How Implants Compare to Bridges and Dentures

Patients with missing teeth have many options when it comes to replacing those teeth. Whether it be a dental bridge, a denture, or a dental implant, each of these tooth restoration treatments can improve the beauty and function of a patient’s smile. Each of these three treatments has advantages and disadvantages. By knowing these differences, you will be better equipped to pick the best treatment for your needs.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are series of porcelain crowns fused together. The center crown (or crowns) takes the place of your missing tooth (or teeth). Meanwhile, the bordering crowns provide support by covering the teeth directly surrounding the missing teeth.

Advantages

• Restores your smile and allows you to chew and speak properly once more.
• Treatment with dental bridges can be provided quickly, and for much less money than other treatment options.
• Bridges do not need to be removed for maintenance.
• Stays permanently in place.

Disadvantages

• In order for the side crowns to fit, the supporting teeth need to be irreversibly altered.
• Bridges can be difficult to keep clean, as food and bacteria can get caught underneath them.
• Bridges generally only last seven years before they need replacement.

Dentures

Dentures are series of crowns that are encased in plastic and sit on top of your gums, used to replace larger amounts of missing teeth.

Advantages

• Treatment can be provided quickly, for an affordable price.
• Dentures can be made to look natural, allowing them to fit in with your remaining teeth.
• This treatment is versatile and comes in partial and full form.

Disadvantages

• Dentures can have trouble staying in your mouth and often require the use of a messy adhesive to stay in place.
• Because dentures sit on top of your gums, they often rub and irritate these tissues.
• Should they move out of place, they can actually end up damaging your remaining teeth.
• Much like dental bridges, dentures also need to be replaced after seven years of use.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are used to support dental crowns, bridges, and overdentures.

Advantages

• The root piece of the dental implant is directly fused to the jawbone, just like a natural tooth root.
• Once in place, the implant fixture is permanent and should never move out of its proper position.
• Dental implants look completely natural and are nearly impossible to tell apart from your natural teeth.

Disadvantages

• Because dental implants require surgery, there is a higher standard of health you must meet.
• Dental insurance doesn’t always cover as much of the implant process as it may for other tooth restoration treatments.
• Recovery time from dental implant placement can take longer than non-invasive procedures.

Let Us Find the Best Treatment for Your Needs

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, it is important to choose the right treatment for your individual needs. Regardless of how many teeth you may be missing, rest assured that we at Jackson Dental have a treatment that can return function and feel to your smile. To learn more, contact our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Christopher Jackson today.