Which is Better for Missing Teeth? Dental Implants or Bridges?
Dental bridges and dental implants are two reliable treatments to replace missing teeth.
To answer the question immediately, dental implants are the best tooth replacement method.
The bottom line is that dental implants replace the lost tooth root in the jaw, which prevents bone loss, tooth movement, gum disease and further tooth loss from occurring in the future.
Prosthetics like dental bridges replace the tooth aesthetically and cause unnecessary damage to otherwise healthy teeth.
How they look
Dental implants win again as they are unnoticeable within the smile and function just like natural teeth would. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are more visible and, over time, can look more evident as they age. However, both bridges and implants restore a patient’s facial shape, preventing facial sagging and a sunken facial appearance.
How they feel
You shouldn’t feel a difference with a dental implant or a bridge. The only time you’ll notice something is different is when a dental bridge has just been placed, as it might take a few weeks to adjust to it fully. The same can be said for dental implants, although the experience is slightly better. Patients will find they have a comfortable bite and that their new teeth have a similar texture to their natural teeth.
When a prosthetic feels weird or uncomfortable in the mouth, it might be because it’s loose.
The cost difference
Dental bridges are cheaper than dental implants. Dental bridges can cost anywhere from £550 to £1,200, depending on the clinic you choose and the type of bridge. Dental implants cost around £2,550 for the dental implant, the abutment and the crown. With some dental bridges lasting five years, this might mean that you could spend more money on bridge replacements than a dental implant over your lifetime. For example, dental implants can last up to 30 years, and whilst some bridges can last up to 15, they can only do so with the proper care and attention.
Oral benefits
Patients must have natural teeth on either side to bridge the gap between two missing teeth. Those two natural teeth must be filed down so a dental crown can be placed for the bridge to fix. Once this process has been completed, it cannot be reversed, and you’ll have to maintain your dental crowns for life – your natural teeth cannot be restored, which sadly means unnecessary damage is undertaken to the healthy portions of your smile.
Dental implants, on the other hand, do not rely on other teeth and are implanted directly into the jawbone to replace a tooth root. They’re the best prosthetic that promotes good oral health as they prevent the breakdown of bone in the jaw, teeth shifting out of place, gum disease, and later tooth loss. Dental bridges do not prevent bone loss, which might cause you problems later down the line.
On top of this, dental decay is often common with dental bridges, as decay can occur under the bridge due to improper care and hygiene. In comparison, the implant’s final restoration, typically a crown, does not develop decay.
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