Losing teeth is a widespread experience that can significantly impact our daily lives, from the way we eat to how we confidently smile. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers excellent solutions for tooth replacement, but with multiple options available, making the right choice can be overwhelming. When faced with the decision between dental implants and dental bridges, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of their differences and benefits, empowering you to make an informed and confident choice that will restore both your smile and oral health.
Dental Implant vs. a Bridge
Bridges and implants provide not only aesthetically pleasing solutions but also robust chewing surfaces that mimic the natural feel of your original teeth. However, despite their shared goal of tooth restoration, these two approaches possess distinct characteristics and unique insertion processes. These differences affect who is a good candidate for dental implants vs. a bridge.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a crown set over an abutment (a metal post the size of the tooth it replaces). The crown is attached to the implant, and the device screws into the jawbone. Your original tooth is removed to make a spot for the implant. Once healed, the implant is part of your jawbone and is rarely removed.
Dental implants are a single tooth. They can replace front teeth and molars. They look like natural teeth and retain their look for years, usually longer than most bridges. Implants are stronger and more durable than a bridge. They also feel and chew like your natural teeth. Dental implants don’t damage the surrounding teeth like a bridge. They also have a 97% success rate.
The most significant aspect of an implant is that they replace the root of your natural tooth, reversing jawbone loss and maintaining a strong bite. Dental implants never have to be replaced. Once they are inserted, they last your lifetime. Dental implants are the better option if you have weak or severely decaying teeth surrounding your missing tooth.
Unfortunately, your insurance is less likely to cover the cost of implants. Dental implants are more expensive than a traditional bridge. Dental implants require a surgical procedure which can lead to complications of surgery and infection if aftercare is not done well. Dental implants are more painful than a bridge and take approximately six months for the entire process.
In cases where the jawbone is too thin, a bone graft will be needed.
Dental Bridge
A bridge is a group of false teeth that span the space in your mouth where you are missing teeth. Unlike an implant, a bridge is held in place by glue that anchors the bridge to the teeth on each side of the space where teeth are missing. It is a painless procedure.
If abutments (metal screws like the ones used in an implant) are needed, they are screwed into the jawbone, and the bridge sits on the abutments. These support the bridge and hold it in place.
Most insurance companies cover dental bridges because they are less expensive than an implant. If your insurance doesn’t cover bridges, they are less costly than implants and could be paid out of pocket. Unless you have abutments, bridges do not require surgery or bone grafting. Bridges can be done in a couple of visits, quicker than implants. Getting a bridge means much less time off of work than an implant and requires little to no healing.
If you suffer from bone loss, are diabetic, or suffer from a medical condition that rules out implants, a bridge is a terrific option!
Unfortunately, most bridges last five to seven years, and their appearance ages.
When choosing a dental implant vs. a bridge, most people consider if their insurance company covers the procedure, the cost of their co-pay, the number of teeth needing replacement, their health (not all patients are good candidates for implants), and the length of the procedure and the healing time.
When asked which is better, an implant or a bridge, your dentist will tell you it is a personal choice. Once you have weighed the pros and cons of your situation, you can determine what is best for you!
Why Choose the Dental District?
Our dentists and dental staff have been trained in the latest procedures. Our procedure rooms ensure that the most current technology.
We provide cost-effective dentistry that you would pay twice as much in the US with the same quality results. Why pay more for implants and bridges than you must when there is a lower-cost alternative right over the border?
At The Dental District Dental Clinic in Tijuana, we do dental implants and bridges. Our state-of-the-art facility is located in New City Medical Plaza in Tijuana, 10 minutes from the US/Mexico border.
Call The Dental District today for a consultation with our dentist in Tijuana. When deciding on a dental implant vs. a bridge, differences, and what’s best for you, our dentists can help you choose what is right for you! Contact us today and schedule your appointment! Ask about our best services such as invisible orthodontics in Tijuana, teeth whitening in Tijuana, endodontics in Mexico and dental crowns in Tijuana.
Call us at (858) 832-4027 from the US or (664) 454-0024 in Mexico.
