Dental Implants vs Bridges: Which One is Best for You?

Dental Implants vs Bridges: Which One is Best for You?

While dentists work hard to protect natural teeth, tooth loss can still occur as a result of disease, decay, injury, or age. While missing teeth can impact a person's quality of life, modern dentistry provides a variety of treatment options to restore patients' smiles.  

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic device that is implanted in a patient's jawbone and mimics the roots of a natural tooth to securely support a dental restoration such as a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. Dental implants typically consist of three parts:  

• Implant Anchor - The implant anchor is a screw-like device made of biocompatible metal. Placed directly in the jawbone, it osseointegrates with the bone, creating a secure and sturdy bond.

• Implant Abutment - Also made of biocompatible metal, the implant abutment connects to the implant anchor to support a dental restoration.  

• Implant-Supported Restoration - The implant-supported restoration is the only visible part of the dental implant. Typically, made of tooth-colored porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, the restorations are designed to look, work, and feel just like natural teeth. Dental implants can support dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures.

How Dental Implants Are Used

Dental implants are used to replace teeth on an individual basis (dental crown), multiple consecutive missing teeth (dental bridge), or all of a patient's teeth (implant-supported dentures).  

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Also sometimes called tooth bridges, a dental bridge is a prosthetic dental restoration that consists of one or two anchor points and a pontic (bridge of teeth) that floats in between the anchors.

Different types of dental bridges feature different types of anchors that hold them in place in the mouth. For example, some bridges are supported by dental crowns that are affixed to neighboring natural teeth, while others are held in place with a system of wires and dental bonding. Dental bridges can also be supported by dental implants.  

How Dental Bridges Are Used

Dental bridges are used to replace multiple teeth that are missing in a row.  

Which Restorative Treatment Is Best for You?

The type of dental restoration that is right for you ultimately depends on your treatment needs, preferences, and budget. When multiple teeth are missing in a row, dental implants and bridges can be used together, in the case of an implant-supported bridge. However, a dental implant can be used to replace an individual tooth when paired with a dental crown, most of a patient's teeth paired with a fixed partial denture, or all of a patient's teeth paired with a full denture.  

How Much Do Dental Implants and Dental Bridges Cost?

The treatment cost for restoration dentistry involving dental implants and/or dental bridges varies greatly from patient to patient. It depends largely on the number of dental implants the patient needs, the type and extent of preparatory work needed before treatment, the number of teeth being replaced, and the type of dental restoration. Additionally, dental insurance typically includes at least some coverage for these types of restorative treatments, so the patient's dental plan will also impact the total cost of treatment.  

When you have received a recommended treatment plan, our office staff can talk with you about expected costs and anticipated insurance coverage to help you select the treatment option that best meets your needs and budget.  

Restore Your Smile at Grove City Smiles

If you're missing one or more teeth, we encourage you to seek restorative treatment to restore your smile's form and function in addition to your quality of life. To learn more about tooth replacement with dental implants, bridges, and more, we welcome you to contact Grove City Smiles and request a consultation today.

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