Dental Implant vs Bridge

March 21, 2023

Dental implants and bridges are both used to replace missing teeth, but they involve different techniques and have different advantages and disadvantages.

An implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the maxilla or mandible to serve as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. A prosthetic tooth, or crown, is then attached to the implant. Dental implants are designed to mimic the structure of natural teeth and provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. They are considered a long-term solution for missing teeth as they can potentially last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

A bridge, on the other hand, is a prosthetic device that is anchored to the remaining natural teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth. Bridges are custom-made and can be made of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal. They are considered a non-removable alternative to dentures. Bridges are anchored to the adjacent teeth, which are typically reduced in size and crowned. They are a good option if the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy.

In summary, dental implants replace the missing tooth root and provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, while bridges anchor to the remaining natural teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth.