Dental implants and tooth bridges are among the most popular forms of treatment when it comes to the replacement of missing teeth. Both can put a smile back on your face, ease chewing, and ensure that other teeth do not move. Nonetheless, they are very different in terms of their extent of doing, duration of doing it, and the impact it has on your oral health.
These differences ought to be known to anyone intending to replace their teeth. The selection of the appropriate treatment will be determined by your own preferences, financial capabilities, and objectives. In this article, we will have a closer look at what makes dental implants and tooth bridge treatments any different.
1. What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants represent an artificial tooth root that is crafted of titanium or other powerful substances. They are directly fixed into the jawbone by a minor operation. When the implant is integrated into the bone, it is then topped with a crown that makes the implant look and act like a natural tooth.
The implants are famous for their strength and durability. Since they are anchored to the bone, they offer stability that is very close to that of normal teeth. They also assist in keeping the jawbones in shape since bone loss occurs when teeth are absent.
2. What Are Tooth Bridges?
A tooth bridge is a dental restoration that fills in the space that has been caused by the loss of a tooth. It typically consists of crowns on the healthy teeth that are adjacent to the gap and a false tooth (or teeth) as an in-between.
Bridges do not involve surgery, as opposed to implants. They are less intrusive and may be done within a shorter time. Bridges also make a good alternative to implants for patients who might be inappropriate or unsuitable candidates because of bone loss or health problems.
3. Procedure and Healing Time
Dental implants take more time because the implant needs to bond with the jawbone before the crown can be attached. Healing may take several months, but this results in a strong, long-lasting tooth replacement.
On the other hand, it can only take a couple of visits to the dentist to place a bridge. After preparing the neighboring teeth and taking impressions, the bridge is fitted and cemented. This makes bridges a quick way to achieve fast results.
4. Longevity and Durability
The implants of teeth are made in such a way that they can last decades, and with proper care, many patients can live with the implants. They do not decay easily, as they are fabricated using metal and porcelain.
Although bridges are known to be reliable. They normally do not take more than 10 to 15 years before they can undergo replacement. The supporting teeth might erode with time or decay due to the additional weight of the bridge. However, the right choice depends on your specific needs, oral condition, and long-term goals.
