Bridge Vs. Implant: What You Should Know

Losing a tooth can be a difficult experience, but it can help to know that there are solutions available to you. A dental bridge or an implant at Innovative Smiles, can not only replace the tooth, it can help you maintain your facial structure and preserve the health of your teeth and gums. If you’re asking which one is better for you, we’ll look at the differences so you can make the decision.

The Basics of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is there to cover the gap between two teeth, and it works by placing a full crown between two partial crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The false tooth is held in place by the cemented crowns on either side so that you can talk and chew normally. The materials used can be made to match the surrounding areas, too, so it looks like your natural teeth.

The Basics of Dental Implants

A dental implant is attached not by crowns on either side but with a titanium post in the jawbone. Because the post fuses to the bone, it’s meant to act more like a real tooth. It can also potentially prevent the bone from shrinking because every new bite helps stimulate its growth.

How to Decide

Bridges and implants are both meant to fill in the gaps of a real tooth, but the truth is that implants are usually the preferred option for dentists. Not only does it tend to be more stable than a bridge, but it’s also better for the bone. It’s worth noting that people without strong jawbone density will not be good candidates for implants. In that case, a bridge can be a good compromise.

Dentists in University Heights

If you’re looking for a dentist that specializes in dental implants, the staff at Innovative Smiles are here to help. Implants not only fill in the gaps in your mouth, preventing other teeth from sliding in, but they give patients more motivation to keep up with thorough brushing and flossing routines. If you still have questions about bridges or implants, contact us today to see how we can help you decide.