Implants or Bridges: Which is the Best Option for You?
Decided to replace your missing teeth but unsure of what dental treatment to opt for? Dental implants and bridges are great options for replacing teeth but which is the best for you? Here are the differences between the two and what you need to keep in mind when making your decision:
1. Design
A bridge works by suspending a false crown to fill in the missing tooth using two functional crowns placed over the adjacent teeth. Dental implants are an independent restoration, usually made up of a titanium root inserted in the jaw, with a crown secured on top.
2. Impact
Since implants are independent restorations, there’s no such impact on adjacent teeth making this non-invasive to the rest of your smile. When considering bridges, neighboring teeth, regardless if healthy or not, must still be altered to have a crown placed on top.
3. Bone health
The health of your jawbone and bone density will play a big role in determining which option is available to you. Full-sized implants require a certain amount of bone in order to be successfully inserted into the jaw. If you don’t have enough bone to support an implant, a bridge would be a better choice. During consultation, we’ll be able to assess this using x-rays and imaging.
4. Maintenance
With the right care and maintenance, most dental bridges can last up to around 10 years, after which they need to be replaced. Dental implants are the most permanent of all restorations. The implant itself is capable of lasting a lifetime. In terms of maintenance, implants require your usual oral hygiene routine: brushing, flossing and a dental checkup& clean every 6 months. Bridges need extra tools and hygiene aids to be able to thoroughly clean under the restoration daily.
Not sure which treatment is best for you? Call (03) 9540 8900 and schedule your consultation with Purity Dental today. Our team will be able to help you identify the best tooth replacement option.
