Dental Bridge vs Implant - Pros & Cons Overview

Dental bridges and implants are two common solutions for missing teeth. They both result in a beautiful and more confident smile. Replacing a lost tooth is important for restoring your eating and chewing abilities, maintaining normal speech, and preventing your remaining teeth from shifting. Dental implants also help to prevent further bone loss in the jaw.

It’s important to understand how dental implants and dental bridges work as well as the pros and cons of each before making a decision. 

What Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are titanium or ceramic posts that are placed surgically into the jawbone to anchor artificial teeth. Connectors (“abutments”) are built into the top of the dental implants and dental crowns are fitted over the top, completing the artificial teeth. Dental implants look and function like regular teeth. They improve the patient’s appearance and ability to chew as well as prevent bone loss in the jaw. 

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a device that consists of one or more artificial teeth (“pontics”) and one or more abutments that hold the pontic(s) in place. The abutments can be either the natural teeth located on either side of the gap (which are fitted with crowns) or abutments placed atop dental implant posts in the case of an implant-supported bridge.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Each year, there are around 2.3 million implant-supported crowns made in the United States, so it is a very popular procedure. However, it is important to understand the pros and cons of the dental implant process before deciding.

Dental Implant Pros

1. Duration: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crowns generally need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

2. Jawbone health: Dental implants help to preserve bone density and prevent further bone loss.

3. Natural appearance: Dental implants replace missing teeth with false teeth that mimic natural teeth in both appearance and feel.

4. Adjacent teeth not touched: The neighboring teeth are not affected by the placement of dental implants. This is an important benefit if you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Dental Implant Cons

1. Price point: Dental implants tend to have a higher upfront cost than dental bridges.

2. Involves surgery: The dental implant process includes oral surgery and often bone grafting as well. A dental professional can explain if a bone graft is necessary for your dental implant.

3. Long process: Dental implants can require months for placement, integration, and healing.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are sometimes an option for replacing a missing tooth. There are 120 million people in the USA with at least one tooth missing, according to research, and many people opt for a bridge to fill the gap. There are several pros and cons to consider before jumping into this restorative option.

Dental Bridge Pros

1. Quick turnaround: The dental bridge process usually requires around two visits to the dentist’s office.

2. Minimally invasive: A traditional dental bridge does not require surgery.

3. Cost-effective: Dental bridges generally have a lower upfront cost than dental implants.

Dental Bridge Cons

1. Affects the adjacent teeth: The surrounding teeth, or abutment teeth, have to be filed down to install a dental bridge. This filing of the adjacent teeth can cause them to eventually weaken.

2. Stability: With proper care, dental bridges last between 5 and 15 years before replacement or repair is needed.

3. Oral health challenges: Oral health can be a challenge with dental bridges. Failing to maintain a clean bridge can allow gum disease or tooth decay to set in.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Several factors influence the choice between a dental bridge and a dental implant.

Jawbone Density

Dental implants require a strong jawbone to anchor the post. Patients who have suffered bone loss may be able to have implants placed after a bone graft. Alternatively, some may opt for a bridge.

Condition of Existing Teeth

The state of the surrounding teeth can help decide on a dental bridge vs implant. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Healthy adjacent natural teeth: Dental implants do not bother the surrounding teeth. If your surrounding teeth are in good shape, dental implants may be a better choice.

2. Compromised neighboring teeth: If the surrounding teeth have large fillings or need crowns, a bridge may be the best choice. In a dental bridge procedure, the neighboring teeth are filed down and dental crowns are placed over them. 

Budget

When replacing a missing tooth with a false tooth or a traditional bridge, budget can be an important factor. Upfront costs for dental bridges are usually lower than for implants. However, the prices can still fluctuate depending on the following factors:

1. The type of implant or bridge that will be used

2. The type of materials used

3. The complexity of the procedure

4. The dentist’s location

5. Your insurance coverage

Traditional dental bridges are usually cheaper than implants. However, implants are more durable and may prove to be better value over time.

Time Frame

Dental bridges: Bridges usually take about two visits to the dentist in the span of a couple of weeks. The first visit entails preparing the abutment teeth and making dental impressions. The bridge is fitted and cemented in place in the second appointment.

Dental implants: Implants usually take several months to finalize. This includes the post placement (with or without a prior bone graft), a healing time, and the installation of the abutment and crown. 

Personal Preferences

Replacing missing teeth with an artificial tooth root is a long-term solution that requires surgery and represents a more significant investment of money and time. Bridges usually require a shorter process and lower upfront payment, depending on your insurance coverage.

A dental implant is generally best when you desire a more permanent and durable solution. A dental bridge is generally best when you prefer a quicker and more cost-effective option. Your dentist’s advice and personal preferences should also guide you to the best choice for your circumstances.

Other Tooth Replacement Options

There are other tooth replacement options aside from dental implants and traditional dental bridges. Discuss these alternatives with a qualified dentist to see if they might be appropriate for your situation:

1. Maryland dental bridge: Maryland bridges are attached using metal or porcelain wings and sit on the adjacent natural teeth. A Maryland bridge may be used on a child who loses an adult tooth, or in limited areas for adults.

2. Cantilever bridges: A cantilever bridge may not be as strong as traditional bridges and is used when the patient only has natural teeth on one side of the gap. These are limited to front teeth and not recommended for molars.

The Verdict

Dental bridges are typically a quicker, lower-cost option, but can negatively affect neighboring teeth and need more maintenance over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, are more expensive and time-consuming in the beginning but are more durable, natural-looking, and a lifelong choice.

Choosing between a dental bridge vs implant can be a big decision. However, when you take the time to look at the pros and cons, your unique life situation, and your preferences, the right choice will become apparent. Take your time when choosing what's best for you and reach out to your dentist and other dental patients to gain insights into their personal experiences before finalizing your plans.