Tooth replacement technology has progressed significantly in the last 30 years. Previously, a dental bridge was your only choice if you wanted to replace a missing tooth. And while a dental bridge may still be a suitable option for many patients, advances in dental implant technology have revolutionised dentistry, enabling dentists to provide a permanent solution for missing teeth.
If you have lost a tooth due to facial trauma, deep decay, or long-term periodontal infection, you may be considering the pros and cons of a bridge for teeth vs an implant. At a free consultation with the Digital Dental Implant Institute team, your dentist can assess your oral health and determine if a bridge or dental implants are the better option for you.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is an appliance that is cemented to the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth socket. It consists of two crowns that sit on top of your natural teeth and one or more artificial teeth held between them. The adjacent teeth need to be prepared and shaped to accommodate the crowns.
Traditional dental bridges were made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. However, at DDII, we offer digital dental bridges that use state-of-the-art intraoral scanning technology and software to craft custom appliances that are comfortable, durable, and long-lasting.
After scanning your mouth, your dental bridge is milled from a solid block of biocompatible zirconia. Once fitted inside your mouth, it is deburred and polished to blend with your natural teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants consist of a titanium rod that is embedded in the jaw or gum tissue. The post fuses with the surrounding bone through osseointegration, creating a firm foundation to anchor the artificial tooth.
Once the dental implant site heals, the abutment is attached, connecting the post to the restoration.
At DDII, we use digital dental implant technology, such as the DioNAVI system, that allows us to perform flapless guided surgery for dental implants, ensuring more accurate placement, less chair time, and faster healing for better results.
A Bridge for Teeth vs An Implant: Which is Better?
When considering a bridge for teeth vs an implant, it is critical to understand the pros and cons of each option. While both replacement options can restore your tooth’s appearance and function, only dental implants offer a long-term solution that supports your oral health. Free consultation at your local dental clinic can help you understand the benefits.
Dental bridges do not stimulate the tissue underneath the artificial tooth, which leads to deterioration that can cause a host of secondary issues, including tooth misalignment and facial collapse. Because dental implants fuse with the bone and promote cell renewal, they prevent bone resorption.
Lack of tissue stimulation also means that dental bridges often slip when eating and speaking, causing inconvenience and embarrassment. As dental implants are firmly attached to your jaw, they can withstand normal bite force and perform in the same way as your natural tooth.
Bone resorption causes changes in your mouth shape, which means your dental bridges need to be replaced every 7-10 years. However, because the dental implant post is biocompatible and supports the underlying bone structure, your dental implants can last a lifetime, making them more affordable long-term.
Restore Your Smile at the Digital Dental Implant Institute
The choice between a bridge for teeth vs an implant can be challenging. While dental bridges have a lower upfront cost, a dental implant offers excellent functionality and represents an investment in your oral health. Ultimately, dental implants are the better choice if you want a long-term restoration that looks and feels like your natural teeth.
If you want to determine whether dental implants are right for you, contact the Digital Dental Implant Institute on (02) 4058 2836 to book a free dental implant consultation with one of our experienced dentists.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
