Missing a tooth can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to decide between the different replacement options available. You want to make the right choice for your oral health, your budget, and your lifestyle, but understanding the differences between dental implants and bridges can help you feel confident in your decision.
At Brilliant Dental Care, we want you to make an informed and confident decision when choosing between implants and bridges. Our experienced team uses advanced technology, like digital CBCT scans and CEREC, to provide you with the most effective treatment options. We’ll work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique concerns, goals, and preferences, helping you find the solution that’ll restore your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant fuses with your jawbone, we attach a crown to complete your tooth replacement. This process creates a permanent solution that functions just like your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The main advantage of dental implants is their durability and independence. Unlike bridges, implants don’t require altering your healthy adjacent teeth. With a 95% success rate, they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, the treatment process takes longer, typically requiring several months for complete healing and integration.
Implants also help preserve your jawbone structure. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate. Implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
A dental bridge fills the gap in your smile with a replacement tooth (called a pontic) that’s anchored to crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap. These supporting teeth, known as abutments, secure the bridge in place.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
Bridges offer a quicker solution than implants, typically completed in just a few weeks. They’re an excellent option when the adjacent teeth already need crowns or have large fillings. The treatment process is also less invasive because it doesn’t require surgery.
However, bridges do involve removing some of their structure to accommodate the crowns. This means healthy tooth structure is permanently altered. Bridges also typically need replacement every 10-15 years, making them more of a long-term maintenance commitment.
4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Implants and Bridges
We understand the importance of choosing the right solution to replace your missing teeth. Our caring team helps you consider the following factors to guide your decision:
- Overall health: You need adequate bone density and healthy gums for successful implant placement. Medical conditions may also play a role in which option works better for you.
- Age and lifestyle: Age and lifestyle considerations, like tobacco use, can impact the chance of success for both implants and bridges.
- Cost: Cost factors include both immediate expense and long-term value. For instance, at Brilliant Dental Care, implant costs range from $1,500-$5,000 per implant. While bridges are a more affordable option, dental implants may last longer.
- Timeline: Treatment timeline preferences may favor bridges for quicker results or implants for permanent solutions.
Your insurance coverage and financing options also play a role in your decision. While implants typically cost more upfront, their longevity often makes them more economical over time. Bridges may have lower initial costs but require eventual replacement and special cleaning techniques. We can help you understand what your insurance covers and offer an in-house advantage plan to make your care as accessible as possible.
Make the Right Choice for Your Smile at Brilliant Dental Care
The best tooth replacement option depends on your unique situation, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. During your consultation, we’ll examine your oral health, discuss your preferences, and review your insurance coverage to help you make an informed decision. We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, and Aetna, and we offer financing options through CareCredit and SunBit.Don’t let a missing tooth continue to affect your confidence and oral health. Dr. Freeman and our experienced team at Brilliant Dental Care are here to help you explore your options using our advanced technology and patient-focused approach. Contact us today at (713) 360-7638 or fill out our contact form to discover which tooth replacement option is right for you.
