A missing tooth is more than just a missing piece in your smile. If you have one or more missing teeth you know how it feels. In addition to the literal gap in your smile, it also feels like there’s a gap in your confidence, in the way you laugh without a care in the world or the way you enjoy your favourite meals.
In other words, missing teeth can make you second guess things that came naturally to you – from smiling to speaking.
There’s a way to change this feeling. That’s by replacing your missing tooth/teeth.
When it comes to filling gaps left by missing teeth, there are several solutions available to you. From these available options, it is up to you (and our dentist) to find the best one for your smile, goals and lifestyle.
Out of the available options, dental bridges and dental implants are two of the most reliable solutions out there. Designed to restore both the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth, each comes with its own benefits.
Not sure which one is suitable for your needs? Our team at Ashgrove Dental can help you make the right decision so you can get back to smiling, eating and living with complete confidence. No more half-hearted smiles.
What is a Dental Bridge?
True to their name, dental bridges act as literal bridges. Designed to close gaps in your smile, they bridge the space left by missing teeth. These dental bridges consist of artificial teeth called pontics, and they are held securely in place by crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.
Not only do dental bridges close those annoying gaps in your smile. They also help restore the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth.
Dental bridges are typically of four types:
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common types. Crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap with a pontic sitting in between.
- Cantilever Bridges: Similar to traditional bridges. However, instead of being supported by neighbouring teeth on both sides, these bridges use only one neighbouring tooth for support.
- Maryland Bridges: These bridges use metal wings instead of crowns to secure your smile. The wings are bonded to the back of your neighbouring teeth to hold the pontic in place.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Dental implants are placed into your jawbone with a dental bridge attached to the implant.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Less Time Consuming
Lost a tooth with a big day just around the corner? Or perhaps you kept putting off replacing your missing tooth until a special occasion like a wedding, job interview or big celebration is nearing.
When time is of the essence, dental bridges can come to your rescue. This procedure can typically be completed in just 2-3 visits to the dentist, giving you a confident smile without taking too much time.
Simple Procedure
If surgery is not an option, dental bridges offer a gentle, non-surgical alternative to restore your smile. It only requires the removal of a small amount of enamel from the neighbouring teeth on either side of the missing tooth. This is to ensure the dental crowns fit well and support the pontic.
More Affordable
Restoring your smile and confidence shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. Dental bridges are an attractive, budget-friendly solution with a lower initial investment than dental implants.
No Bone Grafting Required
Since dental bridges don’t rely on your jawbone for support, there’s no cause for worry about your jawbone density or the need for a bone graft. This is not the case with dental implants.
While dental bridges don’t need bone grafts, they can cause certain complications later as bone loss is not corrected.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to tooth replacement. Honestly, it’s not too difficult to see why. They are designed to look like your natural teeth, restore lost functionality, last (given that you take proper care, of course) and replace your missing tooth right down to the root.
These artificial teeth are surgically inserted into your jawbone. It then undergoes a process called osseointegration to fuse with the jawbone, providing a stable and secure foundation for your new tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Natural Look and Feel
Dental implants, as we mentioned above, are built to look like your natural teeth. That’s not all, they also feel as real as they look. Designed to mimic your natural teeth, they also replace your missing teeth down to the root.
Preserves your Jawbone
Your jawbone needs stimulation to remain healthy. The stimulation it needs is usually provided by your teeth. So, you can imagine what happens when a tooth is missing. If you don’t replace missing teeth it can potentially lead to jawbone loss, changes in your facial structure and even difficulty chewing.
If you do replace missing teeth with a solution like dental implants, it will act as an artificial tooth root, giving the support and stimulation your jawbone needs. If you’ve gone too long with missing teeth and want to get dental implants you may need a bone graft to provide sufficient bone volume for the implant to integrate with the jawbone.
Protects Adjacent Teeth
While dental bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, that’s not the case with dental implants. The teeth surrounding the gap will remain untouched, preserving their natural structure while your smile is restored.
What’s Better: Dental Bridges or Dental Implants?
So, dental bridges or dental implants?
While both are reliable solutions to replacing missing teeth, the choice ultimately depends on your needs.
Here are a few things that should be taken into consideration when choosing between the two.
1. Longevity
If a more durable, long-lasting solution is what you are looking for, then dental implants take the crown. With proper care and oral hygiene, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, can last up to a decade or more depending on the care you give.
2. Cost
Between the two, dental implants cost more upfront than dental bridges. However, their durability often makes them a more cost-effective choice in the long run. While dental bridges are more budget-friendly initially, repair and replacement costs can add up over time.
3. Jawbone Health
Jawbone health and volume are important because jawbone resorption (the loss of volume and density in the jawbone) can lead to complications like changes in facial appearance and difficulty chewing and speaking.
Dental implants help preserve your jawbone by replacing the missing tooth/teeth down to the root. Bridges, unless they’re implant-support bridges, don’t offer the same benefit as dental implants. As a result, there could be gradual bone loss over time.
4. Treatment Time
Need to fix that gap in your smile fast? Dental bridges typically only require two visits to the dentist. Implants, however, require a longer process, often taking between 3 to 6 months for proper healing and integration.
5. Impact on Surrounding Teeth
Traditional dental bridges require the teeth on either side of the gap to be filed down. This is to ensure the dental crowns fit well and support the pontic. However, it can make the neighbouring teeth more vulnerable to decay if not carefully maintained. This potential risk doesn’t arise with implants because they don’t rely on neighbouring teeth.
6. Aesthetics
Both dental bridges and implants are custom-made to blend in beautifully with your natural smile. When it comes to aesthetics, implants have an edge over dental bridges because they don’t just look like your natural teeth; they also help prevent facial sagging by stimulating your jawbone, ensuring both your smile and appearance look beautiful.
Which Tooth Replacement Solution Is Right for You?
Both dental bridges and implants can replace missing teeth and restore your confidence. It’s simply a matter of finding the one that fits your unique situation and needs.
At Ashgrove Dental, we can help you with this. We will begin with a consultation where we will take the time to get to know you, your smile and your needs. Then, we will walk you through the best options available to you and help you make a decision that will enhance your smile and confidence.
Want to schedule a consultation? Contact our team today.
