Dental implants or dental bridges?
Dental implants or dental bridges: what should you choose?
Poor oral hygiene, tooth injuries, gum disease – the reasons for missing teeth or teeth can be many. Teeth or tooth replacement options have evolved considerably thanks to technological advances in restorative dentistry. Dental implants and dental bridges are two of these options that are commonly used to replace the tooth or teeth. Let’s understand what they are and the advantages they offer.
What are dental implants?
They offer a solid foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are essentially replacement tooth roots and are made to match natural teeth.
They offer several advantages:
- Improved facial appearance.
- Improved speech, oral health and confidence.
- Better bite.
- Convenience.
- Lasting results.
What are dental bridges?
They are used as bridges to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on each side of the gap. The two or more anchor teeth are known as abutment teeth, with false teeth or intermediate teeth known as pontics. Dental bridges are supported by implants or natural teeth. Bridges help restore your smile and the ability to chew and speak properly, help maintain the natural shape of your face, distribute the forces in your bite, and help your remaining teeth maintain their natural position.
Although both dental implants and bridges seem to offer similar advantages, implants are more preferred. Let’s take a look at the underlying reasons.
Why choose dental implants instead of bridges?
1. When you have a missing tooth.
The jaw in that area begins to shrink, which can affect the adjoining teeth as well as the surrounding teeth. Implants prevent this and promote bone growth, which helps preserve facial structure. Dental implants are a lot like natural teeth when it comes to feel and function. This is because the titanium implant replicates the restorative form, function, and durability of the tooth root.
2. In the case of dental implants.
There is no risk of tooth decay unlike bridges. Implants are also relatively easy to keep clean, as simple dental floss can easily bypass the implant. They do not require any particular cleaning device or equipment or any extra effort when it comes to oral care.
3. Bridges sit above the gum in the space where the tooth is missing.
Whereas, the implants are fixed in the jaw bone which offers natural stimulation with chewing actions. This provides protection and strength to the jawbone below the missing tooth and thus prevents the undesirable effects of bone loss commonly seen in bridge patients. Implants also promote healthy bone growth and strengthen the jaw, which in turn helps maintain the facial jawline.
4. The success rate of dental implants is much higher compared to dental bridges.
It varies depending on its location in the jaw. However, in general, dental implants have a much higher success rate of up to 98%.
5. The quality of the implants.
The patient’s bone health, oral hygiene, experience of restorative dentists or oral surgeons performing dental implant surgery, etc. They help determine the longevity of implants. Most dental implants last a lifetime if cared for as prescribed by the dentist. Also, all dental implants come with a lifetime guarantee. So, with dental implants, you can flaunt a healthy smile for years to come.
