Tooth loss is extremely common. It is estimated that
When you lose a tooth, it is essential to get a suitable replacement to keep the rest of your teeth aligned. Replacement teeth can also help you maintain the shape of your face and avoid difficulties with eating or speaking. Two of the most common options are dental bridges and implants.
Dental bridges are false teeth that are held in place by the teeth around the missing tooth. They are usually made of materials such as
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots usually made of titanium. They are attached to your jawbone with screws to hold a crown or bridge in place.
Let’s compare the pros and cons of dental implants and bridges. We’ll also look at factors that can help you determine which option is best for you.
Dental implants and bridges can both provide natural results, but they have their own benefits and drawbacks. See how these two tooth replacement options compare.
Dental bridges are generally cheaper upfront than implants, and insurance is more likely to cover at least a portion of the cost. Prices may vary depending on:
- the type of implant or bridge you are getting;
- the material used
- the extent of the process
- Where do you live
According to the American Dental Association, a low-cost dental bridge costs about $500 per tooth, while the most expensive bridges are up to $1,200. However, this does not include the price of the dental crown that secures the tooth to your nearby teeth. A crown can be another $500 to $2,500 per tooth.
Dental implants usually cost approx $3,000 to $4,500 per tooth. Insurance is less likely to cover the cost of implants.
Although implants cost more upfront, they tend to age better than bridges and don’t need to be replaced as often.
A dentist can advise you on the best tooth replacement for your situation. The best option for you depends on your budget, how many teeth you are missing, and your overall health.
Cost
If you have dental insurance, it is more likely to cover a dental bridge than an implant. If you don’t have insurance and both options are out of your price range, you may also want to talk to a dentist about partial dentures or other options.
Number of missing teeth
If more than one consecutive tooth is missing, a dental bridge is probably a better option than an implant. A separate implant must be surgically attached to your jawbone for each missing tooth, leading to expensive and often impractical surgery.
General health
Dental implants require surgery, so they may not be an option for people with medical conditions that slow healing, such as diabetes or leukemia.
The best candidates for dental implants are in good general health and have decay-free bone that is healthy enough to support the implant.
year
The entire process of getting a dental implant can take months, while a dental bridge can be installed in two trips to your dentist over a two-week period.
When getting a dental implant, an oral surgeon will drill into your jawbone and attach the root of the implant to the bone. They may place a temporary denture while you wait for the bone to heal.
Then you will have to wait anywhere
Bridges and implants are not the only options for replacing a missing tooth. Partial dentures and space maintainers may also be used.
Some dentures
Partial dentures are usually made of plastic and metal. They fill gaps from one or more missing teeth.
Partial dentures often look like your natural teeth and are attached to your healthy teeth to stay in place. A dentist may recommend a denture when the teeth surrounding the missing tooth are not strong enough to support a bridge.
Although they are generally cheaper than bridges or implants, they are usually not as comfortable or stable. They may also interfere with your eating or speech and must be cleaned daily.
Space savers
Space-saving appliances may be an option if you cannot afford to replace your tooth right away. They are usually made of pieces of metal that prevent the teeth from shifting on either side of the missing tooth.
Spacers are also commonly used in children to allow adult teeth to erupt unhindered.
An orthodontic retainer can also be used to hold the space of missing teeth. This will help keep the surrounding teeth from tipping into the gap.
Dental implants and bridges are two options for replacing a missing tooth. Dental bridges are more likely to be covered by your insurance and require less upfront cost.
If cost is not an issue and you are in good general health, dental implants may be the best option as they last longer and do not damage your surrounding teeth. A dentist can help you determine which option is best for your situation.
