Gone are the days when you avoided social activities because of your missing teeth. With great progress in the field of dentistry, getting back your attractive smile is just a treatment away thanks to tooth replacements that have made it possible in the past few decades. Whether you have had an injury or had your teeth extracted due to a dental treatment, tooth replacement is a solution to your problem.
You need to discuss which tooth replacement option is right for you with your prosthodontist or dentist. Fixed bridges or dental implants are two options, but although both are good alternatives, they have their pros and cons.
Only your dental professional can guide you when it comes to what is the best solution for your missing teeth. In this article, we will cover the different aspects of both tooth replacement options to help you choose the best one.
Dental implants and fixed bridges
Fixed bridges are non-removable and used to be the only option to replace missing teeth in the past. They fill the gaps (large or small) in your mouth when more than one tooth is extracted or missing. Preserving surrounding teeth and jawbone, fixed bridges help you maintain an attractive smile. They can also prevent dental complications that may happen in the future.
Dental implants consist of various procedures to recreate extracted or missing teeth. The titanium implant is a key part of this treatment that a prosthodontist sets in one pocket of the original tooth. The titanium forms a bond with your tooth bone and also between your jawbone and tooth, which helps to prevent bone loss. This feature of the dental implant is what gives it an edge over other treatments.
Dental implants and fixed bridges-durability
When it comes to durability, dental implants last longer than fixed bridges. If cared for properly, you will not need to replace them again in the future. Bridges, on the other hand, are an option with a comparatively shorter life as they typically require replacement every 10 years.
Bone preservation
Dental implants substitute tooth roots effectively while providing the same function as your natural tooth roots. Specifically, its function is to stimulate the bone, preserve and prevent bone loss, which is common when you lose a tooth.
Bridges, however, do not have this advantage. For example, if your front tooth is replaced with a bridge, your bones and gums will eventually collapse. This condition can leave your tooth suspended and with no support.
Bottom line
Dental implants not only appear natural, but also function like natural teeth. They provide greater confidence and comfort when you eat, speak and smile.
Although fixed bridges are less expensive, they do not have the same results when it comes to facial structure and aesthetic function.
Overall, dental plants and fixed bridges will help to restore your smile. It is important to follow your dentist’s recommendation.
Contact us at (949) 786-2820 or visit our dental office to find out the best solution to your missing teeth.