With hockey season in full swing, many Toronto Maple Leafs fans look back fondly at old team photographs of many players displaying toothless, puck-shattered grins.
Although missing teeth suggests warrior-like grit on the hockey rink, there is a price to pay when you lack a complete set of teeth, such as an impaired chewing ability and an impact on how you speak. Many people also feel a lack of confidence or shame about their appearance when missing teeth and seek treatment from their dentist to restore their smile.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers two viable solutions to restore both the function and appearance of your smile: dental bridges and dental implants. Both can replace a missing tooth effectively, but they work very differently. Understanding how each option works, how long it lasts, and its impact on your oral health can help you make an informed decision with your dentist.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: What is the Difference?
At first glance, dental implants and bridges may seem to accomplish the same goal: filling the gap left by a missing tooth. However, an important difference between the two procedures lies beneath the surface of the gums.
How Dental Implants Work, and Why Patients Choose Them
A dental implant replaces the entire tooth structure, including the root. A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a custom crown is attached, creating a tooth that looks, feels, and functions much like a natural one. Because the implant stands on its own, it does not rely on neighbouring teeth for support.
From a patient’s perspective, implants often feel most natural. There is no movement of the appliance, no special cleaning tools required for care, and no risk of affecting neighbouring teeth. Once the healing process is complete, many patients even forget which tooth the implant is in!
However, implants are not a quick fix. The process involves surgery and a healing period that typically lasts three to six months. They also require sufficient bone density. In some cases, bone grafting may be recommended to create a stable foundation.
For patients in good general health who want a long-lasting, low-compromise solution, dental implants are often the preferred option.
How Dental Bridges Work, and When They Make Sense
Conversely, a dental bridge replaces only the visible part of the missing tooth. The artificial tooth is suspended between two crowns cemented to the adjacent natural teeth. To make room for those crowns, the supporting teeth must be reshaped, even if they had not been previously reshaped or restored.
Dental bridges have been used successfully for decades and remain a practical option in certain situations. One of their main advantages is speed: the entire procedure often takes only a few weeks to complete, with no surgical healing time required.
Bridges may also be a sensible choice when the teeth adjacent to the missing space already need crowns due to large fillings or damage. In these cases, the additional preparation required for a bridge may not represent a significant sacrifice.
However, bridges do come with a downside. Because they do not replace the tooth root, the jawbone beneath the artificial tooth may continue to shrink over time. This bone loss can subtly change facial structure and may complicate future treatment options. Bridges also place additional stress on the supporting teeth, increasing the risk of decay or fracture.
Cleaning around a bridge requires extra care. While it is manageable, patients must use floss threaders or specialized tools to maintain optimal oral health.
How Long Do Dental Implants and Dental Bridges Last?
One of the most essential differences between dental implants and bridges is lifespan.
Dental implants typically offer the best long term solution for tooth replacement. The crown attached to it may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, but the foundation typically remains stable.
Dental bridges generally last 7 to 15 years. Longevity can be impacted by various factors such as oral hygiene, biting forces, and the health of the supporting teeth. If a bridge fails, it often does so because one of the abutment teeth develops decay or structural problems.
Choosing Between Dental Implants and Dental Bridges
Selecting the best option for you depends on several factors, including the condition of your surrounding teeth, your timeline for completing the procedure, and your comfort level with treatment.
Patients are often good candidates for dental implants if the adjacent teeth are healthy, there is sufficient bone density to support the post, and they desire a long-term solution requiring minimal additional maintenance. The patient’s overall health is also considered, as conditions such as diabetes can affect postoperative healing.
Bridges are often recommended when adjacent teeth already require crowns or have large fillings, there is insufficient bone density (and the patient declines a bone graft), or the patient needs a faster timeline for personal or professional reasons.
However, the most crucial step when deciding between a dental implant and a dental bridge is to consult your dentist to make an informed choice with peace of mind. At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we specialize in safeguarding your smile with safe, practical dental treatments that will help you achieve long-term optimal oral health.
When you need to fix your smile, schedule an appointment with our team for a comprehensive examination, customized recommendations, and answers to all your questions before deciding on how to proceed. Call us today – we are here to help!
Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges: Make an Informed Choice with Help from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Which lasts longer, a bridge or an implant?
Dental implants typically last longer than dental bridges. Bridges typically need replacement after 10-15 years because they rely on adjacent teeth, which can weaken over time.
Can I get an implant if I already have a bridge?
Dental implants can often replace a bridge. However, your dentist will need to assess your jawbone and surrounding teeth to ensure the post will attach correctly. You might need a bone graft if bone loss occurred under the bridge.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Dental bridges can look very natural, especially with modern materials and precise customization. Thanks to these advancements, dental bridges blend seamlessly with your existing teeth for a restored, confident smile.
