Traditional vs. Implant-supported Dental Bridges
Missing teeth that affect the look of your smile as well as your ability to bite and chew. Rather than experience long-term problems due to tooth loss, a dentist can help. There are many advanced restorative dentistry options for replacing teeth that are missing, whether it’s just one tooth or an entire row of teeth. Long Island, NY dentist Dr. Louis J. Buono will tailor treatment to your needs.
The team at Garden City Smiles would like to consider two options for people who are missing a tooth or a few teeth: traditional bridges and bridges supported by dental implants. Let’s consider the basics and the pros and cons of each option.
How Traditional Dental Bridges Work
A traditional dental bridge is usually anchored in place thanks to dental crowns that are fixed to the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap. With these teeth capped, a false tooth bookended by the crowns can be held securely in place.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are an excellent way of filling a gap that’s been left behind by a missing tooth. They’re relatively inexpensive and allow patients to smile, bite, and chew as they normally would. The materials used today are durable and look natural as well.
While traditional bridges are effective, they might come loose if they are jarred out of place. This can be inconvenient for patients, and lead to embarrassing moments of various kinds. The overall stability is great, but it is not comparable to natural teeth or tooth roots.
How Implant-Supported Dental Bridges Work
Implant-supported dental bridges are bridges that are fixed in place using dental implants. The dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into the jawbone and gum tissue for maximum hold. They function just as natural tooth roots would.
Once the implants have fused with the jawbone (osseointegration), they are able to support individual crowns, a bridge, or even a denture.
Pros and Cons of Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Dental implants provide the ultimate amount of stability when it comes to your bite. The artificial tooth roots are extremely secure and have the stability and reliability of natural tooth roots. That means biting, chewing, and smiling without any worries and with total confidence.
Getting dental implants is much more expensive than traditional bridges since surgery is involved. On top of that, patients will have a months-long wait before the end of treatment since osseointegration takes time to occur. Given the need for oral surgery, not everyone is eligible to get dental implants placed.
Is One Option Better Than the Other?
No, not necessarily.
While some patients may have a tendency to favor dental implants over traditional bridges, the advantages and disadvantages need to be weighed together in a particular situation. Some patients may benefit from the inexpensive and immediate benefits of traditional bridges, while other patients may favor the stability of dental implants even with the wait and added cost. We can go over the ideal option for you and your needs during a consultation at our practice.
Contact Garden City Smiles
For more information about treating tooth loss and restoring the health of your smile, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. Dr. Buono and his team are here to help. You can reach our practice by phone at (516) 294-0375.
