Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges: Understanding the Difference Between Prosthetics

Did you know that of 69% adults aged 35-44 years lose at least one permanent tooth? That’s a fact, not conjecture. A number of factors, like traumatic injuries, diseases, and failed dental procedures, can cause tooth loss in adults. Then there’s the age factor, too.

If you are someone who has lost a tooth to unfortunate circumstances (or age), rest assured, there’s a way out. In fact, modern dentistry gives choices when it comes to tooth restoration or replacement.

The real confusion is figuring out which one you need — a dental bridge or a tooth implant? Let’s answer that dilemma in today’s deep dive into dental implants and bridges.

Dental Bridge vs Implant: What’s the Difference?

Both dental implants and bridges are orthodontic prosthetics. They serve the same purpose — replacing missing teeth. Yet, there are many differences between dental implants and bridges.

They differ in the following aspects:

1. Application

Implants are ideal for people who have experienced tooth loss due to cavities, gum diseases, Bruxism (excessive grinding), or anodontia. Restoring long-term functionality is the primary outcome of implants. 

Bridges have aesthetic applications too. Besides functional applications like readjusting your bite or preventing other teeth from moving, they can: 

– help restore smiles
– maintain the shape of the face
– improve pronunciation 

As you can tell, the tooth bridge vs implant debate is beside the point. Even though these prostheses address similar concerns, the application and outcomes are different.

2. Procedure

Even though most people think dental implants and bridges are the same thing, that’s not the case.

An implant is a prosthesis inserted into the jawbone and fixed with the help of an abutment screw. Once implanted, it undergoes osseointegration over the next few months and becomes a secure base for other orthodontic attachments. An artificial crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to the implant, depending on the requirement.

It is an invasive procedure that requires anesthesia and surgery.

In complex cases, dental implant surgery may be preceded by accessory orthodontic procedures.

A dental bridge, meanwhile, is a prosthetic tooth (or pontic). It is held in place with the help of fittings on adjoining teeth on either side of the gap. As the name suggests, these pontics fill the gap left by a missing tooth. It can also replace a row of missing teeth.

Unlike implants, bridges are less invasive.

3. Materials

Whether it’s a bridge or an implant, sometimes both can be made from ceramic.

However, titanium or zirconium oxide implants are usually more common and most recommended. That’s because these materials adhere to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or ASTM International’s consensus on safe materials.

Bridges are usually made from gold, alloys, or materials like porcelain. Modern dentistry also advocates the use of porcelain-infused-metal (PFM) for added stability, strength, and durability.

4. Types 

Bridge vs implant — which offers more variety? Let’s find out.

Implants can be of two types: 

– Endosteal implants that are directly inserted into the jawbone
– Subperiosteal implants that are placed inside the gum on top of the jawbone 

Bridges can be categorized into: 

– Traditional, which comprises a pontic (artificial tooth) between two crowns. These are the most common.
– Cantilever that is essentially the same as a traditional bridge, but has only one crown
– Maryland is the one that uses metal wings instead of crowns to hold the pontic in place
– Implant-supported, which is attached on top of an implant 

Of course, the type of dental bridge or tooth implant you need is case-specific.

5. Recovery and Downtime

What about implant vs bridge recovery time?

Dental implants require oral surgery, and your body needs time to heal. After the implant is placed, it takes about 2 to six months for osseointegration—the process where the implant fuses with your bone. Only then can your dentist can attach the remaining components. Because of this, the overall healing period can be lengthy.

Bridges have minimal downtime — usually completed in two visits with a recovery period of just a few weeks.

6. Longevity

Dental implant vs bridge — which one lasts longer?

Implants can last for a lifetime. As long as you follow the maintenance recommendations, you don’t have to worry about degradation.

The same is not true of bridges. Some can last for more than a decade. But, in most instances, bridges need to be replaced every 5-7 years.

Because they differ in so many ways, the dental implant versus bridge debate is nearly redundant. Whether you need a dental bridge or a tooth implant entirely depends on your orthodontic requirement. You may be a good candidate for one treatment and not for the other.

Dental Implants Versus A Bridge – What to Choose When?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. Bridges are gap-filling contraptions.

That said, there might be some rare instances where their applications overlap. In such cases, you may still have a choice. The following contributing factors can help you determine whether a dental bridge or a tooth implant is the better choice.

1. Cost

Dental bridge vs implant cost could be a key deciding factor.

The cost of dental implants and bridges can vary widely depending on the type, material, etc. While each implant can set you off by $3000-5000, bridges start at $1500.

However, if you need bridges to replace a row of missing teeth, then the cost might go up.

Discuss your requirements with dentists in Montebello to get an estimate. You can also contact your insurance provider to check for coverage. Usually, the cost of dental implants and bridges is likely to be covered by insurance.

2. Comfort 

Dental implants function like naturally occurring teeth.  Therefore, they are generally more comfortable in the long run. However, if you’re skeptical of undergoing surgery, then bridges might just appeal to you. 

Other factors, like jaw structure and bone health, may also affect your choice. Discuss your options with an orthodontist for the best outcome. 

Want to explore dental implants in Montebello? We’re a multi-speciality clinic offering comprehensive dental services in the Whittier, Pico Rivera, Commerce, and East Los Angeles areas. From cosmetic to family dentistry in Montebello, our services cover everything. Assured quality care aside, we also offer various payment plans. 

Get in touch with us today!