Replacing missing teeth is a common dental procedure and one many people may need to consider throughout the course of their lifetime. 

The dental technology for teeth replacement has come a long way in recent years, with replacement teeth looking as realistic, sometimes better, than the original tooth. 

There are a number of different treatment options to replace missing teeth, with the two most common being a dental bridge or a dental implant. When it comes to a dental bridge versus a dental implant, there are a few things to consider.

In this article we explain the difference between a bridge and an implant. 

What is a dental bridge? 

A dental bridge is a permanent porcelain implant which is placed in the space of a lost tooth through being fixed to the teeth on each side of the gap. Think of it exactly like a bridge, with the gap being the water. The bridge begins and ends with a crown or metal attachment being placed on the healthy teeth and the gap is filled with a new tooth. 

Types of dental bridges 

There are a number of different types of dental bridges, which can be used depending on the type and size of the gap. They include:

• Traditional dental bridges: like mentioned above, they consist of a fake tooth, or teeth, which are held in place by dental crowns on each side. Your dentist will cement these in place by placing the crowns on the adjoining teeth. 
• Cantilever bridges: these are similar to traditional bridges, but only attach to one tooth. These bridges can only be used at the front of the mouth
• Maryland bonded bridge: the fake tooth is fused to a metal framework which acts as wings. These wings are attached to the back of the adjacent teeth. 

Pros and cons of a dental bridge 

Dental bridges provide benefits to patients which include:

• Quicker process. Dental bridges usually only take approximately two appointments to complete. One to create the scan of the bridge and the other to prep the adjoining teeth and place the bridge. This means aesthetic results can be achieved quickly. 
• More affordable. Dental bridges do not require the extensive work of an implant and therefore are usually much cheaper to do. 
• No surgery required. You can have a dental implant placed while awake at your dental clinic.  
• Predictable outcome. Dental bridges have an extremely high success rate and have been used for decades. There is no major risk of infection or rejection, which can come with an implant and surgery. 

Some of the things to consider with dental bridges are: 

• Durability. Dental bridges are not as stable as an implant and after general wear and tear can require replacing. Depending on the condition of the adjoining teeth, this can often be more work than the original placement of the bridge. 
• Impact on adjacent teeth. Having a dental bridge placed requires work to the adjoining teeth, including filing and cementing of crowns. Placement of crowns is usually only done when necessary because of the impact on the original tooth. 
• Function and feeling. A dental bridge doesn’t feel like a natural tooth or have the stability of an implant. This can sometimes mean a bridge feels strange when eating, compared to a normal tooth. 
• Jawbone loss. Dental bridges do not replace the root of the tooth, which can lead to jawbone deterioration over time. This can lead to additional health complications and changing of the jaw shape over time. 

What is a dental implant? 

A dental implant is a permanent fixture placed in the jawbone and it connects to a new tooth. The tooth connects to the jawbone through a metal screw that is used in place of the root of the missing tooth. 

Pros and cons of a dental implant 

Dental implants provide benefits to patients which include:

• Replicating the natural look and feel of the root structure of natural teeth. This will mean the false tooth looks, functions and feels like a natural tooth.
• Long term durability. If you look after the implant properly, it should last your lifetime. 
• Preserving oral health. Having an implant will help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which may continue if you had a bridge or left the space empty. 
  No risk of damage to adjacent teeth. Dental implants do not impact any other teeth in your mouth.
• Better speaking and chewing. Because the implant is anchored in your jaw like your other teeth, it provides stability to speak and eat in the same way you would with a natural tooth. 

Some of the things to consider with dental implants are: 

• The extended treatment time required. Getting a dental implant is a lengthy treatment process because the jaw needs time to heal. It can take several months before the false tooth is ready to be attached. 
• A surgical procedure is required. This can be costly and painful as the jaw will be impacted with the placement of the screw. There is also the potential for complications which come from any surgical procedure. 
• Bone health requirements. Your jaw must have sufficient bone in the jaw for the implant to be placed.
• A higher upfront cost. While they may be more cost-effective over time, the initial cost to have an implant placed may be high, depending on the amount of work required. 

Deciding between a dental bridge or dental implant 

Deciding between a dental bridge vs dental implant is a personal choice, but there are also some contributing factors to consider, including:

• Your gum and jaw health. You can only have an implant if your jaw is healthy enough to undergo the surgical treatment required to place the metal screw.
• Cost vs maintenance. While a bridge is cheaper upfront, it may require replacing over time. Dental implants are permanent and, if well cared for, should last for a lifetime. 
• Oral hygiene and health. Dental implants have less chance of impacting other teeth and causing issues with jaw health, whereas an implant requires supporting crowns. This means the other teeth need to be drilled down for crown placement, and the jawbone could be impacted after the root of the lost tooth is gone. 
• Surgical requirements. A dental bridge can only be placed surgically. This takes several appointments to complete and can be uncomfortable. Dental bridges are a faster alternative and, for the most part, cause little-to-no discomfort. 

Speak with your clinician about your options 

In conclusion, there are many pros and cons to dental implants and dental bridges. While there are contributing factors, such as your jaw health and costs, deciding between a dental bridge or a dental implant is largely a personal choice. 

Speak to your dentist about your options and feel confident in your smile whichever option you choose. 

N.B. All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice. Clinicians practicing from 1300SMILES clinics can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.