Dental technology has expanded our tooth replacement options. Two popular selections gaining the spotlight include dental implants and dental bridges. How do you choose the most cost-effective and personally accommodating option?
Get your advice from Dr. Mark Civin and his experienced team. We provide dental and oral surgical services like crowns, veneers, and dental implants in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Below, we list a few dental implant vs. bridge differences so you can start making an informed choice between them.
The Basics
As their names suggest, these replacement methods conceal tooth loss and support the jaw and mouth differently.
Dental Implants
A dental implant has three major parts: the implant body, the abutment, and the crown. The implant body functions as an artificial root for the tooth, with the abutment connecting the implant to the crown. The crown will be responsible for the implant’s overall appearance and replication of a natural tooth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge covers a gap created by missing teeth. To cover the gap, it usually uses two or more crowns for anchoring teeth with a bridge of false teeth in between them. Dentists may call the false crowns “pontics” and the anchoring teeth “abutment teeth.”
Dental Implant vs Bridge: Between The Two Methods
While they have various similarities, such as the materials they use (porcelain, alloys, and more), they differ in many other ways. These variations can determine how trustworthy, reliable, or reasonable you see either option.
Age
Current records show that more traditional dental implants appeared in the early 20th century. Meanwhile, dental bridges have been a concept since ancient civilizations. The science and methods behind dental bridges have developed more than dental implants, so the associated risks are also better documented.
That said, new technology also benefits us greatly despite its younger age. The FDA also provides information regarding modern dental implants to help familiarize the public with their existence.
Coverage Method
As noted, implants generally replace each tooth instead of covering missing teeth with a bridge. In bridge methods, a dentist may wear down teeth closest to the gap for the crown to fit onto.
The crowns for both use the same materials and require similar manufacturing. The abutment, or the portion the crown connects to, is either a metallic part for implants or nearby teeth for a bridge.
Bone Preservation
Preserving the jawbone can be a significant deciding factor when considering a dental implant vs. bridge. A dental bridge doesn’t interact with the bone in the missing tooth areas. Therefore, the bone under the bridge may weaken over time.
Implant bodies work as replacement tooth roots, which stimulate the bone and motivate nutrients to the area. However, they also require a baseline amount of bone to be present for the procedure to work, so some patients may need bone grafting first.
Cost Comparison
Dental bridges cost less than implants upfront and are no longer considered a surgical procedure. You can expect your dental bridge to last between five to 15 years, after which you may need a replacement or adjustment.
The cost barrier for implants tends to be much higher since it is an oral surgery and is often considered cosmetic. Therefore, you may have difficulty finding a dental plan that covers it. However, once complete, you generally do not need to spend much else on maintenance.
Excellent Dental Care in Palm Beach Gardens
A professional dentist or oral surgeon should always make suggestions on a case-by-case basis. Mark L. Civin, D.D.S., P.A., has completed several dental implants, bridges, veneers, and other oral maintenance options over his 20+ years of service. Our team ensures you understand your options, including the various types of dental implants and bridges and how much they will cost economically and emotionally.
Do you live or around Palm Beach Gardens, FL? Call Dr. Civin at 561-624-2224 or visit our contact page to schedule a dental implant vs. bridge consultation today. Learn more about what we do.
