Implants vs. Bridges: What is the Difference?

Posted by Lucy petterson on October 25th, 2021

Tooth loss is extremely common, and it can have a significant impact on the appearance of your smile while creating functionality issues. It also can put a serious dent in your self-confidence. So when you lose a tooth, you need to get a proper replacement to keep the rest of your teeth aligned. Two of the most common solutions that dental professionals use to address these problems are dental bridges and dental implants in South East London.

Both bridges and dental implants in South East London are permanent, non-removable replacements for your missing tooth or teeth. And that\'s the reason why patients often get confused between the two procedures, as they are both very commonly used to replace missing teeth.

 So now, if you cannot decide which is the right solution for your missing teeth, it’s important to understand the treatment options available to you. It’s also important to gain an understanding of what each entails before deciding if it’s right for your specific needs. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants and bridges and finding out what’s best for you. 

All You Need to Know About Dental Implants and Bridges

Dental implants

Dental implants in South East London is a treatment where a fake tooth is designed to fit the aesthetics of your teeth. This tooth is implanted by an artificial root by drilling into the position of the removed root. A titanium post (the implant) is fitted in place of the root, which holds the artificial tooth (the crown), replacing the tooth and securing it in place. This is how dental implants work.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a permanent, non-removable prosthesis, or fake tooth, that is placed in the place of the missing tooth/teeth.

Dental Bridges are not implanted into your gums, like a dental implant. A bridge is essentially a crown that is fit to the rest of your mouth and can last for decades with proper care.

What’s Better? Dental Implants or Dental Bridges?

Dental implants and bridges are almost equally potential to deliver natural-looking results, but they come with their benefits and drawbacks.

Apart from the benefits and drawbacks, there are several other things you need to consider when determining which one is best for you, including health history and cost. Also, remember that not everyone is a candidate for dental implants or dental bridges since they both have different requirements.

How Long They Last: Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

If you brush and floss your teeth regularly, the implant screw can itself last a lifetime, assuming that the patient receives regular dental check-ups every 6 to12 months. But the crown, however, usually only lasts about 8 to 10 years before it may need a replacement due to wear and tear. However, maintaining excellent dental hygiene and using it cautiously could extend the life of the crown up to 15 years. Whereas, the average lifespan of a bridge is around 10 years in most of the scenarios. Although this can vary greatly based on your maintenance of the bridge and your oral hygiene.

To Sum Up

As you have read the article, you have come to know that selecting a dental implant or a dental bridge could be the best option if you have a missing tooth. So now, if you are planning to undergo a dental implant in South East London or looking for a teeth whitening process in South East London, visit Mindful dentist. They have some of the best dentists in South East London. And you can rely on them completely. To book an appointment, you can visit their site at The Mindful Dentist - https://www.mindfuldentist.london/.