What's Better: A Dental Bridge or Implant?

Dental bridges or implants are the first treatment methods that come to mind for those who have tooth deficiency. However, patients are often undecided whether a dental bridge or implant should be preferred. There is no definite answer to this question. Because dental implant or bridge treatments are both functional tooth deficiency treatments when used properly and correctly.

It is useful for our patients to obtain more detailed information about these two treatment methods and to examine the differences, advantages and disadvantages between them.

We should add this important reminder immediately, it is useful to act according to the recommendations to be made by a specialist dentist after examination when choosing whether dental bridge vs implant.

Private Sarıyer Denta Vita Dental Diseases Polyclinic works to protect your oral and dental health with its expert dentists in Sarıyer, Istanbul. If you want to learn the most accurate and most suitable treatment methods for you, you can contact us.

Dental Bridge vs Implant

Dental bridge vs implant treatments are different applications that should be decided according to oral health, jaw structure and problems experienced. In implant treatment, screws that mimic the tooth root are used, while in bridge treatment, the complementary prosthetic tooth has no connection with the jawbone.

It is most accurate to decide whether to have an implant or a bridge in line with the recommendations of our dentists. The advantages, disadvantages and differences of these two treatments, which we will discuss in the rest of our article, will help you decide.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants vs Bridges

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

The implant method, which is very popular in filling the missing tooth, stands out in terms of both aesthetics and comfort of use. In this treatment, the place of the missing tooth is based on the principle of placing implants similar to the natural tooth root into the jawbone.

A dental crown is placed on the implant, which mimics the natural tooth root very successfully. Porcelain, zirconium or emax & empress coatings are used for implant prosthesis coating. In this way, you will have a brand new implant tooth that you can use as your own tooth.

Pros

• Titanium implant screws are screwed into the jawbone and fuse with the bone over time, replacing the tooth root.
• The implant tooth provides the closest comfort of use to the natural tooth.
• The implant filling the gap in the jawbone prevents bone loss in this area. It eliminates problems such as tooth loss and jawbone fracture in advanced ages.
• It can be applied without damaging the neighbouring teeth.
• It is very robust and long-lasting.

Cons

• We can say that the most important disadvantage of implant treatment is that its price is higher than traditional bridge treatments.
• The treatment period is a bit long. Implant application requires at least 3 months.
• Graft application may be needed in patients with insufficient bone volume. This also increases the cost.

Pros and Cons of Bridges

In classical bridge treatment, the teeth in front and behind the missing tooth form the basis of the treatment. The neighbouring teeth are used as carriers and the missing tooth is replaced by placing a prosthetic tooth between the two intact teeth.

Pros

• The cost is lower than implant treatment.
• It does not require an advanced surgical procedure.
• Bridge treatment can be completed in a short time and discomfort during the healing process is minimal.
• Bridge method can be applied in patients who are not suitable for implant treatment for health reasons.

Cons

• In order to perform the bridge application, abrasion must be made from the intact teeth on the sides of the missing tooth.
• Although the application life is long, it is not as long as the implant.
• Cleaning and maintenance requires a little more care.
• Since there is no root part of the prosthetic tooth, there may be melting in the jawbone over time.

Dental Bridge vs Implant Differences

The main difference between an implant and a bridge is that in the implant method, an artificial tooth root is obtained by inserting a screw made of titanium into the jawbone. In the implant, the crown is directly supported by the jawbone and can be used like natural teeth. In the bridge, on the other hand, the prosthetic tooth has no connection with the jawbone because the bridge is placed on the healthy teeth on the sides of the missing tooth. Therefore, there is some abrasion of the intact teeth in bridge treatment. Apart from this basic difference:

• The cost of the implant is higher than the bridge.
• The life of the implant is longer.
• While surgical procedure is performed in implant application, it is not performed in bridge.
• While the implant treatment period is 3 months or longer, this period is much shorter in the bridge.
• When there is volume loss in the jawbone, implant cannot be performed, but bridge application can be performed.

Which to Choose: Dental Bridge vs Implant

In general, the following criteria are evaluated when making a decision:

• Your oral health
• Time you can spare for treatment
• Your thoughts about oral surgery
• Your care routine
• Cost

As we mentioned in our article, implant and bridge treatments have different advantages and disadvantages. If you are at the crossroads of 'Implant or bridge?', remember that the first condition for you to be satisfied with the treatment you will receive before making a decision is to work with a reliable dentist.

Therefore, making this decision without expert support and receiving treatment in the wrong hands may result in frustration. Our expert dentists can help you decide which treatment is the most suitable for your situation. Do not make an implant or bridge decision without consulting with Private Sarıyer Denta Vita Dental Diseases Polyclinic.

You can read our articles about coating types such as porcelain and zirconium used in bridge treatments, implant treatments such as all on four, all on six or full mouth implants, or you can contact us for more detailed information.

FAQ's

What looks more natural: Dental Bridge or Implant?

Dental implants mimic natural teeth in appearance, feel, and function. They are strong and stable, providing a confident smile. Crowns on implants offer the most natural look. Bridges, however, don't look as natural and can lead to bone loss where the tooth is missing. This can trap food, making it harder to clean, potentially leading to gum issues and bad breath.

What will cause less damage to my surrounding teeth?

Dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, which can damage healthy teeth by requiring them to be reduced. Bone loss can also occur under the bridge. Implants, anchored in the jawbone, prevent bone shrinkage by stimulating the bone. They don't rely on adjacent teeth, thus protecting them.

What procedure will give me the results I want the fastest?

Dental implants take longer to complete due to the time needed for the implant to integrate into the jawbone, usually taking a few months. Temporary crowns can be used during this period. Dental bridges are quicker, typically completed within a week or two, and don't require surgery.

What lasts longer: a Dental Bridge or Implant?

Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are of high quality. Bridges, however, typically last 4-7 years and may need replacement if the supporting teeth decay or fracture.

The Cost of Dental Bridge or Implant

Though implants are initially more expensive, they are cost-effective in the long run by avoiding repeated dental visits and complications. Bridges have a lower upfront cost but may require more frequent replacements and associated costs over time.