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Here at Smile Stories, we know that missing teeth can affect your everyday life, whether that’s impacting the way you eat or not having the confidence to smile from ear to ear.
We offer many options for replacing missing teeth; two of the most popular solutions are dental implants and bridges – but what are they and what is the difference?
Find out here.
Although the purpose of dental bridges and implants are the same: to fix a missing tooth, there are key differences between the two.
We’ll cover off the main differences when it comes to the type of treatment, the functionality and appearance, cost, appearance and suitability. Here is your 101 Guide to both!
Dental implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth and are made from small, titanium root replacements that are placed (osseointegrated) into the jawbone.
They act as artificial tooth roots and can be used to support an artificial tooth, known as a crown, or can work alongside dental bridges, with the implant acting as a support for the bridge.
Dental bridges
On the other hand, dental bridges are a type of fixed dental restoration that are used to replace missing teeth and involve using your natural teeth, not implants. They’re made up of two crowns, which are cemented onto the teeth on either side of the space of the missing tooth.
The ‘pontics’ are the teeth between the two and are made up of one or more crowns which span the space.
It isn’t uncommon to see both dental implants and bridges side-by-side in one mouth. But for a single gap, you’ll need to choose one or the other.
So if you’re unsure what the best solution for you is, we’ve listed the pros and cons of opting for a dental implant vs bridge.
The appearance of dental bridges and implants
When considering the appearance of bridges vs dental implants, it’s important to think about what is important to you. Both options can give you a full and stunning smile. Generally, the quality of aesthetic depends not only the dentist designing it but also who is hand crafting it. Smile Stories uses only the best Master Ceramicists in country to ensure either option is as lifelike as possible.
Impact of dental bridges and implants on existing teeth
Dental implants could be a more suitable option than bridges if you want to keep your natural teeth healthy. Bridges require your dentist to trim and prepare the adjacent teeth to support the bridge, while implants are anchored in your jawbone and do not damage your natural teeth.
Longevity of dental bridge vs implants
Dental implants are generally considered to be more durable and long-lasting than dental bridges. Implants can last for 20 years or more, while bridges typically last for 10-15 years due to implants being anchored directly into the jawbone, while bridges are held in place by neighbouring teeth.
As with all dental treatments, the longevity of both procedures depends on a number of factors, such as oral hygiene, diet, and overall health, meaning people with good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are more likely to have implants that last for many more years.
Cost of dental implants vs bridges
Getting the smile you deserve doesn’t have to break the bank, but the fees associated with both are probably on your mind.
In general, there is little or no difference between the fees for a dental bridge vs a dental implant. Think about it, to fill a gap lost by a single tooth with implants you’d need a single implant and crown. If you were to place a bridge you’d need three crowns as it needs to span from one side of the space to the other.
It’s six of one or half a dozen of the other.
Dental implant treatment usually takes place in two stages:
The first stage involves placing the implant into the jawbone which is done under local anaesthesia at your dentist. The implant can only be placed in bone that is dense enough to support it, so if the jawbone does not have enough density, the dentist may be able to treat the problem with a bone graft.
The second stage of implant treatment, when the crown is attached, is usually done three to six months after the implant is in place, this gives the bone time to heal and grow around the implant before the crown is added.
Dental bridge procedure
Bridges are different but no less complicated than dental implants. They don’t need as many visits to the dentist but are still technical. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth and take an impression or digital scan of the area. This is then sent to a ceramist to hand-make the bridge.
At the second appointment the bridge will be cemented in place and your bite will be tested and checked by your dentist.
Dental implants may not be the best option for everyone, for example if you have little bone, have had radiotherapy to your jaw area, or have active and unstable periodontal disease, you may not be a good candidate for implants.
Bridges may be a better option for you if you don’t have good bone structure, as you will need a certain density of jawbone to allow for an implant to be fitted. Both dental bridges and implants will prevent bone loss in the future.
It’s important to talk to your dentist about your individual situation. They will do a full clinical assessment and discuss your treatment options with you.
Has the information on this page scratched your itch and you’re ready to take the next step to filling the space in your mouth?
Our implant dentists in Bournemouth offer a handful of complimentary online or in-person consultation each month. They’re no obligation and will provide you with all of the information you need to make the right choice about this life-changing treatment.
Just hit book now to reserve your space.
