Tooth-replacement options have evolved significantly over the past few decades. Although some procedures may be familiar, it is helpful to consider a range of questions when deciding on treatment. It is important to understand the available options and how they differ, so questions such as “What’s the difference between a dental bridge vs an implant?”, “Which is the best treatment option for me?”, and “How will it fit into my lifestyle?” should all be taken into account. Both bridges and implants can be used to replace missing teeth, and suitability depends on your individual circumstances. So which option do you choose?

Cheap vs cost-effective

If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, then you might initially think that cheaper is better. In many cases, a dental bridge may have a lower initial cost than an implant, although this can vary. But perhaps what you should be considering instead is how long do dental bridges last when compared to dental implants. The reason? With appropriate care, implants are designed for long-term use, although individual outcomes can vary. Bridges may require replacement over time, depending on individual factors. Your clinician can help you understand long-term considerations for each option.

Surgery vs non surgery

At Supreme Dental Care, we aim to provide a comfortable treatment experience. If dental treatments make you anxious, then you may want to go down the non-surgical route and get a dental bridge instead. In this instance, while dental bridge recovery time is zero, for patients opting for implant treatment, they can expect a little discomfort after the surgical procedure, for a few days at least.

Stand-alone vs supported

As the sub-header of this section suggests, bridges work by relying on adjacent teeth for support, which may be a consideration for some patients. A conventional tooth bridge relies on the support of adjacent healthy teeth to hold the framework in position. This means that usually, preparing adjacent teeth is sometimes necessary, and your dentist will discuss any implications. When this happens, they can become weakened and as such, may become susceptible to further problems later on down the line. Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and integrate over time, creating a stable foundation for a replacement tooth. Once stable, the crown is then attached, completing the look. As implants are self-supporting, they don’t require the help of other existing teeth, and therefore any adjacent teeth will remain intact and uncompromised.

The long-vs short term fix 

If you have a rather obvious gappy smile, then you probably want it fixed right away. Implant treatment typically involves several stages and may take longer to complete. Firstly, implants need sufficient bone to be able to fit into. If this isn’t present, then even before any restorations are fitted, a bone graft will need to be done. So, what about if you have healthy and sufficient bone mass? Healing times vary, and your dentist can advise you on the expected timeline. While you may receive a temporary crown to aid chewing and aesthetics, fitting an implant-based restoration is still a 6–9-month process from start to finish. Conversely, bridges are often completed over multiple appointments, depending on the case. Both options have different considerations, and the most suitable choice depends on your individual situation. Circumstances that suit one person might not suit another and it depends on what best meets your needs and requirements. To find out more, come and have a word with the team here at  Supreme Dental Care . To book your no-obligation consultation, call us on (03) 9802 0198 and take the first steps towards restoring your less than perfect smile.