Missing teeth can often affect your confidence, your appearance and your health. When you’ve got lost teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease or injury, be sure to get a tooth replacement as soon as possible.
Some of the best conventional options to replace missing teeth are dental bridges and implants. These methods can restore your confidence and help restore your dental health. But what are the defining features between these two services, and which is better for your needs?
So, what’s the difference between Dental Bridges and Dental Implants?
The biggest difference between dental bridges and implants is that bridges sit on top of the gums; implants actually replace the tooth’s roots. But there are still plenty of differences between the two.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots implanted in your jawbone, just like a natural tooth root. Implants can be used to support individual false teeth (crowns), or they are used with dental bridges, with implants supporting the bridge.
On the other hand, dental bridges do not replace the tooth roots. They consist of a replacement tooth that sits on top of the gums, utilising crowns on two or more nearby teeth, on either side of a tooth that’s missing. Bridges are utilised to replace one or more teeth on only one side of the mouth.
Much better than Dentures
Both bridges and implants are more advantageous than dentures. Dentures are one of the least expensive ways to replace teeth, and one of the least effective.
Dentures are often used to cover a whole arch of missing teeth, although partial dentures are also available. They may help patients with chewing and talking, but they might cause discomfort if they don’t fit properly.
However, dentures are removed at night, but both bridges and implants remain in their mouth and due to their greater stability, they make a person’s chewing easier, are more comfortable, and last longer.
Appearance
When your teeth are treated, you might want a solution that is going to help you make the best physical appearance. Both dental implants and bridges will provide you with a stunning smile and flawless teeth, and whichever course of action you take, your dentist will make the colour of your replacement teeth match the natural colour of your teeth.
However, dental implants can look better and more natural than dental bridges. Replacement teeth rooted in an implant form a seamless relationship with your gum tissue, unlike bridges that don’t offer such a benefit.
Longevity
Based on how well you take care of your teeth and the prosthesis, the amount of time that a dental appliance will last can vary.
Bridges can last for up to 10 years until you get your crowns replaced. The actual implant part of implants can last your whole life.
A dental implant’s success rate is 96 percent after 10 years. Bridges have a success rate of 94 percent, both of which are excellent.
Cost
Dental bridges are much less expensive than implants, making them a more popular option for patients on a budget. A dental bridge can cost approximately £400 per tooth, while a single dental implant typically costs around £1800.
However, dental implants may be more cost effective in the long run as they’re long lasting compared to dental bridges. Bridges last between 5 and 15 years, while dental implants tend to last around 25 years, but they can last a lifetime with good dental hygiene routine.
It might also be possible for you to spread the cost of your dental surgery in order to make either alternative an affordable one.
Summary
Most dentists conclude that implants are the preferable tooth-replacement option due to their appealing look, ease of use, comfort, as well as functionality for improving your oral health. However, implants are also quite expensive and too much for a lot of patients.
As medical technology increases, you’ll have more options available to you, and the best way to get all the details is to talk to your dentist; they will be able to help you determine the best course of action to replace your teeth.
Contact us today for more information regarding dental implants, dental bridges or other missing tooth treatments.
