Which Is Better – Dental Bridges Or Implants?
Tooth replacement has come a very long way over the past few decades. If you find yourself in need of a tooth replacement, you will likely be choosing between a dental bridge and an implant. There are specific reasons you may be leaning one way or the other with them. However, by doing a thorough comparison, you should be able to come to a conclusion on which one would be most beneficial for yourself.
The Durability
Durability should be one of the primary factors that dictate your decision. When searching for the optimal tooth replacement option, you should be using durability as a strong selling point. When it comes to durability, you will find implants to be the superior option compared to a dental bridge. Implants are surgically placed into your jawbone in a way that makes it a much more secure and long term tooth replacement option for those seeking durability.
The implant will typically utilize a titanium cylinder that will fuse directly with the jawbone. Because it is metal and because it is so strong, it won’t be susceptible to either gum problems or bone decay. That being said, you still have to maintain the implants to keep them functional for as long as possible.
With dental bridges, you will typically have them last as long as 10 years. At that point, they will typically require replacement. Throughout 10 years, the bridge will suffer from wear and tear which can cause degradation. Likewise, bridges will be much more susceptible to both gum disease and decay.
The Costs
Dental bridges will be the much lower cost option as opposed to implants. Implants can be much more expensive if you are factoring in the initial cost. However, over the lifespan of the two, you may find that dental implants are the cheaper and more affordable option. After all, they will last a lifetime compared to the 10 years of dental bridges.
When looking at the cost, you want to think about whether or not your insurance will reimburse you and for how much. A lot of the insurance policies from dental insurance providers will cover the cost of a dental bridge. On the other hand, a dental bridge, they will typically only cover a portion. This can make dental implants even more expensive for some but it shouldn’t push it outside the budget for everyone.
A lot of the dentists you will find will help to provide you with flexible payment options and implant treatments based on how much you are willing and able to pay. They can either help with a flexible payment plan or by breaking down the implants into different stages. You want to speak with your dentist about the costs of the treatment to get a clear assessment of the situation.
The Aesthetics
When you are replacing a tooth or teeth that are visible, you are likely going to prioritize the treatment option that offers the best aesthetics. After all, you want to ensure that your smile isn’t compromised. However, this is purely subjective. While there is no definitive answer as to which looks better, some may prefer the natural aesthetics of implants over bridges.
You will typically find that implants provide superior aesthetics because they are crafted to match the surrounding teeth. Likewise, the implant can be put in soon after your natural tooth is lost which can limit the amount of time you have to go with a gap. That being said, there has been a multitude of advancements in dental bridges that have made it a good option for those seeking a natural-looking tooth replacement.
The fact is, both of these missing teeth treatments can be very effective and they stand out as the best solutions. Finding the one that is best for you comes down to factoring in your budget and your preference. Speak to your dentist about the options available to you and you should be able to make the right selection.
