Many times, a dental bridge or an implant is the only choice when someone is missing a tooth. Both are well-known and popular ways to repair missing teeth, but they do so in different ways.
Which one is best for you depends on a number of things, such as your budget and oral health. Let’s look at the main differences to help you make your choice.
Understand What They Are
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring a false tooth to the nearby teeth. It is a permanent fix that stays put after it is put in place.
For a tooth implant, on the other hand, a small titanium post is put into the jaw. The crown goes over this post, which is like the root of the new tooth.
The goals of both treatments are to make your smile look better and chewing easier.
Look Into Durability and Lifespan
Many people know that implants last a very long time. If you take good care of them, they can live forever. But every 10 to 15 years, bridges may need to be changed out.
The post is sealed into the bone during the implant process. This makes it very stable. In the long run, the teeth around the bridge may become less strong, even if they are healthy now. Implants are often the better choice in the long run because they last longer.
Consider the Procedure and Time Involved
The procedure is more involved and requires more time. The implant has to be put in, the bone has to heal, and then the cap is put on top. On the other hand, most dental bridges can be finished in just a few trips.
For a faster solution, some dentists offer same-day CEREC® crown & bridge, which eliminates the waiting period. While implants take time, they are often worth the wait for their sturdiness.
It’s easier to get a bridge because you don’t have to have surgery. Both treatments are meant to make your smile look better quickly, but they have very different recovery times.
Understand the Impact on Oral Health
Sometimes, a dental bridge can put stress on the teeth next to it. To keep the bridge in place, these teeth need to be ground down. But implants do not affect teeth that are close by.
Also, they keep the jaw from losing bone, which can happen after losing a tooth. Filling in gaps and keeping teeth from moving are two ways that both can improve oral health.
But implants are often thought to be better for your health in the long run.
Factoring Cost and Insurance Coverage
Most of the time, dental implants cost more up front. But because they last a long time, they may save you money in the long run. At first, bridges are often cheaper, and your insurance may cover them better.
Which of these dental options you choose usually relies on your budget and what’s most important to you. Talking to a dentist about your choices can help you make the best choice for your smile.
To help people get implants, some centers also offer payment plans. When planning your tooth replacement, it’s important to know how much each choice will cost you in the long run.
Learn the Differences Between Dental Bridge vs Implant
It depends on your needs and situation whether you should get a tooth bridge or an implant. Both are great ways to repair missing teeth, but they have different advantages.
Bridges are faster and less expensive, but implants last longer and are better for your mouth health. Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of both the implant process and the bridge to find out which one is best for you.
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