Losing teeth is a bad experience, be it at any age. Missing teeth can affect your smile as well as your oral health. If you have missing teeth and you want to replace them, then you have the two most popular options available to you, which are dental implants and bridges.
Deciding which is the best option for you depends on your goals and oral health. The best way to decide is to consult with a dental implant specialist in Fresno. They can help you explain how both options work and what the right choice for you will be.
Read this article to learn about the pros and cons of each option. This can help you in making the right decision according to your needs and comfort.
Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution
Dental implants can require a lot of time for the procedure to complete, but they are the most long-lasting and durable option. The design of a dental implant is similar to that of natural teeth. It basically consists of a titanium post, which is placed into the jaw bone by surgery. This post acts like a root for the missing tooth.
The titanium post gives stability and durability to the implant so that it can function the same way as a natural tooth functions.
Longevity and Durability
The biggest plus point of a dental implant is that it is long-lasting if you take care of it properly. It can even last a lifetime, which makes it an excellent choice if you have missing teeth. Also, implants are resistant to decay and wear, unlike bridges that may need replacement after some time.
Aesthetic and Functional Benefits
Implants are very much identical to natural teeth as they are customized to look like natural teeth. Implants are anchored in the jaw, which basically gives them the ability to bite with strength at the same level as natural teeth. This not only improves eating but also helps in keeping your smile flawless.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a more traditional method for replacing missing teeth. It prevents the need to get a post in your jawbone. In its place, a bridge is attached to adjacent healthy teeth, which then helps in supporting the artificial tooth in the gap.
Ease of Procedure
The procedure of getting a dental bridge does not need a lot of procedures or checkups, as in the case of a dental implant. In most cases, if you are getting a dental bridge, then you just have to visit your dentist two times, and you will be good to go.
For people who are not able to get dental implants or are not suitable for surgery, getting bridges is the best option available for them.
Cost and Time Considerations
Bridges do not cost a lot at first as implants do, which can make them a better option if you are working on a low budget, but it is also important to know that they are less expensive at first, but they need replacement every 10-15 years which can make them costly in the long run.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Implants and Bridges
When you are choosing between dental implants and bridges, you should take multiple things into consideration, such as your oral health condition, comfort, maintenance, and appearance.
Oral Health Condition
If you want to get an implant, you should have healthy gums and a strong jawbone so that it can support the implant properly. If there is significant bone loss, then bone grafting may be needed before the implant procedure can be started.
Bridges, on the other hand, are best for people who do not have enough bone for implants or who do not want to go through any surgical procedure.
Maintenance and Care
Dental implants are easier to maintain than bridges. This can be done by doing very basic tasks such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, which can help keep your implant maintained.
Appearance and Feel
Both implants and bridges can look very natural, but implants give you a more secure and permanent solution. Bridges can show some movement after some time if the adjacent teeth that are supporting the bridge get worn or weak.
Consult with A professional Today!
If you are confused about choosing between a dental implant or a bridge, then consulting with a dental professional can help you a lot. They can tell you the advantages and disadvantages of both and suggest which will be better based on your needs and oral health.
