Dental bridges vs. implants

Suddenly finding yourself missing a tooth as an adult can be a shock. After all, teeth don’t grow back like they used to when you were a kid. So if the worst happens and you find yourself down a tooth, the first question is how can you fix it?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental bridges and implants are two of the most common restorative options available. Both solutions can restore the function and aesthetics of a smile, but they have different applications, benefits, and considerations.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental crowns. It is a fixed solution often recommended when one or more teeth are missing in a row. Bridges are a relatively quick solution, usually requiring only a couple of dental visits. They do not require surgery and are generally less expensive upfront than dental implants.

However, dental bridges rely on the strength of neighbouring teeth, which must be reshaped and crowned to support the bridge. This alteration can weaken healthy teeth over time. Additionally, bridges may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to wear and tear.

What is a dental implant?

On the other hand, dental implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. A crown is then attached to the implant, creating a permanent, standalone tooth replacement. Implants do not affect neighbouring teeth and help preserve jawbone density by stimulating bone growth, and preventing bone loss.

While implants are more durable and can last a lifetime with proper care, they require a longer treatment process, including surgery and healing time. They are also typically more expensive than bridges due to the surgical procedure and materials involved.

How to decide between them

When deciding between dental bridges and implants, factors to consider include: 

  • the number of teeth you’re missing

  • your budget 

  • your oral health

  • your long-term goal 

Bridges are more suitable if you want a quicker, more affordable solution. Implants, on the other hand, offer a longer-lasting, bone-preserving option for single-tooth replacement.

If you’re unsure what will work best for you, your dentist will be glad to walk you through the decision process.

Jordana Gagnon