Choosing Between Dental Implants and Bridges: What You Need to Know

Are you unsure about dental implants vs. bridges? Compare their benefits and find the perfect fit for your needs. Visit us now!

An article by the Journal of American Dental Association shows that one in every three adults 65 years and above have lost at least six teeth. While tooth loss is less prevalent among seniors, it's still a concern for many young adults and teens.



If you're dealing with tooth loss, modern dentistry provides two popular options to help you regain the appearance of your smile. Here, we'll cover dental implants vs bridges to help you make an informed choice.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tooth replacement options with titanium posts which support a crown or denture. Your dentists may recommend various options like:

• Endosteal implants
• Subperiosteal implants
• Zygomatic implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type, usually surgically placed directly into the jawbone. On the other hand, Zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone, so they are ideal If you're dealing with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.

Subperiosteal implants are for patients with a small bone height and those who can't get bone augmentations. The dentist will place the implant under the gum but on or above the jawbone.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular Laurel MD teeth replacement option in modern dentistry due to the following advantages:

• Durability
• They preserve bone health
• They have a natural feel and look
• Dental implants improve oral hygiene

Dental implants can last 25 years on average if you care for them. They are an excellent dental health investment because you will likely not need to replace them in a lifetime. Still, you must diligently follow a good oral hygiene routine and avoid damage.

Implants fuse directly with the jawbone to help you maintain bone density by stimulating bone tissue. Getting implants will improve your facial structure and allow you to avoid the changes that may occur when you're missing several teeth.

Dental implants mostly look, feel and function like your natural teeth. You can comfortably chew, speak or smile without worrying about the teeth shifting. Since dental implants don't rely on adjacent teeth for support, they also won't strain your natural teeth.

The Drawbacks of Dental Implants

While dental implants top other dental replacement solutions, they also have the following drawbacks:

• The placement process requires surgery
• The initial cost may be higher compared to other dental restoration options
• The dental implant process is long

Getting dental implants involves surgery to anchor a titanium post into the jawbone. During recovery, you may need to change your diet and adjust your oral care routine.

The cost of dental implants may be higher than other dental restoration options due to things like:

• The cost of surgery
• Extended recovery period
• The material costs

 The dental implant process can take several months and will include steps such as:

• The initial consultation
• The surgery
• Healing period
• Crown placement

Since a patient must heal between these stages, the option may not be ideal if you seek a quicker fix to tooth loss.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge functions as a tooth replacement solution by covering the space a missing tooth leaves. A dentist will use the crowns on adjacent natural teeth to secure the artificial tooth.

The design allows them to replace missing teeth without surgery or lengthy recovery. The most common types of dental bridges offered in Laurel include:

• Traditional bridges
• Cantilever bridges
• Maryland bridges

Traditional bridges consist of an artificial tooth held in place by crowns cemented onto the adjacent, natural teeth on either side of the gap. They are often ideal for areas of the mouth with significant bite pressure, like molars.

Cantilever bridges are ideal when you only have one healthy tooth to provide support. When getting a cantilever bridge, your Laurel, MD, dentist will anchor it to only one adjacent tooth. The option is ideal for low-pressure areas such as the front of your mouth.

Maryland bridges consist of an artificial tooth linked to metal wings at the backs of your adjacent natural teeth. The design reduces the need for tooth alteration, making it a less invasive choice. Maryland bridges are ideal if you want to avoid invasive procedures but achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.

The Advantages of Dental Bridges

The pros of dental bridges include the following:

• Quick dental restoration solution
• Cost-effective
• No need for surgery

Getting a dental bridge will only take a few visits. Once your Laurel MD dentist prepares your adjacent teeth, they will make impressions and send them to a dental lab. They will then receive the custom-made bridges and install them on you.

Bridges typically cost less upfront when compared to dental implants. When you do an implant vs bridge cost comparison, you're more likely to consider bridges if you have a limited budget.

Dental bridges may be a good choice if you aren't a good candidate for surgery due to other health issues. The process is also minimally invasive and will help you regain proper mouth function.

The Drawbacks of Dental Bridges

Despite bridges being a good alternative to dental implants, they have drawbacks such as:

• They can affect surrounding teeth
• Bridges don't stimulate the jawbone
• They can complicate oral hygiene

Bridges rely on neighboring teeth for support, and your dentist may need to alter healthy teeth to fit the crowns. Reshaping your teeth could weaken them, increasing the need for future dental work.

When researching bridge vs implant longevity, you'll discover that implants last longer. Bridges can stay in good condition for at least five years, but the materials will wear down over time.

Further, unlike implants, bridges don't stimulate the jaw bone and can contribute to bone deterioration. They may also complicate teeth cleaning, and you may need special tools like floss threaders to avoid tooth decay or gum disease.

Dental Implants vs Bridges: Consult an Expert to Make the Best Choice

Comparing dental implants vs bridges is vital when considering restorative dentistry. Each option has pros and cons, making it ideal for different situations, oral health needs and budgets. If you want to make the best choice, it's best to consult a dentist in Laurel, MD, first.

At Garland K. Davis DDS Family Dentistry, we can help you improve your smile with our restorative services. Our specialists will do thorough exams and consult you before recommending the best treatment.