Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges: Which Is Better for Me

Dental implants vs dental bridges, which procedure to choose is a tough question that patients can have in their minds. Having a missing tooth (or multiple teeth) can severely affect one’s self-confidence and may cause issues with their self-esteem. People who have missing teeth might smile less and avoid talking to people out of fear.

The good news is that there are dental procedures that can help people with missing teeth. A patient may choose from either dental implants or dental bridges to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth.

Dental implants vs dental bridges, which one has more advantages? Both of these options have their individual advantages. Here is a breakdown of their benefits to help you make an educated decision about which option to consider.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: Which Is Better for Me?

Knowing the benefits of both choices will help you weigh one against the other. Consider the following to choose the option that will work best for your needs:

Practical Reasons

There are practical reasons for choosing between dental implants vs dental bridges. Dental implants are meant to take the place of natural teeth. They will be connected to the jawbone and will provide the necessary pressure to promote healthy bone support for the tooth.

On the other hand, dental bridges may be a better option if any of the adjacent teeth beside the gap require crowns or have large fillings.  Since the teeth on either side of the space need to be prepared to support a  bridge, the dental implant can be seen as less compromising to your natural dentition.

Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges– Price

Dental implants vs dental bridges, which one is more costly? When it comes to price, dental bridges are less of an investment than getting a dental implant procedure. The average cost per tooth for dental bridges ranges from $3000 to $3500, while dental implants cost anywhere from $3500 to $4500 per tooth. However, it may be possible to have dental insurance cover part of the costs for either of these options.

Aesthetics

When it comes to the final results, dental implants will not be conspicuous. Nobody will be the wiser that you have a dental implant in your mouth. However, dental bridges may be more noticeable upon close inspection. It is possible to see that they are not natural teeth.

Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges– Maintenance

Dental implants have the upper hand when it comes to maintenance. Once a dental implant is placed, it will be maintained as if it were a natural tooth. You will be able to floss around the tooth, whereas with a bridge the floss will need to be threaded under the bridge since the teeth are connected. 

Also, there is usually no need to replace the implant after a certain number of years. However, the opposite is true for dental bridges. They will only last for around 10 to 20 years, and some changes to a person’s dental hygiene routine will need to be made to maintain them.

Conclusion

Dental implants vs dental bridges, who is the winner? Now that you have the information about both options, it will hopefully be easier for you to make your choice. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but either of these will be good options to help you deal with missing teeth and prevent the shifting or collapse of your bite. 

Whether you choose to get dental implants or dental bridges, the initial problem of the gap between your teeth will be gone. You will be able to smile and show your pearly whites with confidence and avoid feeling self-conscious when you talk to your friends.  Furthermore, you will be able to chew better and enjoy mealtime.  

However, if you are still torn between dental implants and bridges, it may be a good idea to consult with one of the dentists at Matthews Family Dentistry. We offer affordable dental implants, Cosmetic Dentistry, and other dental procedures. Let us help you smile with confidence again! Come into our clinic today.