If you’re missing teeth, you might be comparing replacement options to restore your normal look and function. These two are the most common choices, but which is best between dental bridges vs implants?
There’s no single correct answer. It depends on various factors, including how many teeth you’re missing, the health of your jawbone, how many other healthy teeth you have, and your budget. Our experts at Radiant Smiles have put together this guide to help you decide between a dental implant or a bridge.
Dental Bridge vs Implant
Both dental implants and bridges are great tooth replacement options for people who want a permanent or long-lasting solution. At Radiant Smiles, we offer both. Here’s what you need to know to choose which one would suit you best.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between remaining teeth. It includes a false tooth (pontic) held by a dental crown attached to the natural teeth next to the gap.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come in various forms to accommodate different dental needs. Here’s an overview of four main types widely used in Australia.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most common type. They use crowns on the healthy teeth beside the gap to hold a false tooth in place. This kind of dental bridge offers a high level of durability and is often used in areas under high biting pressure, like the back teeth.
The downside is that it requires altering the surrounding teeth, which may impact their structure in the long run.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are supported by a crown on only one side, so they’re a good option when only one adjacent tooth is available for anchoring (for example, if you’ve lost two teeth next to each other).
This design works best for front teeth, where the bite pressure is lower. Due to single-side support, cantilever bridges can be more prone to wear and aren’t ideal for areas with a high chewing force.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
Maryland bonded bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the teeth next to the gap.
This type preserves the natural tooth structure because minimal preparation is needed, making it an excellent choice for replacing front teeth. Unfortunately, Maryland bridges are generally less durable and may detach under heavy biting forces.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are anchored directly into the jawbone using dental implants, rather than relying on other teeth. This option is highly stable, helps maintain bone density, and can last longer than other bridge types.
It technically falls under both bridges and implants. This type of device involves a surgical procedure and a longer healing period, along with higher costs due to the implant process and materials.
Pros and Cons of a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges have some notable advantages over implants. That being said, they also have some negatives. Here’s what you can expect:
| Pros of Dental Bridges | Cons of Dental Bridges |
|---|---|
| ✅ Lower upfront cost | ❌ Affects healthy adjacent teeth |
| ✅ No need for surgery | ❌ Need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years |
| ✅ Faster process overall | ❌ Don’t prevent jawbone loss |
| ✅ Improves look and function | ❌ Higher risk of tooth decay |
| ✅ Prevents teeth from shifting | ❌ Need to be carefully cleaned |
Dental Bridge Pros
- Lower Upfront Cost: Dental bridges are less expensive than implants, so they’re more accessible for those on a tight budget.
- Non-Surgical Option: Bridges don’t require surgery, so they’re ideal for patients who want a faster, non-invasive solution to replace lost teeth.
- Shorter Procedure Time: Dental bridges are generally completed in just a few appointments over a couple of weeks, making them a faster solution compared to implants.
- Improves Smile and Overall Function: Bridges do a good job of filling gaps to restore the appearance of your smile and improve speech and chewing.
- Prevents Teeth Shifting: By filling the gap left by a missing tooth, bridges help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of position.
Dental Bridge Cons
- Affects Adjacent Teeth: The bridge requires neighbouring teeth to be filed down to anchor the bridge, which may weaken otherwise healthy teeth.
- Limited Lifespan: Bridges usually need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years, which means you’ll need to spend more to replace them later.
- Jaw Bone Loss: Bridges don’t prevent bone loss in the jaw where the tooth is missing, which can end up affecting your facial structure over time.
- Higher Risk of Decay: The anchor teeth are more prone to decay and gum disease due to the structural demands of supporting the bridge.
- Special Cleaning Requirements: Bridges need diligent cleaning under and around the false tooth to avoid gum disease and decay.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants may be the better choice for some people, but they also have some negatives. Here’s what you should know before choosing between dental implants and dental bridges.
| Pros of Dental Implants | Cons of Dental Implants |
| ✅ Long lasting | ❌ Higher initial cost |
| ✅ Preserves adjacent teeth | ❌ Surgery needed |
| ✅ Prevents bone loss in the jaw | ❌ Longer treatment time |
| ✅ Natural look and function | ❌ Need strong jawbone |
| ✅ Low maintenance | ❌ Possible complications |
Pros of Dental Implants
- Long-Lasting: Dental implants last longer. They’re designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them a cost-effective choice over the long term.
- Preserves Adjacent Teeth: Implants don’t rely on nearby teeth for support, so they don’t require any alteration of healthy teeth.
- Prevents Bone Loss: Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, which helps stimulate and preserve bone, maintaining your facial structure.
- Natural Appearance and Function: Implants closely resemble the look of natural teeth, providing a natural appearance. They also function just like natural teeth for chewing and speaking.
- Low Maintenance: Implants are easier to maintain as they don’t need special cleaning routines, unlike bridges.
Dental Implants Cons
- Higher Initial Cost: The initial cost of implants is higher, although they may prove cost-effective over time due to their durability.
- Surgical Procedure Required: Dental implant surgery carries risks such as infection or nerve damage, and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Longer Treatment Time: While an implant can be placed quickly, it needs several months to complete, including healing time for the bone to integrate with the implant.
- Bone Density Requirement: Dental implants usually need sufficient jawbone, which may mean that additional procedures (like bone grafting) are needed for some patients.
- Potential Complications: Although rare, implants can have issues like peri-implantitis (infection around the implant), which may need further treatment and could compromise the prosthetic teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small, titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, a custom-made dental crown is attached to the implant, providing a natural-looking and functioning replacement tooth.
