Care for assistance. We have a lot of experience practicing family implant dentistry and accept major payment methods to provide you with affordable, comprehensive dental care.