Tooth Bridges or Implants, Which Is Better for You?

Losing a tooth at an early age or later on in life can be problematic for many reasons. Tooth loss can occur due to decay when the crown detaches from the root and falls off and the root wears away with time. Accidents or trauma to the tooth can also cause it to break off from the root and cause a lot of pain. Grinding of teeth is a common habit among the youth and affects the teeth of every person with stress disorders. Grinding of teeth exerts enough pressure on the tooth to crack the hard enamel or partially break the crown of the tooth. Chipped off or partially broken teeth can make the appearance of the teeth misaligned and can damage the shape of your smile. Restoration of lost or broken teeth is important to maintain the shape of your face as teeth are an important part of the face structure. Getting tooth bridges or dental implants in Edmonton is not an issue but knowing which procedure or device your teeth need is important.

Tooth Bridges

Tooth bridges or dental bridges are an artificial set of teeth that bridge the gap between two or more missing teeth. A crown is fixed on each side of the gap using abutments and false teeth are placed in between them as needed. Bridges can be constructed of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused with metals or ceramics, whatever suits you best.

Benefits of Bridges

• Dental bridges are generally used to restore an adjacent set of missing teeth.
• Bridges can help in the restoration of your smile
• Bridges regenerate lost gum strength
• They restore your ability to properly speak and chew your food efficiently
• They help in the maintenance of the shape of your face as the structure of your face gets altered with loss of teeth
• Bridges distribute your bite-force properly through the teeth
• Bridges prevent the adjacent teeth from moving out of position due to missing teeth

The Lifespan of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are artificial devices and thus the wear and pressure they can endure are limited in comparison to natural teeth. The maximum lifespan of a dental bridge can be 15 years or longer depending on the maintenance you provide. The lifespan of dental bridges can be expanded with proper oral hygiene and keeping the bridge clean.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are generally used to replace tooth roots and provide a foundation for an artificial tooth or crown. These can be fixed permanently on to the implant or can be removable and temporary. Dental implants are metal posts, made of titanium, grafted into the bone, which later fuse to the bone and become a permanent solution for missing tooth roots.

Benefits of Implants

• Dental implants restore the appearance of the teeth that was lost due to a missing tooth. They feel and look like natural teeth.
• Dental implants improve speech by creating a natural structure of the teeth and jaws
• The metal implants are fused to the jaw bone, thus becoming a permanent part of your jaw ensuring comfort and natural feel
• Implants are fixed to the jaw and have a strong hold on the bone, acting like natural teeth and enabling efficient chewing of food without the worry of breaking or shifting of the implant
• Unlike bridges, a dental implant doesn’t require the altering of the shape of adjacent teeth. They support their own structure and keep the tooth structure untouched and natural
• Dentures and bridges are removable and can slip off their place with pressure or wear. But dental implants are permanent in nature and you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing them to clean them

The Lifespan of an Implant

Dental implants are more efficient and a permanent measure for lost teeth. They are fused to the bone just like a natural tooth’s root and create a stronger hold over time. With minimal wear and tear, the implants can go from 20 to 30 years, with good oral health and maintenance of oral hygiene, some implants can even last a lifetime.

If you are looking for a permanent solution for one or two missing teeth, you can choose to get an implant that will serve you for several years. If you have a row of teeth missing or more than 3 teeth missing, dental bridges are good for you. Visit our dentist in Edmonton at College Plaza Dental and after a thorough examination of your remaining teeth and lost teeth, the dentist will suggest procedures that are best suited to your condition.