Dental Bridge vs Implant: What’s the Difference?

You know you want to give your mouth a makeover, but you may not be sure how you want to go about it. There are so many options these days that it can be hard to find out what the best choice is.

Continue reading this article as we explain the difference between a bridge vs. implant so you know which one is going to be the best for your situation.

What You Must Know About Bridge Vs. Implant

If you don’t have immediate access to a professional like Dr. Suzanne Caudry to ask about these two options, we will do our best to explain to you in the content below.

Dental Implants

Dental implants aren’t new, but they are becoming more common each year. The first dental implant patient was in 1965, and thousands more followed after.

Dental implants don’t bother the other teeth around the implant and are a great option when a single tooth is causing you problems. Dental implants have a long life, which is one of the big pros of this choice.

Dental implants also help your mouth keep from losing bone. If there is no tooth or dental implant in your mouth, you may experience bone loss.

One of the drawbacks of dental implants is that they require surgery because they are implanted in your jawbone.

It’s also pretty expensive and takes a long time to do.

Bridges

When it comes to bridges, there are several types. The traditional bridge is two crowns with a fake tooth in the middle that replaces the tooth that is missing. These crowns and the fake tooth may be gold, porcelain or other dentist-approved material. 

Teeth on either side of the fake tooth get filed down, and the crown goes on top of them. The dentist cements the bridge into the mouth once it is in place.

Many people like bridges because you don’t have to remove them like dentures. It’s also a faster process than dental implants. Depending on your oral health, you may be able to get your dental work done within a couple of visits.

Bridges are lighter and easier to get used to than dental implants, and they are less expensive than dental implants.

It is harder to brush and floss when you have a bridge, and there is a shorter lifespan for a bridge vs. implant. The teeth close to the bridge may also experience some problems, so you need to keep an eye on it.

Which One is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a less expensive fix, a bridge would be the best option for you. If you want the best long-term fix and aren’t worried about the cost, a dental implant might be the best for you.

Maintain Your Bright Smile

Now that you know more about a bridge vs. implant, you can decide which is the best for your smile. Continue reading our informative articles today and don’t forget to bookmark your favorite sections.