Your teeth are not just tools for eating and chewing, they are also a vital element of self-confidence. A bright, radiant smile is a powerful way to make a lasting first impression.
Regrettably, missing teeth can adversely affect your self-esteem. Dental implants and bridges allow patients to restore teeth, enhance self-esteem, and improve quality of life. If you have missing teeth, there’s no need to worry. As trusted specialists of dental implants South Brisbane since 1994, we’re here to help.
This blog explains the basics of a tooth implant vs dental bridge, empowering patients with the knowledge to make sound oral health decisions and achieve long-term peace of mind and comfort.
Deciding Between Dental Bridge Vs Implant
Choosing between dental implants and bridges requires several factors, including long-term fit, the patient’s oral cavity, and budget. Although both procedures can be confusing, they have the same long-term objective: to replace missing teeth. Regardless of your choice, our trusted Annerley Dental clinic can help restore your pearly whites and boost your confidence.
What Is A Tooth Implant?
A tooth or dental implant is an invasive dental surgical procedure. A dentist will place the implant, which acts as the missing tooth’s roots, in the patient’s jawbone. These permanent tooth replacements are secure and won’t make noise or damage jawbones like dentures might.
Your dental practitioner will perform a dental implant procedure in several stages that typically last three to six months, including:
Patients with thin or soft jawbones may require bone grafting, creating a resilient foundation for the implant.
What Is A Dental Bridge?: Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that replace a tooth or a row of missing teeth. As the term implies, they bridge the gap that missing teeth create.
A dental bridge has two parts:
Abutments: These structures support the dental bridge.
Pontics: These are the artificial teeth that fill missing tooth gaps.
The four types of dental bridges include the following:
Traditional dental bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge. Dentists follow this strategy for patients with healthy natural teeth surrounding the gap.
Cantilever dental bridge: Unlike traditional dental bridges with crowns on both ends, the cantilever version has only one crown on one end. Practitioners choose the latter alternative for patients with natural teeth on one side of the gap. However, cantilever dental bridges aren’t as resilient as traditional ones.
In a natural bone graft, the dentist will use bone tissue from the patient or donor to regenerate or augment the jawbone. On the other hand, a synthetic bone graft uses a bone substitute material to achieve this purpose. Bone grafting lengthens a tooth implant procedure to six to twelve months.
Patients who undergo a tooth implant may experience gum and facial swelling, skin or gum bruising, pain or discomfort, or minor bleeding.
The tooth implant creates a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth (dental crown). This procedure provides patients with an eye-catching dental intervention that mimics natural teeth.
Maryland dental bridge: A Maryland or resin-bonded bridge uses metal wings instead of crowns to stabilise the dental prosthetic. Your dentist latches the wings to the backs of missing front teeth.
Implant-supported bridge: In this scenario, the dentist mounts the bridge atop dental implants instead of natural teeth. It’s a practical strategy for patients with at least three consecutive missing teeth.
A dental bridge is less invasive and faster than a tooth implant. While the latter may take six to twelve months with bone grafting, the former usually takes one to two weeks.
Comparing Tooth Implants And Dental Bridges
This section will explain the various factors to consider when choosing between a dental bridge vs implant Australia, empowering patients to make enlightened decisions for better long-term oral health.
Price
A dental bridge costs significantly less than a tooth implant. Since the latter is a complex, invasive surgical procedure, you will pay twice the former’s amount.
Please remember that the cost of a dental bridge depends on the tooth type, quantity, and material used. Since it doesn’t require surgery, It’s the more cost-effective alternative to replacing missing teeth.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Single-tooth dental bridge: AUD 1,000 to AUD 3,000.
- Multiple-tooth dental bridge: AUD 4,000 AUD 9,000.
- Single-tooth implant: AUD 2,500 to AUD 6,000
- Two- to three-tooth implants (with crowns): AUD 6,000 to AUD 12,000
Lifespan
A tooth implant usually takes three to six months, but additional bone grafting lengthens the procedure to six to twelve months. Conversely, a dental bridge takes an average of one to two weeks, making it the more convenient option for patients pressed for time.
Durability
Tooth implants can last fifteen years to a lifetime with proper oral hygiene. On the other hand, dentists must replace dental bridges every five to fifteen years.
Appearance
Tooth implants and dental bridges can mimic realistic, natural teeth. However, the former has better aesthetics because dental manufacturers make them look and function like authentic pearly whites. Some dental bridges may look artificial because dentists latch them onto adjacent teeth.
Ease of Use
A dental bridge is usually more comfortable post-procedure than a tooth implant because the former is less invasive. Your dentist can also easily adjust the bridge, resulting in less pain and discomfort over time.
You can consume most food and drinks twenty-four hours after a dental bridge procedure. However, please avoid hot, cold, hard, and sticky foods to avoid complications and discomfort.
On the other hand, tooth implants are more comfortable and longer-lasting than dental bridges. The former closely mimics natural teeth and provides a more stable placement than the latter.
Tooth Implant Advantages And Disadvantages
Tooth implants are a long-term dental intervention for missing teeth that can last fifteen years up to a lifetime. The resilient titanium material ensures sturdy placement, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss over time.
On the other hand, tooth implants are a surgically invasive procedure that may produce discomfort and require several months to heal before receiving the replacement tooth. Finally, tooth implants are considerably more expensive than dental bridges, so please consider your budget carefully when deciding.
Tooth implant suitabilities include:
- Solitary or multiple teeth replacement.
- People with thick, healthy gums and jawbones that support the implant.
- Patients seeking a long-term, permanent alternative to missing teeth.
Dental Bridge Advantages And Disadvantages
Dental bridges made of porcelain, metal alloys, or gold are a cost-effective option for missing teeth. They’re a non-surgical procedure that can be finished in one to two weeks, offering patients more convenience than tooth implants.
Conversely, dental bridges can weaken adjacent healthy teeth because of the extra stress from the bridge framework. They can also loosen and shift over time since they are latched onto the top of the gums rather than inside the jawbone.
Dental bridge suitabilities include:
- Multiple missing teeth replacement.
- Patients with healthy gums and surrounding teeth.
- People who are unsuitable for tooth implants due to medical or financial constraints.
- Patients who prefer less invasive procedures.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer a tooth implant or a dental bridge, either intervention can replace missing teeth, restore a radiant, dazzling smile, boost confidence, and improve quality of life.
Although tooth implants are surgically invasive and costlier than dental bridges, they provide long-term comfort and reassurance. The latter is a quicker, cost-effective procedure that replaces missing teeth without surgical intervention.
As Brisbane’s trusted dental service provider since 1994, Annerley Dental’s highly skilled and experienced practitioners can recommend the appropriate strategy for your situation. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
