When it comes to missing teeth, you have a number of treatment options. But are they all equal? Dental bridges and dental implants are some common ways of regaining a healthy, attractive smile. With more than two decades of experience placing dental implants, board-certified periodontist Dr. Gayle Bradshaw is a verified expert in providing alternatives to missing teeth in The Woodlands, TX. She believes that an educated patient is a happy patient, and wants you to understand some of the key differences between a dental bridge and dental implants:
Lifespan
A dental bridge may last an average of 10 years before it needs to be replaced. With proper care—regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and checkups—dental implants can last for decades, potentially providing up to a lifetime of reliable performance.
Jawbone Health
Your jaws need the stimulation of tooth roots to stay healthy; without them the bone can begin to deteriorate. Dental bridges don’t replace the roots of a lost tooth, they attach to existing teeth and span the gap of missing teeth with rows of crowns. The teeth at each end of the bridge keep it in place. Dental implants provide artificial roots that protect the jawbone from decay.
Impact on Healthy Teeth
The healthy teeth at either end of a bridge are filed down to allow the bridge to attach to them the way a new crown fits an existing tooth. With dental implants, healthy teeth are left intact from root to crown.
Stability
Dental bridges are cemented to filed-down existing teeth. Because dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, they’re designed to stay in place. They permanently fuse with the jaws in the months following placement.
Cost
Dental bridges are considered a cost-effective way to regain the form and function of missing teeth. Dental implants generally cost more. However, considering their lifespan, stability, and natural appearance, dental implants are the better overall value in the long run.
Explore Your New Smile Options
Reserve your appointment with Dr. Bradshaw now at 281-419-4655.