Dental Bridge Vs. Implant: What’s the Difference?

Tooth loss can affect your smile, appearance, and overall health. It can also weaken your jawbone, change your bite and affect your facial shape. However, advances in prosthetic dentistry offer a functional and attractive solution. Now, you have no reason to feel self-conscious or insecure about your missing teeth because we can fix them with implants and bridges.

But, between the two dental restorative procedures, which one is the best? This article from our Naperville dental office takes a deep dive into both implant and bridge treatment methods to help you decide one that will be best for you.

Bridge vs. Implant

Let’s compare implants vs. bridges to help determine the best option for you:

1. Procedure

Dental bridge treatment is less invasive and faster. In addition, the process does not require surgery as bridges are not fused to the jawbone.

However, implant treatment is invasive and requires surgery. A standard implant treatment procedure involves fitting a titanium root into the jawbone, implanting the crown, and holding the crown in place. Normally, this treatment process takes about 6 months to complete.

2. Aesthetic Factor

Both implant placement and bridges will boost your smile and appearance. However, implant treatment will provide pleasing results as your Naperville dentists will make your replacement look as natural as possible.

On the other hand, dental bridges lose their natural-looking appearance with time, making them less appealing.

3. Cost

Implants are generally expensive as the process is complex compared to bridge treatment. Also, an implant requires multiple doctors’ appointments, making the cost higher.

The cost of bridge treatment is generally lower as the procedure is simple and requires fewer dental check-ups. This makes it an affordable option compared to an implant.

4.. Durability

Bridge treatment offers a temporary solution. They can serve you for about 8-15 years before you need a replacement.

However, dental implants are permanently fused in the jawbone, making them a lifetime solution. Also, dental implants put less strain on the neighboring teeth.

5. Aftercare

It can be a little harder to floss or brush with a bridge treatment. What’s more, you require additional oral hygiene instructions from your dentist.

On the other hand, it’s easy to brush with implant treatment and floss. Additionally, implants can replace individual teeth without attaching them to other teeth, making home care easy and effective.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges: What’s Best for You?

Dental implants and bridges are great options—however, it’s best to discuss your needs and preferences with your dentist. Also, openly communicate your goals, expectations, and the number of missing teeth needing replacement, as it will help the dentist determine the best tooth-replacement method for you. 

Dental Bridges and Implants in Naperville

Do you have missing teeth and are planning to get restorative treatment? Look no further. Washington Dental Studio is here for you! We are one of the top teeth replacement dentists and have the best dentists practicing all types of dental treatment, including implant and bridge replacement. Contact the compassionate dentists at the Washington Dental Studio for a consultation today.