Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile; they can affect both your oral health and your overall appearance. From trouble chewing to feeling self-conscious when speaking or laughing, tooth loss impacts your confidence, oral health, and daily life. Modern dentistry offers solutions for this problem, including dental bridges and dental implants.
We have a team of restorative specialists at Gasior Family Dentistry that helps patients in Northville and surrounding areas choose the best treatment based on their needs. This guide will tell you the benefits as well as disadvantages of bridges vs. implants to help you decide what you should choose.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Definition and Types
A dental bridge is basically a prosthetic device that is used to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The most common types include:
- Traditional bridges: Anchored by crowns placed on the two adjacent healthy teeth.
- Cantilever bridges: Supported on only one side (used in limited cases).
- Maryland bridges: Held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to adjacent teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges: Instead of being attached to natural teeth, these are supported by dental implants—offering greater stability and longevity.
Procedure Steps
- Tooth preparation: First, the supporting teeth are prepared by being reshaped to hold crowns.
- Impressions: Molds are taken and sent to a dental lab.
- Bridge placement: After fabrication, your custom bridge is cemented into place and adjusted for fit.
Benefits
- Shorter treatment time (often within 2–3 weeks).
- Generally more affordable upfront
- Non-surgical, making it ideal for patients who prefer a less invasive option.
Drawbacks
- Requires reshaping of healthy teeth.
- May need to be replaced every 5–15 years as it might create issues.
- Doesn’t stimulate the jawbone, so bone loss in the gap can still occur over time.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Each?
Dental Bridges
- It is a faster, less invasive solution and accepts the likelihood of replacing the bridge over time.
- Suitable if your bone density is insufficient for implant surgery or you prefer a non-surgical option.
Dental Implants
It is better if you’re healthy enough for minor oral surgery, and want to preserve your jawbone. It is a permanent, low-maintenance solution.
Real World Scenarios
- If you are Missing a single tooth, you should Get an Implant. An implant avoids impacting neighboring teeth and offers superior longevity.
- If you are missing multiple adjacent teeth, then a bridge may be quicker, though an implant-supported bridge is strong and more stable.
- If you need a full-arch restoration, then consider implant-supported dentures for better function and fit than traditional full bridges or removable dentures.
Over the course of 15–20 years, implants often cost less on average because bridges may need to be replaced once or twice. Consider your dental insurance coverage and check if you have the financing options available. Many insurance plans contribute partially toward both treatments.
Treatment Journey with an Implant Dentist
Choosing an experienced implant dentist near you is really important and here, At Gasior Family Dentistry, you get the best only. Your journey with us includes:
- Initial Consultation: Thorough exam and personalized treatment plan.
- Advanced Imaging: Digital scans to assess jawbone and guide placement.
- Surgical Placement: Performed with precision for optimal results.
- Follow-Up Care: Healing support and restoration fitting.
- Lifetime Maintenance: Regular cleanings and check-ups to protect your investment.
Learn more about our implant dentist services in Northville.
FAQs
- Which option is more painful? Implants involve surgery, but pain is typically well-managed with modern anesthesia and medication.
- Can I replace my bridge with an implant later? Yes, though bone loss may require grafting before implant placement.
- Do implants ever fail? Rarely, but proper hygiene and regular checkups are essential for long-term success.
- How long does a bridge take to complete? Typically 2–3 appointments over 1–2 weeks.
- Are these treatments covered by insurance? Most plans cover a portion of bridges and may also cover parts of implant treatment. Our team can help verify your coverage.
Head-to-Head Comparison
|
Feature |
Dental Bridge |
Dental Implant |
|
Invasiveness |
Non-surgical |
Surgical procedure |
|
Timeline |
2–3 weeks |
3–6 months or more |
|
Longevity |
5–15 years |
20+ years (often lifelong) |
|
Adjacent Teeth |
Requires reshaping |
No impact |
|
Bone Health |
No preservation |
Promotes healthy bone |
|
Cost |
Lower upfront |
Higher upfront, better long-term value |
|
Maintenance |
Basic hygiene |
Hygiene + routine specialist visits |
Still Not Sure?
Choosing between dental bridges and implants depends on your health, timeline, budget, and long-term goals. Implants preserve bone and offer a permanent solution, while bridges are faster and less invasive initially.
Still unsure which is right for you? You can schedule a consultation with our experienced implant dentist team at Gasior Family Dentistry today. We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose the best path to restoring your smile.
