Dental implants and bridges are two of the options you get to choose from when you are missing a tooth. Both give you natural-looking replacements for missing teeth, but there are some key differences you should be aware of before picking one dental restoration over the other.
A dental implant consists of two main parts: an implant that is placed in the patient's jawbone and a crown that is attached to the implant to serve as an artificial tooth. Bridges have a completely different design. They are made up of false teeth that are held in place by the teeth closest to the gap created by the missing tooth. These teeth are typically covered up with crowns to provide a more stable foundation.
The artificial teeth that come with either option can be color-matched to the patient's teeth. Implants are the more natural-looking option, though, since the false tooth is embedded in the patient's gums. The location of the missing teeth being replaced is one of the factors that can affect a patient's choice. For example, bridges are best used on back teeth where they are less visible since they are the less natural-looking option.
Implants are widely viewed as the preferred way to replace a lost tooth. These devices come with certain advantages that those who opt for bridges do not get to enjoy. These include:
Likewise, there are a few reasons why one might opt for bridges over implants. They include:
Missing teeth should always be replaced, since not doing so leaves the patient vulnerable to a variety of health issues. For starters, the remaining teeth move out of their proper alignment in an attempt to close the space made by the lost tooth. Teeth becoming misaligned makes them harder to clean, making the patient more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Either issue can eventually lead to the loss of more teeth and other health issues, all because they failed to replace their missing tooth.
Replacing a missing tooth has never been this easy. Stop by our Columbus office to learn more about these and other tooth replacement options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A routine dental checkup serves as the foundation for preserving long-term oral health. While daily brushing and flossing provide essential home care, they cannot replace professional evaluations. A dental checkup helps detect early signs of decay, gum disease, or bite issues before they become advanced, painful, or costly. For patients of all ages, staying consistent…
Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth. Dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked,…
Dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as the use of composite fillings. These fillings can not only restore a tooth but also prevent the need for extraction, which can leave gaps in the smile and cause the remaining teeth to shift. They can…
Tooth colored fillings are an important way that a patient can restore the functionality of the teeth while creating an aesthetically pleasing smile that leaves him or her happy with the dental work received. Composite fillings are becoming increasingly common, and it is important for patients to know whether the option may be right for…
A routine dental checkup serves as the foundation for preserving long-term oral health. While daily brushing and flossing provide essential home care, they cannot replace professional evaluations. A dental checkup helps detect early signs of decay, gum disease, or bite issues before they become advanced, painful, or costly. For patients of all ages, staying consistent…
Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth. Dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked,…