An Implant or a Bridge: Which is Better

Each tooth lost requires restoration. Even if one tooth is missing in the jaw,  an implant or bridge is installed so that the remaining units do not move to the side. If this is not done, the teeth have to bear additional load leading to loosening of the teeth and destruction.

To understand what is better than – an implant or a bridge – it is enough to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each method of prosthetics.

Put a Bridge on Your Teeth: Pros and Cons

The popularity of bridges initially lies in moderate cost and quick installation. The dental bridge is installed in a couple of weeks. Bridges can be made of several types of material. Which sample to choose, the doctor decides together with the patient. The clinical case, occlusion and financial capabilities of the patient matter. If the patient carefully treats a new smile and properly cares for the dentition, the artificial product will last 5-10 years.

The bridge consists of a crown, which acts as an imitation of a lost tooth. The crown is fixed on the teeth located next door. They are called supporting. That is, choosing a dental bridge or an implant, it should be understood that modern dental treatment in the first case involves grinding of dental units.  

Bridge prosthetics has the following advantages: 

• quick restoration to 4 teeth;
• no need to get used to: at the end of the procedure, there is no discomfort in the mouth;
• the patient is immediately allowed to give a load to the bridge;
• facial expression is not disturbed;
• the dentition looks aesthetically pleasing.

There are several disadvantages too:

• periodic replacement of the product is necessary due to the natural mobility of the dental units and dissemination of the design, which will manifest itself over time
• the high load falls on the supporting teeth;
• the bone tissue in the jaw, where the tooth used to be, atrophies.

Bridges can be placed on implants not to load neighboring units, to avoid the appearance of defects. The bridge is mounted on two or more implants. However, If there is an implant on one side and a live tooth on the other, there may be a different level of fixation in the bone. Because of this, the supports are shaken. Soon, you can lose a healthy abutment. Therefore, this technique is not recommended.

Dental implants advantages and disadvantages

The implant is a durable rod made of titanium material. If the implant is installed correctly, it lasts for a lifetime. But how much dental implants are placed also depends on the degree of wear of the crown. It needs to be changed every 10-15 years.

Advantages of implant placement:

• lack of influence on adjacent healthy teeth;
• bone atrophy is excluded;
• the design is placed in the jawbone and prevents a change in the arrangement of dental units.

Cons of implant prosthetics:

• long term engraftment;
• high price.

Postoperative complications may occur, especially in the elderly or in the presence of serious chronic diseases. The determining factors in whether complications develop are the qualification of the dentist, thoroughly conducted preliminary diagnostics, and subsequent care according to the doctor’s recommendations.

You can talk about pros and cons of dental implants for a long time, but this is the only technology for the full restoration of several teeth. It happens that the operation is carried out immediately after the removal of the dental unit (simultaneous implantation).

Other Factors to Consider

When restoring the dentition, it is necessary to consider not only the advantages and disadvantages of a separate method of prosthetics, but also contraindications, in which case implants will have to be abandoned.

The following diseases are contraindications:

• malignant tumors;
• tuberculosis;
• poor blood coagulation;
• psychoneurosis;
• chronic diseases of the oral cavity;
• disturbed work of the endocrine and immune systems.

In addition, caution should be taken when performing prosthetics in the following conditions:

• caries;
• various types of inflammation;
• pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding;
• improper development of the jaw.

If permanent prosthetics cannot be performed, you can choose a gentle method – the installation of removable prostheses. Acrylic material is the most expensive and has poor fixation. Therefore, it is better to order a product made of nylon – a lightweight material with good oral hygiene. Periodontal disease is a direct indication for the use of arch prostheses.

Implants vs Bridges: Which is Better?

It is definitely impossible to answer this question because the choice in favor of a particular design should be made depending on the budget and preferred design. It is important to remember that dental bridges can be mounted on implants. In this case, healthy teeth will not be affected. In addition, in some cases, the bridges have a lock mount. In this case, they are neatly attached to the back of the teeth. 

A competent family dentistry doctor will always weigh the pros and cons and talk about bridges and implants and conduct the necessary examination, so you will definitely know which is more suitable for you. If the bridge prosthesis is made by a specialist, you do not have to worry. The design is sure to be customized according to your individual characteristics. You will not experience discomfort. Dental implants installed by non-professionals, in turn, can cause a lot of problems. The design simply does not take root or will not hold well. In this case, you will constantly worry about the product falling out.