Bridges were once considered an effective alternative to dental implants. However, with the advancement of dental science and technology, implants are now preferred by patients. Before delving deeper into this article and finding out why, let’s start by discussing about the two procedures briefly and then move on to the benefits of implants over bridges.

Dental Implants

This involves a number of procedures that are used to replace a missing, damaged or chipped tooth. A titanium insertion is placed which sits on your original tooth’s alveolus. The titanium forms a strong bond with your bone just like the usual bond between your jaw bone and teeth.

These restorations are covered with a crown replicating the visible part of your whites, i.e. the enamel. In most of the cases, these dental restorations work as effectively as your natural whites.

Bridges

As far as dental bridge is concerned, it’s a non-removable prosthesis attached to your remaining natural whites. For quite some time, bridges were considered the best option for people with missing whites. However, with modern dental methods, they are no longer that popular. Moreover, it can also result in some problems like decay, accumulation of bacterial plaque, periodontal disease, and even the need for a root canal procedure.

The Benefits of Implants Over Bridges

Durable and Affordable: Implants are considered more cost-effective than bridges because the former last a lifetime while the latter procedure may last for 10 years at the most, after which you may need to replace them.

They are also more durable if you adhere to proper oral care and hygiene. This of course varies from one patient to the other.

Function and Esthetics: With implants, your teeth will function just like your natural whites. It will also improve your facial appearance and help you experience greater comfort when talking, speaking, smiling and eating. This means that there is an overall improvement in your lifestyle. These benefits are not delivered when you opt for dental bridges.

Adjoining Teeth Health: As far as titanium restorations are concerned, they do not affect the health of your adjacent teeth. Bridges, on the contrary, adversely affect the health of the remaining healthy whites by removing the visible portion, i.e. the enamel. There is also additional pressure on them. Each time it is replaced, there is a deterioration of your tooth structure.

Hygiene and Maintenance: Oral hygiene and maintenance is far easier with implants. That’s because these restorations are supported and therefore you can easily clean and brush after the treatment. Bridges, on the other hand, are hard to clean and they are prone to decay, gum aliments and other oral problems.

Preservation of Bone: Dental implants are mainly tooth roots substituted, and provide similar functionality as your original roots. The function is pertaining to the stimulation of bone, averting loss of bone and preserving it at the same time. These benefits are absent when it comes to bridges. In the latter procedure, the bone and the gums tend to collapse, leaving your tooth suspended without any kind of support.

So, you see why dental implants are the most sought after treatment. However, if you have problems like missing or chipped teeth, consult a professional dentist before opting for any treatment.

Author Bio:

Luis Henry is familiar with renowned and experienced dentists for several years. In this article, he has discussed about “Why People Prefer Dental Implants to Bridges”? He has collected most of the information after discussing with some reputed specialists of dental implant in Rancho Cucamonga CA.