Is It Better To Get A Dental Implant Or A Bridge?

Missing teeth affect your self-confidence. People might look for the perfect way to restore their smile. Some suggest implants, while others might ask to get dental bridges. Among other types of dental restoration, these two are the most popular. However, both these procedures come with their risks and benefits. You need to compare these before getting the alternatives.

This article is a guide to compare the best options for smile restoration. You can compare dental implants with dental bridges. This article will help you evaluate the right procedure to restore oral function. It will also suggest procedures that will support your jaw. You can explore which procedure is best suited to your needs.

Dental Bridge Vs. Implants

Dental bridges are best suited for those with dental insurance. They do not require other complex procedures, such as bone grafting. You can restore your smile with bridges properly. You need just one or two visits. It has lower upfront costs. Also, the natural-looking tooth acts as a benefit for the bridges.

On the other hand, dental implants offer a more lasting solution. It can last over a decade. It requires maintenance. Implants also have higher success rates than other alternative treatments. They are expensive and can cost over $3K. Most insurance does not cover dental implants.

Every treatment procedure has its drawbacks and advantages. It depends on your budget and needs; which treatment is best suited for you? You can also consult with your dentist to evaluate these procedures.

Dental Bridge and its Pros And Cons

Let us explore dental bridges by looking at their pros and cons. You can learn more about dental bridges to understand them better.

Pros

• Dental bridges are likely to be covered by insurance.
• It doesn’t require bone grafting or invasive surgery. You do not need to undergo complex surgeries to get this.
• It usually has a lower upfront cost than implants. It is much more affordable.
• It might require just two dental visits. These visits are spread over a couple of weeks. You do not need to get individual treatment like for implants.

Cons

• It requires replacement every 5 to 7 years. It can last more than 10 years but with proper care.
• Dental bridges offer a natural-looking appearance with age
• This can lead to more cavities and tooth decay. You need to keep neighboring teeth hygienic to prevent them from getting cavities.
• It can damage the healthy teeth around the missing tooth.

Dental Implant Pros And Cons

Let us explore implants by looking at their pros and cons. This way, you can learn more about the implants. You can easily determine if it is right for you with these pros and cons.

Pros

• It is much more durable. It can last over 15 years. It is one of the long-lasting options on the market.
• It retains a natural-looking appearance for much longer than dental bridges.
• They do not cause damage to the surrounding tooth. It doesn’t damage the healthy teeth around the implant.
• It has a very high 10-year plus success rate

Cons

• It is less likely to be covered by any dental insurance. You might have to pay for this out of your own pocket.
• This process can take up to 6 months. It requires individual sessions for each implant. You might have to revisit the dentist for the next implant procedure.
• It has a higher upfront cost. It is much more expensive than dental bridges.
• This can also lead to surgical complications. This is a more invasive procedure than dental bridges.

How To Select The Right Treatment?

The best alternative to missing teeth depends on your preference. If you need an affordable option, you can go with dental bridges. They are less invasive than implants. Otherwise, dental implants are best suited for a long-lasting solution. Here are some factors that will help you compare the right treatment option for you:

1. Total Cost Of Procedure
   The budget for your treatment is usually the determining factor. You can also try partial dentures or other affordable dental treatments. These are great, especially if you are on a budget. Dental insurance is more likely to cover only dental bridges. But you must finalize a budget first if you don’t have one. Then you can look for the right option.
2. Number of Missing Teeth.
   Implants require separate sessions for each missing tooth. This is why dental bridges are recommended for people with more missing teeth. The implant procedure is extremely expensive and invasive. You can explore dentures or other options if you do not find dental bridges as reliable.
3. Overall Oral Health
   The dental implant procedure involves surgery. That’s why it is not an excellent option for most people with health problems. It might take much longer to heal. It also is more expensive than dental bridges. Diabetes or leukemia patients are not recommended for invasive oral procedures. They can get dental bridges or even dentures as a better option.
4. Time
   Dental implants might take months to complete the procedure. At the same time, dental bridges are quick and affordable. People who need quick solutions for missing teeth can get dental bridges. One can also explore other missing teeth alternatives, such as dentures, if one wants more options.

Conclusion

Every person has their personal preference about their oral procedures. One might look for affordable procedures, or the other might look for a quick fix. Every pro and con must be appropriately evaluated to determine the right one for you. If you need the expert option, it is best to consult a dentist.

You can visit our experts at Cypress Dental Office to explore more about missing teeth alternatives. You can learn more about implants or dental bridges. You can also compare these two in detail to find the right one for your oral health.