When you’re missing a tooth (or anticipating a missing a tooth) you’re generally worried about the way your smile looks. Naturally, you have an impulse to get your tooth fixed as soon as you can. Sometimes, the tendency is to opt for a quick solution rather than the best solution
For many patients, a dental bridge is often the fastest and most cost effective solution. A dental bridge is a restoration solution that attaches to surrounding healthy teeth in order to do exactly what a bridge classically does, that is, “fill a gap”. In this case, the dental bridge fills a gap in the space a missing tooth leaves. By using two natural teeth as anchors, a dental bridge places a prosthetic tooth in-between and fills the gap. In order to protect and preserve the anchoring teeth, dental crowns are used.
However, just like your natural teeth, dental bridges come with their own requirements for care and maintenance. While a dental implant is often easier to care for (and slightly more expensive) a dental bridge requires specific cleaning techniques to ensure it lasts for a long time. Even still, a dental bridge generally will last between 7 and 10 years, while a dental implant is much more permanent and can last considerably longer (up to a lifetime!).
If a dental implant is what you can afford and your dentist has indicated that it can be a viable solution, Don’t shy away from it! Dental bridges are incredibly effective and natural looking when it comes to restoring your smile. Just remember to care for it well, and to not take your teeth for granted. Maintaining great oral hygiene habits help ensure that your dental bridge serves you well for years and years to come.
When is a dental implant better than a dental bridge?
More often than not, patients choose a dental bridge over a dental implant due to the lower up-front cost. However, dental implants are actually more economical in the long-term over dental bridges due to the simple fact that they rarely need to be replaced, while a dental bridge will often need to be replaced after 7 to 10 years. On top of this, dental implants also have a higher success rate, while helping to maintain bone density in your jaw and encouraging simpler, more effective oral care.
One additional factor to consider is if you’re cavity prone. If you’re prone to getting cavities, a dental implant can be much more preferable to a bridge because it’s impossible to get a cavity in a dental implant while a dental bridge’s supporting teeth can still be undermined by a cavity.
Do you have questions about dental bridges? My Downey Family Dentist is comprised of dentists in Downey, CA with years of experience providing dental bridges, dental implants, and more. Visit their blog to learn more.
