Bridge or Implant? Which is Right for Me?

There are a variety of cosmetic dentistry options available today that can be used to replace missing teeth, including a dental bridge or dental implant. The decision to use one instead of another depends on various factors. Consider that one treatment option may be right for one person and wrong for the next person with the same condition.

In general, if you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant is usually your best option. If the teeth on both sides of your missing tooth need crowns, a bridge is the most sensible choice.

Dental bridges

When you have lost one or multiple teeth and have a tooth on both sides of the open space, replacement teeth can be attached or “bridged” to two crowns placed on the two adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is called a fixed bridge.

A bridge is the traditional method for replacing a missing tooth. It is important to keep in mind that a bridge must attach to one or two adjacent crowns. To hold the crowns, these teeth must be prepared, or ground down, so that the crowns can fit on top of them.

A fixed bridge provides a secure and aesthetically pleasing replacement for the visible portion of your tooth. Unlike a dental implant, this restoration does not provide an artificial tooth root.

However, fixed bridges provide several benefits:

• They are quicker and often cheaper than dental implants
  
• Because they are permanent, they never need to be taken out
  
• They prohibit other teeth from shifting or loosening, which prevents jaw problems
  
• Dental bridges feel like and look like your natural teeth
  

Dental implants

A dental implant is a titanium metal screw that is inserted into your jaw bone in the void created by a missing tooth. After the implant is fastened into your bone, it will act as an artificial root from which a restoration such as a porcelain crown can be attached. An implant can also be used to better secure dentures or partial dentures.

Some benefits of dental implants include:

• Restored chewing function, allowing you to enjoy foods that were too difficult to eat
  
• No more irritated and painful gums
  
• Renewed sense of confidence that your replacement teeth will not shift or loosen
  
• They look, feel and function like your natural teeth
  
• Eliminate the need for adhesives and denture clasps
  
• No more need for gooey adhesives
  
• Improved speech by eliminating or reducing the "fullness" of full or partial dentures
  
• Ability to replace missing teeth with the look and feel of natural teeth without “shaving down” your adjacent, healthy teeth
  

• Assist in the prevention of jaw bone loss and shrinkage that can lead to a misaligned bite
  

It is important to note that not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. In order to place this screw, you must have sufficient bone with the ability to hold the implant securely in place. Additionally, the roots of your adjacent teeth must not be in the way of where you implant must be inserted. If you do not qualify initially for a dental implant, a bone graft can be done increase your amount of bone mass. Orthodontics can also be used to move your teeth and any impeding roots.

Prone to grinding?

While a dental implant is the only way to replace a missing tooth without altering your adjacent natural teeth, this solution is not ideal if you are prone to teeth grinding. This additional force placed on the implant can cause it to fail over time.