Dental Implants vs Bridges: Which Is Right for You?
Did you know that 36 million people in the United States of America don’t have any teeth at all? If you’re missing some or all of your teeth then it is a good idea to learn more about dental implants vs. bridges and evaluate which options are the best for your oral health. Many people are afraid of visiting the dentist, but it is important that you get the treatments that you need.
Dental bridge installation and dental implant installation are both intimidating, but they’re a great solution when you’re missing one or more teeth and you want replacements. The good news is that you’ve come to the right spot to learn the difference between dental bridges vs. implants and pick the right solution for yourself.
Keep reading this article to learn more today!
What Are Dental Bridges?
Many people might wonder what is a dental bridge, and what benefits dental bridge installation provides. A dental bridge is a series of false teeth in your mouth that get installed into your mouth to replace a tooth that is missing. They often use the teeth surrounding the site of the missing tooth to hold the dental bridge in place.
Dental bridges are important because they help you keep your facial shape and avoid annoying issues with eating your favorite foods or speaking to the people you love. They’re often made from materials like porcelain or plastic and they’re meant to match your natural tooth color in order to blend in.
Pros of Dental Bridges
There are a lot of great things that you’ll get when you choose to go through with a dental bridge installation. If you have insurance coverage then you should have an easy time getting your insurance company to cover the procedure of getting a dental bridge put in place in your mouth.
You’ll also love the fact that there is no bone grafting involved with the process of getting a dental bridge put in place. The procedure is much less invasive than dental implant installation in your mouth.
Getting dental bridges is also great if you’re working with a tight budget because your upfront costs are a lot lower than they’d be if you choose to get dental implants. They’re also a great solution if time is of the essence because dental bridges can get put in over the course of a few weeks and a couple of visits to your dentist.
Cons of Dental Bridges
The biggest drawback that you’ll find when it comes to dental bridges is the need to get your bridge replaced every five or so years. You’ll also need to take steps to maintain the appearance of your bridge, otherwise, it will become discolored with time. Your lexington dentist will need to help you with cleaning your dental bridge.
There is also a lot of work that comes with maintaining the teeth that surround your bridge. These teeth are more susceptible to getting cavities and decay when compared to teeth that surround a dental implant. You’ll run the risk of adding to the damage of the teeth that surround the site of your missing tooth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that get fastened into place in your jaw and attached to a titanium rod. The dentist will use screws to mount this titanium rod into your mouth so that it is stable and it fills the site of your missing tooth. These screws then get attached to a crown or a bridge that gets held in place.
You’ll get a replacement tooth that looks and feels natural in your mouth. It will solve a lot of issues that you’d have with speaking and chewing food.
Pros of Dental Implants
Getting a dental implant installation is another viable solution if you find that you want to replace your missing teeth. One of the best things about getting dental implants is the fact that they provide you with a great deal of longevity. The average dental implant will last you for up to 15 years before you need to look into getting a replacement.
In addition to being the longest-lasting tooth replacement option on the market in 2022, dental implants are great because they retain the natural look that you want from your teeth. They will continue looking like your normal tooth for a much longer period of time than dental bridges will.
Another important benefit to remember when you’re thinking about getting dental implants vs. bridges is the impact that your dental implants have on the teeth around them. Dental bridges can cause damage and cavities to the teeth surrounding them. That is an issue that you won’t have to deal with when you get dental implant installation.
There is also a notably high success rate when it comes to dental implants over the course of ten years. 97 percent of dental implant installations are still in great condition ten years after the initial procedure.
Cons of Dental Implants
The pros of dental implant installation are pretty great, but you also need to know the other side of the story. You’ll run the risk of your dental implants not getting covered by your insurance company. This is a far cry from getting dental bridges since insurance companies almost always cover those procedures.
The process is also quite time-consuming when it comes to getting dental implants. Expect the process to play out over the course of five or six months.
You’ll add a risk of surgical complications to your health when you choose to go with dental implant installation. It is an invasive procedure that requires bone grafts. You can also expect to spend more money upfront for this procedure.
Make Your Choice of Dental Implants vs. Bridges Today
If you have a missing tooth and you’re determined to get it replaced then it is time to consider getting dental implants vs. dental bridges. Each option has pros and cons to consider, as dental bridge installation is likely to get covered by insurance but it won’t last as long. Dental implant installation will last up to 15 years but the insurance company is unlikely to cover it, and it is more expensive.
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