Dental Implant Vs Bridge: Pros & Cons, Cost, And Which Treatment To Choose?

If you're missing teeth, dental implants and bridges are among the most common and widely recommended solutions.

While both treatments restore your smile and chewing function, they do so in distinctly different ways.

The best choice for you will depend on your oral health, budget, lifestyle, and what your dentist recommends after examining your specific situation.

In this article, we'll explore the main differences, benefits, potential drawbacks, cost considerations, and what to expect from each option so you can make an informed decision.

Dental implants and bridges serve the same purpose, but they differ in cost, how they are fitted, and how they affect neighbouring teeth.

Let's take a closer look at each option before drawing comparisons.

A dental implant is seen as the premium choice for tooth replacement thanks to the durable and natural-looking results.

A titanium screw acts as the root of the tooth and supports the crown that is placed on top.

Dr. Peter Doherty

The dental implant fuses with your jawbone, providing a strong, stable foundation for your restoration.

Additionally, these artificial tooth roots help prevent bone loss and don't affect any of your remaining teeth.

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial replacements to your natural, neighbouring teeth.

The adjacent teeth are reshaped and fitted with crowns to hold the prosthetic tooth/teeth in place, providing a fixed solution.

This creates a permanent solution that restores both your smile and ability to chew properly.

However, bridges sometimes look less natural than implants, particularly when performed by less experienced practitioners.

The table below allows you to compare the similarities and differences between dental implants and bridges at a glance.

Like with any other dental procedure, both dental implants and bridges have distinct advantages and limitations.

Dental Implant Pros

• Independent tooth replacement, with no reliance on or damage to nearby teeth.
• Natural look and feel, as the artificial tooth appears as though it's growing from the gum.
• Prevents tooth loss by stimulating the jawbone, just like a real tooth.
• Can be used to replace multiple missing teeth.
• Extremely durable and can last decades with good oral care.
• Replaces the tooth root and the visible part of the tooth.
• Easy to maintain, as you can just brush and floss as you would with a natural tooth.

Dental Implant Cons

• Longer treatment process, with most implants taking several months to integrate properly.
• Minor oral surgery is required, resulting in the need for a recovery period.
• May not be suitable for everyone, especially those with poor bone quality and/or gum disease. Smoking and certain medications can also reduce success rates.
• Higher initial cost, although they can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Dental Bridge Pros

• Quick turnaround times, usually completed within about four weeks.
• No surgery is required, which is ideal for patients who prefer a non-surgical treatment.
• Lower upfront cost when compared to dental implants.
• Allows you to replace multiple teeth.
• Natural appearance when done well, especially for the front teeth.
• Stable and fixed solution, as bridges stay in place.

Dental Bridge Cons

• Requires filing down adjacent teeth, which must be healthy to support the bridge structure.
• Harder to clean, as flossing between the bridge requires extra care.
• Potential for tooth decay under the surrounding crowns over time.
• Doesn't prevent bone loss because the tooth root isn't replaced.
• Replacement teeth can look "stuck together" since they are fused to neighbouring teeth.

Whether you choose an implant or a bridge, good oral hygiene is essential for long-term success. Let's take a look at some of the specific aftercare requirements.

Dental Implant Aftercare Tips

• Brush and floss twice a day, as you would with natural teeth.
• Go for regular dental check-ups and visit your hygienist twice a year.
• Avoid smoking to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
• Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean around the implant.

Dental Bridge Aftercare Tips

• Make sure you visit your hygienist every six months.
• Use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean underneath the bridge.
• Pay special attention to supporting teeth and gum lines.
• Schedule annual reviews with your dentist to monitor wear and potential tooth decay.

When choosing between an implant and a bridge, several personal and clinical factors come into play, including:

• Oral health: Bridges require strong, healthy adjacent teeth for proper support. If these teeth are compromised, implants may be preferable.
• Bone density: Implants require sufficient bone for the titanium screw.
• Existing medical conditions: Diabetes, smoking, and certain medications can affect the healing process.
• Budget: Dental bridges may be more affordable initially, while implants are more cost-effective long-term.
• Timeframe: Implants can take a few months, while bridges can be completed in around four weeks.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual oral health and lifestyle.

A consultation, including X-rays and scans, allows your dentist to recommend the most stable and aesthetic option for your specific needs.

If neither a dental bridge nor an implant is suitable for replacing your missing teeth, your dentist may suggest one or more of the following options:

• Partial dentures: These act as a removable replacement for one or more teeth.
• No treatment: In some cases, you can leave the space empty. However, this is not usually recommended as your natural teeth can shift and you can experience bone loss over time.