We detected that you're using an older version of Internet Explorer. please upgrade IE 11 or later
Alternatively, you can install and use these secure and newest browsers: Chrome | Firefox | Safari for MacOS | Edge for Windows
This Article Has Been Medically Reviewed By Dr. Ficca.
Missing or damaged teeth can be replaced by many different options, including dental bridges and dental implants. While each of these procedures restores the space(s) of missing teeth, there are advantages to choosing dental implants instead of dental bridges. Learn more about the advantages of dental implants over dental bridges to help you make an informed decision.
As the name suggests, dental bridges are specialized prosthetics that “bridge” the space of missing teeth in the mouth. There are many different types of dental bridges, but the most common is the traditional bridge, generally provided by a dentist.
Traditional dental bridges use two healthy teeth as anchors on each end of the bridge. The healthy teeth are carefully drilled and shaped to accommodate the bridge. Bridges are custom-made to match your existing teeth, so you may get a temporary bridge while your new bridge is being made. When the bridge is ready, your dentist will cement the new bridge to the prepared teeth to secure it in place.
Dental implants provide an alternative solution to replacing missing teeth with implants that are rooted in the jawbone. The procedure is the most popular choice for patients who want to have a more natural-looking smile and better functionality.
Dental bridges and dental implants are two common procedures to replace missing teeth. However, there are several advantages of dental implants over bridges.
Dental implants often last the rest of your life with proper oral hygiene, unlike dental bridges that have a life span of around ten years and may eventually become ill-fitting, needing replacement. Dental bridges also require special cleaning and maintenance and are subject to decay and tooth nerve problems. Dental implants cannot decay and will not need root canals.
Dental bridges are usually a single piece, molded to fill the missing tooth gap. However, dental implants are custom-made to match your existing teeth. Each individual crown is fitted based on the shape, color, and position of your teeth and anchored by titanium posts that act as new “roots” for the replacement teeth.
When you have missing teeth, your existing teeth begin to shift, which causes further dental issues and oral health problems. While bridges fill the space between the missing teeth, they prevent the stimulation provided to the gums and jawbone from chewing. Bone loss around a bridge is common. Additionally, the abutments for your bridge can cause the teeth your bridge is attached to, to break or become damaged. Since dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, these problems are mitigated.
Dental implants allow you to experience greater chewing, biting, smiling, and conversation functions than dental bridges. Dental bridges block the sensation of normal chewing and can become uncomfortable after time. Since dental implants are fused into the jawbone securely, they feel more like your regular teeth and provide a more comfortable solution to replace missing teeth.
If you’re considering dental treatment to replace missing or damaged teeth, you have many options to choose from, including dental bridges and dental implants. While both solutions have benefits, dental implants provide far more advantages over dental bridges. Dental implants can help restore your self-confidence, oral function, and preserve your existing teeth and jawbone for the long term with proper care and oral hygiene.
If you’d like to explore dental implants and their benefits over dental bridges, schedule a consultation online with Dr. Ficca, or call Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants at (704) 544-2224 today.
