When it comes to restoring missing teeth, premium dental implants and bridges are two common solutions. Deciding which option to choose can feel confusing and overwhelming, but don’t worry; we’re here to help.
In this blog post, we’ll compare tooth implants and bridges to help you make an educated decision on how to get back to your perfect smile. While both solutions can replace missing teeth, there are key differences between the two, and we’ll explore which one may be the better option for you.
Before that, let us determine if you are eligible for dental restoration treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Restoration Treatment?
If you have damaged or missing teeth (due to decay, injury, or wear and tear), you should be a good candidate for this restorative treatment that can restore your smile.
Commitment to Proper Oral Hygiene
You must be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene, as proper care and maintenance are essential for the longevity of restorations.
Healthy Habits
If you want to restore your smile with a dental restoration, you should avoid bad habits like smoking, teeth grinding, and nail-biting, as they can cause damage to the restorations and the underlying teeth.
Good General Health
To qualify for restorative dentistry, you should have good general health. People who have hypertension, diabetes, or heart problems, among others, usually don’t qualify for this.
Overall, you will be the ideal candidate for a dental restoration treatment if you want to restore your oral health, improve your smile, and maintain good dental hygiene.
It is important to mention that these are general requirements, and every restoration treatment depends on individual cases. Our well-experienced, qualified dentists will conduct a thorough examination and determine your eligibility for the treatment based on their findings.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a type of restorative treatment that aims to replace missing teeth. They are made of bio-compatible materials such as titanium and are surgically placed in the jaw bone to serve as a substitute for the natural tooth root. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone in an osseointegration process, a prosthetic tooth or crown is attached to the implant to complete the restoration.
Dental implants have become popular in recent years due to their natural appearance and functionality and ability to prevent further bone loss in the jaw. They are also suitable for a wide range of patients, regardless of age or the number of teeth needing to be replaced. While there are various factors to consider when deciding on a restorative treatment, dental implants are a viable option for those seeking a permanent and reliable solution for missing teeth.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is also a restorative dental treatment that replaces one or more missing teeth. The bridge comprises two dental crowns placed on either side of the space left empty by the missing tooth or teeth. The crowns are joined together by a false tooth or teeth, known as pontics.
The bridge is designed to sit securely in place and restore the ability to bite and chew properly. Dental bridges come in various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloy, and are customised to match the shape and colour of the surrounding teeth.
They are a popular treatment option for those who are missing natural teeth and provide long-lasting results that can improve oral function and appearance.
If you are considering restorative dental treatment, you might have a tooth implant vs bridge debate with yourself or others around you. We are here to give you a low-down on the commonalities and differences between these two restorations so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
The Similarities
Tooth implant treatment and dental bridges procedure can be carried out with adequate pain management techniques so you are comfortable and relaxed through the entire process and after.
Both restorations are made with biocompatible materials that mimic natural teeth look, feel, and function, so they are indistinguishable from your real teeth.
Another similarity is that both dental implants and bridges require proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups and maintenance to ensure their integrity and longevity.
Implants and bridges help improve and maintain good oral health by eliminating gaps that can become breeding grounds for bacteria and hold adjacent teeth in place so they don’t drift and compromise jawbone density and strength.
Lastly, both restorative treatments have a high success rate, with tooth implants having a slight edge at 98%, while dental bridges have a slightly lower success rate of 94%.
Tooth Implant vs Bridge – The Differences
Dental implants and dental bridges share some similar features, but in certain aspects, dental implants have a clear advantage over bridges.
Both implants and bridges are used to replace missing or damaged teeth, but dental implants offer a permanent solution, while bridges are a shorter-life option that may require replacement after some time has passed.
Additionally, dental implants provide better oral health benefits than bridges because they preserve the jawbone. When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone can deteriorate, leading to issues with the surrounding teeth and facial structure. Implants help to stimulate the bone and prevent further bone loss, while bridges simply place a cap on the space, which does not help maintain bone health.
A dental implant surgery involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone and placing a replacement tooth upon this artificial root. The procedure does not disturb or modify healthy teeth along the implant site. On the other hand, a dental bridge procedure requires modification of adjacent teeth to fit the crowns that support the pontic, which is the actual replacement for your missing tooth.
Dental implants are 100% artificial and cannot get affected by dental decay. While the pontic and crowns on a dental bridge are also artificial, they are placed upon natural teeth that are susceptible to decay as the crown covers them, and there is no way to clean them directly.
Furthermore, dental implants offer greater functionality compared to bridges. They can better withstand the pressures of chewing and biting, allowing patients to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Implants also offer better speech patterns, as they are firmly anchored in the jawbone, while bridges may create a slight lisp or speech impediment if they do not fit properly.
In conclusion, while dental implants and dental bridges share similarities, implants have an edge over bridges in terms of permanence, long-term success, oral health benefits, functionality, and speech patterns.
Looking for Superior Restorative Dentistry? Look No Further.
If you require personalised, reliable dental restoration, Dr Jack and his team of reliable dentists near Bella Vista offer exceptional treatments that will give you a reason to smile brightly again.
We provide customised solutions to restorative dentistry that ensure you receive effective, long-lasting treatment that suits your needs and preferences.
Moreover, we offer flexible, interest-free payment plans and assistance with an early release of superannuation so that financial concerns do not hold you back from achieving your dream smile.
If you are seeking a local dental clinic that offers dental implants that can transform your life, look no further than Dr Jack Yang, our highly-rated dentist near Bella Vista. His skill, attention to the minutest details, and commitment to providing outstanding care will ensure you get the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner
Resources
Types of Implants & Techniques – The Dental Implant Experts https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/
