Benefits of Dental Implants Over Bridges

Benefits of Dental Implants Over Bridges

03-07-2024

At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic in Leicester, we understand that missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life. If you’re facing the challenge of tooth loss, you might be weighing your options between dental implants and bridges. Both solutions can restore your smile, but dental implants offer numerous benefits that make them an amazing choice for many patients. Today we’ll explore why dental implants may be the best option for you.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of three main components: a titanium implant post that acts as a root, an abutment that connects the post to the crown, and the crown itself, which mimics the appearance and function of a natural tooth. This structure provides a stable and permanent solution for tooth loss.

What are Bridges?

Bridges involve creating a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) to fill the gap left by missing teeth. This prosthetic is anchored to adjacent teeth that are typically filed down to support the bridge. While bridges can effectively restore the appearance and function of your smile, they come with several drawbacks compared to dental implants.

Why Dental Implants Over Bridges?

1. Longevity and Durability
   Dental implants are known for their longevity and durability. Implants can last around 20 years with proper care. The titanium post integrates with your jawbone, creating a stable and permanent foundation. Bridges however typically need replacement every 6 years due to wear and tear, as well as potential damage to the supporting teeth.
2. Preservation of Jawbone Health
   One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their ability to preserve jawbone health. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone can start to deteriorate due to the lack of stimulation. Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. Traditional bridges do not offer this benefit, potentially leading to bone deterioration over time.
3. Protection of Adjacent Teeth
   Traditional bridges require the filing down of adjacent healthy teeth to serve as anchors for the bridge. This process can weaken these teeth and increase the risk of future dental issues. On the other hand, implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support, preserving their natural structure and health.
4. Enhanced Comfort and Convenience
   Because dental implants become a permanent part of your mouth, they offer superior comfort and convenience. Unlike bridges, which can sometimes feel bulky or uncomfortable, implants feel just like your natural teeth. There are no special cleaning routines required; simply brush and floss as you would with your natural teeth. This ease of maintenance makes implants a hassle-free solution for tooth replacement.
5. Improved Oral Health
   Dental implants promote better oral health by maintaining the natural spacing and alignment of your teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to bite problems and an increased risk of gum disease. Implants fill these gaps and support the overall structure of your mouth. Bridges, while filling the gap, can complicate cleaning and increase the risk of gum disease and decay in the supporting teeth.
6. Higher Success Rate
   Dental implants boast a success rate of 97%, making them one of the most reliable dental procedures available. Advances in implant technology and techniques have further improved their success rates. Traditional bridges, while effective, do not offer the same long-term reliability due to requiring more frequent adjustments and replacements.
7. Cost-Effective in the Long Run
   Although dental implants may have a higher initial cost compared to bridges, they tend to be more cost-effective in the long run. The durability and low maintenance of implants mean fewer visits to the dentist for adjustments or replacements. Over time, the cumulative cost of maintaining and replacing bridges can exceed the investment in dental implants.

Conclusion

Dental implants offer numerous advantages over bridges, making them the preferred choice for many patients seeking to restore their smiles. However, that does not mean implants are suitable for everyone as factors like bone health are critical. That’s why our implant surgeons here in Leicester at The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic are here to help. Contact us today by clicking here and schedule a consultation to discover whether implants are right for you!