Bridge Or Dental Implant – Which One Should You Choose?

A missing tooth or teeth can make eating and speaking difficult, not to mention make you feel less confident when smiling or engaging with others. That’s why you need the right teeth replacement option that gives you the confidence to eat, speak, and engage with others naturally.

Two common options for teeth replacement are the dental bridge and the dental implant. We want to discuss some of the differences between the two to help you decide what’s right for you. People will often opt for a dental implant, but there are many factors that you need to consider before making your choice.

Looking to get a dental implant or want to find out more? Contact us on (07) 3244 2400 to ask us any questions you may have.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an implant that’s attached to your jawbone with a tooth replacement capped on top of it. It features a titanium fixture that provides a durable and long-lasting base for your tooth replacement.

The replacement tooth used in a dental implant looks and feels like real teeth, and it is designed to provide a similar mouthfeel as your other teeth.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a solution for missing teeth where the gap is covered by a bridge that’s placed on your real teeth on either side of the gap. A bridge is made of porcelain or metal, or a combination of the two.

Because dental bridges are anchored to your real teeth on either side of the gap, they provide a sturdy tooth replacement for your missing tooth.

Which One Looks Better?

When replacing a tooth, you’ll naturally be concerned with how it looks to you and others. Here’s how both choices compare.

• A dental implant is designed to look just like your other teeth, and your dentist can shape and sculpt it – even working with the shade of your other teeth – to perfectly match your smile.

• A dental bridge may not look as natural as a dental implant, but it may be a good solution for teeth missing at the back of your mouth.

In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after you have had a tooth removed. This lets you preserve your jawbone’s strength and ensure that you are not without a tooth for long.

Which Is More Expensive?

A dental bridge often costs less in the beginning but then becomes more expensive overall. That’s because you will likely need to replace it sometime in the future, which will add to the total cost of your tooth replacement.

A dental implant, on the other hand, usually costs more at the start but lasts much longer than a dental bridge. This can make it a more cost-effective choice over its lifetime.

• Ultimately, the choice will come down to your budget and your overall preference.
• Keep in mind that an implant may require a bone graft to give your implant enough support. This could add to its initial cost.

Which Lasts Longer?

In most cases, a dental implant will outlast a dental bridge. A dental bridge typically lasts for around ten years with good care before it needs replacing.

Dental implants have an incredibly low failure rate and can be permanent unless you suffer from gum disease. More specifically peri-implantitis: this is, essentially, gum disease for dental implants.

Oral Care With An Implant Or Dental Bridge

Whether you choose a dental implant or a dental bridge, it’s important to maintain your oral hygiene when you replace a missing tooth.

Although each option has its own challenges for care and maintenance, it’s worth noting that cleaning a dental implant is often much simpler than dental bridges.

Because your dental implant is designed like real teeth, you can brush and floss either side of your implant easily. This makes it easier to prevent decay and gum problems in your surrounding teeth.

A dental bridge, however, requires you to feed in floss underneath the bridge to ensure you are flossing on either side of your healthy teeth. This means more time and effort to make sure your natural teeth remain healthy over time.

No matter which option you choose, proper oral hygiene is key to ensuring the longevity of your tooth replacement.

Thinking Of Getting Dental Implants?

It is best to speak to your dentist about what type of options you have available. A dental implant specialist can help you explore your different choices and help you figure out what will work best for you.

If you want to consult a trusted dental implant specialist, don’t hesitate to call us today on (07) 3244 2400.