Dental Implants vs Bridges: Which Is Right For You?

When you’re missing teeth, it can affect more than just your appearance. Chewing food becomes difficult, speaking may feel different, and you might even feel self-conscious about smiling. But don’t worry—there are solutions available to help restore your smile and confidence.

Dental implants and bridges are two common treatments in St Clair for replacing missing teeth, offering unique advantages. The question is which is the right option for you?

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are basically artificial tooth roots that replace missing teeth. They have three parts: the implant, the abutment, and the crown or prosthetic tooth. 

The implant is a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone. An abutment is then attached to it after it’s fused with the jawbone. The final step involves attaching a customised dental crown or prosthetic tooth to the abutment. 

One of the many advantages of implants is their durability which almost feels and functions like your natural teeth. Dental implants make it easier for you to chew, talk, and smile because they’re strong and stable. They also promote bone growth in the jawbone, which helps keep it healthy. 

What are Bridges?

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They literally “bridge” the gap between one or two missing teeth. It is typically made of various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials.

They consist of two main components: the pontic, which is the artificial tooth hanging over the gap, and the abutments, which are the supporting structures attached to the neighbouring teeth. These are usually full crowns. Unlike dental implants, which are surgically implanted into the jawbone, bridges rely on the support of adjacent teeth or dental implants for stability.

Getting a dental bridge in St Clair typically involves several steps:

1. Preparation: We prepare the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of their enamel or restorations to accommodate the bridge. This is usually only an option for abutment teeth that are heavily filled already and would benefit from a crown themselves. If too much enamel requires removal, we will not recommend a bridge.

2. Taking Impressions: We take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-made bridge that fits perfectly in your mouth.

3. Fabrication: The bridge is fabricated in a dental lab using the impressions as a guide. We design it to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

4. Placement: Once the bridge is ready, we cement it onto the prepared adjacent teeth or attach it to dental implants, filling the gap and restoring your smile.

One of the advantages of bridges is their non-surgical nature. However, their application is limited. Ideally, the gap needing replacement would be between two teeth that would already benefit from a crown as they require a somewhat significant amount of tooth/filling removal.

The Difference Between Dental Implants and Bridges

If you’re wondering which option is best for replacing missing teeth, you might ask yourself, “Are dental implants or bridges the better choice?” It’s a common question because both methods have their pros and cons. 

The primary difference between dental implants and bridges lies in their placement and method of support. Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, providing exceptional stability and durability similar to your natural tooth roots and do not rely on adjacent teeth. On the other hand, bridges rely on nearby teeth or implants for support, making them a less surgical option but likely not as long-lasting as implants.

For a better understanding, here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two:

Placement

With dental implants, titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone, needing enough bone density and healing time for proper joining. Bridges, however, don’t need surgery in the jawbone. Instead, they rely on nearby teeth or implants for support, with some enamel/filling removal by your bridge dentist.

Stability and Durability

Implants offer exceptional stability and durability, providing a strong base for prosthetic teeth. While dental bridges are stable, their durability may depend on the strength of nearby teeth.

Bone Preservation

Dental implants stimulate bone growth and help prevent bone loss by acting like natural tooth roots. This keeps your jawbone strong. In contrast, bridges don’t directly interact with the jawbone, which may lead to bone weakening over time, particularly under the pontic (gap tooth) as the bone doesn’t know it’s there!

Invasiveness and Affordability

Implants involve surgery and a longer healing period, with slightly higher initial costs depending on factors like the number of implants needed and extra treatments like bone grafting. On the other hand, dental bridges are a less surgical option that may be more affordable at first, but limits on lifespan and rely on additional support.

Aesthetics

Both dental implants and bridges can give you a natural-looking smile. Implants offer prosthetic teeth attached individually for a seamless look. While bridges can also look natural, they might not offer as many choices for appearance because they rely on nearby teeth or implants.

How to Choose the Right Option For You

For many people, dental implants are a top choice because they’re durable, look natural, offer long-term benefits and don’t rely on any other teeth. However, some prefer bridges because they’re cheaper and quicker to get. It all depends on what matters most to you.

When choosing between implants and bridges, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Your oral health. Your cosmetic dentist will check your gums and jawbone. Implants need strong bones to support them, but bridges can work even if there’s bone loss.

Your budget. Think about what you can afford. Implants might cost more upfront, but they could save you money in the long run because they last longer. Bridges are cheaper at first, but you might need to replace them sooner.

Aesthetics and functionality. Both options aim to give you a natural smile, but implants often look and feel more like real teeth.

Your lifestyle and age. Your dentist will also consider factors like how active you are and how old you are. Implants are great for younger, active people because they’re stable and long-lasting. But if you’re older and have a colourful medical history, or want something less surgical, bridges might be a better choice.

The best way to figure out which option is best for you is to consult your dentist. They can give you expert advice based on your needs and help you make a decision that will give you back your smile and confidence.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re looking to get dental implants or bridges in St Clair, our experienced team at Dental Society is here to help. Call us on (08) 8463 0814 or book your appointment online to schedule a visit with us, and we’ll work with you to find the perfect solution for your smile.