“Is a bridge better than an implant?”
I have a missing tooth and I want to replace it. Is a bridge better than an implant?
7 Answers
Choosing between a dental bridge and an implant depends on several factors, including your oral health, budget, and long-term goals. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, helps patients understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option to determine the best solution for replacing a missing tooth.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Key Differences
1. Longevity and Durability
Dental Implants: Implants are known for their durability and can last a lifetime with proper care. Made from titanium, the implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a stable and permanent solution.
Bridges: Dental bridges typically last 10-15 years before they may need replacement. Over time, the supporting teeth might require further treatment if the bridge affects their health.
2. Impact on Adjacent Teeth
Dental Implants: An implant is a stand-alone restoration, so it does not rely on neighboring teeth for support. This helps preserve the health of surrounding teeth and keeps them intact.
Bridges: To place a bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be reshaped to support the bridge structure. This can weaken those teeth over time, making them more susceptible to decay or damage.
3. Bone Health and Jaw Support
Dental Implants: Because implants integrate with the jawbone, they stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss in the area of the missing tooth. This helps maintain the natural structure of your face and jaw.
Bridges: Bridges do not provide the same level of bone stimulation. Without this stimulation, the bone where the tooth is missing may begin to resorb, which can affect jaw structure over time.
4. Aesthetic and Functional Considerations
Dental Implants: Implants closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and function. They provide a natural look and feel, making chewing and speaking comfortable.
Bridges: Bridges also look natural, but over time, the gums under the bridge may change, creating gaps or affecting the fit.
5. Cost and Treatment Time
Dental Implants: Implants usually require a higher initial investment, but their longevity often makes them more cost-effective over the long term. The process can take a few months, as the implant must integrate with the bone before the final crown is placed.
Bridges: Bridges typically have a lower upfront cost and can be completed faster than implants, usually within a few weeks. However, they may need replacement sooner, potentially adding to the overall cost in the long run.
When a Bridge Might Be the Better Choice
In cases where there is insufficient bone for an implant and bone grafting is not an option, a bridge might be a more viable solution. Additionally, if there is an urgent need for a replacement and time is a concern, a bridge can be completed more quickly.
When an Implant Might Be the Better Choice
For patients looking for a long-term solution that preserves surrounding teeth and supports bone health, an implant is often the preferred choice. Implants offer a permanent, natural-looking restoration that mimics the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan provides a personalized consultation to evaluate which option aligns best with your needs. With expertise in both dental implants and restorative solutions, Dr. Egan can guide you in choosing the right path to restore your smile and oral health.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Key Differences
1. Longevity and Durability
Dental Implants: Implants are known for their durability and can last a lifetime with proper care. Made from titanium, the implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a stable and permanent solution.
Bridges: Dental bridges typically last 10-15 years before they may need replacement. Over time, the supporting teeth might require further treatment if the bridge affects their health.
2. Impact on Adjacent Teeth
Dental Implants: An implant is a stand-alone restoration, so it does not rely on neighboring teeth for support. This helps preserve the health of surrounding teeth and keeps them intact.
Bridges: To place a bridge, the adjacent teeth need to be reshaped to support the bridge structure. This can weaken those teeth over time, making them more susceptible to decay or damage.
3. Bone Health and Jaw Support
Dental Implants: Because implants integrate with the jawbone, they stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss in the area of the missing tooth. This helps maintain the natural structure of your face and jaw.
Bridges: Bridges do not provide the same level of bone stimulation. Without this stimulation, the bone where the tooth is missing may begin to resorb, which can affect jaw structure over time.
4. Aesthetic and Functional Considerations
Dental Implants: Implants closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and function. They provide a natural look and feel, making chewing and speaking comfortable.
Bridges: Bridges also look natural, but over time, the gums under the bridge may change, creating gaps or affecting the fit.
5. Cost and Treatment Time
Dental Implants: Implants usually require a higher initial investment, but their longevity often makes them more cost-effective over the long term. The process can take a few months, as the implant must integrate with the bone before the final crown is placed.
Bridges: Bridges typically have a lower upfront cost and can be completed faster than implants, usually within a few weeks. However, they may need replacement sooner, potentially adding to the overall cost in the long run.
When a Bridge Might Be the Better Choice
In cases where there is insufficient bone for an implant and bone grafting is not an option, a bridge might be a more viable solution. Additionally, if there is an urgent need for a replacement and time is a concern, a bridge can be completed more quickly.
When an Implant Might Be the Better Choice
For patients looking for a long-term solution that preserves surrounding teeth and supports bone health, an implant is often the preferred choice. Implants offer a permanent, natural-looking restoration that mimics the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan provides a personalized consultation to evaluate which option aligns best with your needs. With expertise in both dental implants and restorative solutions, Dr. Egan can guide you in choosing the right path to restore your smile and oral health.
Depends on your bone and how the missing tooth area is. most of the time an Implant is stronger.
An implant is best. But cost the most. Where a bridge the teeth on either side of the space will get worked on and a bridge can get a cavity and may need to be replaced in the future
A front tooth is often better replaced with an implant. If there are virgin teeth on either side of the missing tooth, an implant is usually recommended. If the teeth on either side require crowns, it is usually better to have a bridge.
I you have healthy teeth around the missing tooth is recommended an implant but if the teeth around have too big restauraciones o decay the bridge would be better option
Drawbacks of a bridge is that it requires shaving down adjacent teeth in order to support the bridge. Cleaning under a bridge can also sometimes be difficult. In the case of an implant you only replace what is missing and not touch any adjacent teeth.
In some cases where an implant is contraindicated and bridge is a good option if the abutment teeth are strong