Types of Dental Implants
There are several types of dental implants, each one suited to a different situation and patient need:
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most frequently used type and are inserted directly into the jawbone. They consist of titanium screws or cylinders that act as artificial roots, helping to hold a crown or bridge in place. These implants are highly stable and are suitable for patients with enough bone density in their jaw.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are an alternative for those who lack strong, healthy enough jawbone and may not want to undergo bone grafting. Instead of being placed within the bone, these implants sit on top of the jawbone, held in place by a metal framework under the gums. This type is generally recommended for patients who can’t support endosteal implants.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are used for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. These implants anchor into the zygoma (cheekbone) rather than the jawbone, providing support without bone grafting. The procedure is more complex and is usually reserved for cases where other implants are not possible.
All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants are designed to replace an entire arch of teeth using just four implants strategically placed in the jaw. This method is popular for its efficiency, often allowing patients to receive a full set of fixed teeth in a single day.
All-on-4 is especially suitable for those needing multiple tooth replacement and is a cost-effective choice compared to many individual implants.
Comparing Dental Bridges and Implants
Choosing between dental bridges and implants needs some in-depth consideration. Here’s a quick table to help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you.
| Dental Bridge | Dental Implant | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Ranging between $3,000 and $5,000 for a single tooth bridge, depending on materials used |
|
| Durability | Lasts 5 to 15 years with good care | Can last a lifetime when properly cared for |
| Comfort | Improves chewing function, but may not feel as natural due to reliance on other teeth | Closely mimics the feel of a natural tooth since it’s anchored into the jawbone |
| Aesthetics | Restores your smile, though it may not blend perfectly over time | Provides a highly natural look, often indistinguishable from real teeth |
| Impact on Other Teeth | Requires filing down adjacent teeth, which may affect their long-term health | Doesn’t impact neighbouring teeth, helping to preserve their natural structure |
| Procedure | Non-surgical, usually completed over a few appointments | Involves surgery and can take several months due to healing and integration |
| Recovery Time | Minimal recovery; most patients resume normal activities quickly | Longer recovery due to osseointegration of the implant into the bone, often taking several months |
Dental Bridge vs Implant Procedure
While both implants and bridges replace missing teeth, the procedures differ notably in terms of the process, the recovery period, and longevity. Let’s take a look at the implant vs bridge procedures.
Dental Bridges Procedure
- Preparation: The dentist reshapes the teeth on either side of the missing tooth (abutment teeth) by removing a small portion of enamel to create space for the crowns.
- Impression: An impression or digital scan of the teeth is taken to design a custom bridge that fits well and matches your natural teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent bridge is being created.
- Bridge Placement: Once the permanent bridge is ready, it’s cemented onto the abutment teeth, securing the false tooth in place and restoring the full smile.
Dental Implant Procedure
- Initial Consultation and Planning: The dentist assesses the jawbone and overall health to make sure the patient is suitable for an implant. In some cases, a bone graft may be recommended if bone density is low.
- Implant Placement: Under local anaesthesia, the dentist surgically places a titanium post into the jawbone, which will act as the tooth root.
- Osseointegration: Over the next 3 to 6 months, the jawbone fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for the artificial tooth.
- Abutment and Crown Placement: Once healing is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant, and a custom-made crown is placed on top to complete the restoration.
How to Choose Between a Dental Bridge and an Implant
Trying to decide between a bridge or an implant? Both are good options for replacing missing teeth, but one is probably a better choice for you. Here’s how to choose between dental implants vs bridges.
Health of the Jawbone
A strong jawbone is essential for a dental implant since the implant post needs to fuse with the bone through osseointegration. If you have bone loss or insufficient density, a bone graft might be necessary for an implant, which can extend treatment time and cost.
In contrast, a dental bridge doesn’t rely on the jawbone since it’s anchored to neighbouring teeth, so it’s suitable for patients with weaker jawbones or those wanting to avoid surgery.
Number of Missing Teeth
If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, dental implants offer a standalone replacement without affecting other teeth. For multiple adjacent missing teeth, a bridge may be a practical solution, especially if nearby teeth already need crowns.
Implants are generally the better choice for non-adjacent missing teeth or a full arch replacement due to their stability and durability. This approach provides a stable and lasting solution without impacting any other teeth.
Budget Considerations
Dental bridges typically have a lower initial cost, making them a budget-friendly option in the short term. Getting a dental implant (or more than one) is more costly upfront, but tends to be more cost-effective in the long run because they last much longer than bridges.
Oral Hygiene Requirements
Implants can be maintained like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing, so they’re relatively easy to care for. Bridges, on the other hand, need extra care, like flossing under the bridge to prevent decay around the support teeth. Patients who prefer simpler dental health routines may find implants more convenient.
Dental Bridge vs Implant FAQs
Are there any dietary restrictions with implants or bridges?
Implants generally allow for a normal diet after healing, though it’s a good idea to avoid extremely hard or sticky foods. Bridges may need more caution, especially with hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the bridge over time.
Will a dental bridge or implant affect your speech?
Dental bridges and implants both improve speech by filling gaps left by missing teeth. Bridges may need a brief adjustment period to work up to clear pronunciation, while implants generally support stable, natural speech with minimal adjustment.
Can you get a dental bridge or implant if you have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you might still qualify for a dental bridge or implant, but treatment is usually required first. Dental implants need healthy gums and adequate bone, so addressing gum disease through treatments like scaling or grafting can improve the success of implants.
Dental bridges might be more suitable for those with bone loss, as they don’t rely on the jawbone but still require controlled gum health to protect supporting teeth.
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