Dental Implants Vs. Bridges: Which Is Better?

When it comes to replacing missing or broken teeth, you’ve got options. Though, dentists generally ask patients to choose between dental implants and bridges. The two most popular ways of restoring missing teeth, bridges and dental implants can help people with broken/missing teeth to get back their smile. Now, many people want to know which one among dental implants and bridges is better for replacing the missing/broken teeth. If you’re one of them then following is some useful information that’ll help you make an informed decision.
Comparing Dental Implants and Bridges
Determining which one among dental implants and bridges is the best way to replace missing tooth/teeth can be a bit of a challenge. However, you can make an informed decision by considering the pros and cons of each. We’ll start with pros and cons of dental implants.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Following are the pros of dental implants:
Minimal Maintenance
The biggest benefit of choosing dental implants over bridges is that unlike the latter, implants last a lifetime and don’t lose their shine over time. And, all this is possible without much maintenance.
Natural Looking
One of the best things about an implant is that it matches your other teeth in terms of color and translucence. In short, after getting an implant, you won’t miss your natural tooth.
Protect Your Jawbone
Your jawbone will be at risk for deterioration if you have an open space in your mouth at the site of the missing tooth. By triggering and maintaining natural bone growth, dental implants prevent the loss of bone.
Strain-Free Teeth
A dental implant stands on its own support and does not put any strain/pressure on other teeth. This in turn ensures the protection of surrounding teeth.
With the pros of implants covered, it’s time to look at their cons.
Time
The entire process takes from 5 to 8 months. This includes the 3 to 5 months required to evaluate bone structure and prepare the implant and the month or two required by the gum to heal after surgery.
Cost
The high upfront cost of implants discourages many people from choosing them for their missing/broken teeth. However, as implants generally last a lifetime, this cost is more than covered over time.
Pros and Cons of Bridges
Following are the pros of dental bridges:
Simple Procedure
Unlike the dental implant procedure, the procedure to get bridges is quite simple. Generally, the process to get dental bridges is only a few weeks long.
Affordable
Bridges don’t have a high upfront cost. However, they only last for 7 to 15 years before requiring replacement.
There are many cons of dental bridges including:
- Unnatural look
 - Periodic replacement
 - Potential damage to natural teeth
 
There you have it—the pros and cons of both dental implants and dental bridges. Using the aforementioned-information, you can decide for yourself which one among dental implants and bridges is better for replacing your missing/broken teeth.
Sources:
 https://collingwooddentalcentre.org/dental-bridge-vs-implant-compared/ 
 http://www.livestrong.com/article/70629-dental-implants-vs.-bridges/ 
 http://yoursmilebecomesyou.com/procedures/implants-versus-bridges/ 
 http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/article/dental-bridge-vs-implant-which-is-right-for-you-1015 










