Dental Bridges and Dental Implants: What Should You Choose?

According to a new study, between about 27 million Brits, we are missing approximately 110 million missing teeth. If you're one of them, you can rest easy knowing you're not alone. 

However, that doesn't mean that you are happy to walk around with gaps in your smile. The good news is there are great options for filling in lost teeth so they look and feel natural.

Let's look at two of them, dental bridges and implants, to get an idea of which procedure would suit you best.   

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge, as the name implies, bridges the gap between your healthy teeth whether it replaces one tooth or several teeth. The teeth that you need are constructed and colour-matched to the rest of your teeth to look as natural as possible. However, they are not attached to your gums so an extremely observant observer may notice the tiny space, but no one else will.

The bridge is installed by putting a crown on the adjacent teeth and anchoring the bridge to it. A bridge is relatively quick to install. Generally, it only takes a couple of visits to the dentist. It also tends to be more cost-effective than implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are as close to natural teeth as you can get. Like bridges, the teeth are colour-matched but look even more natural because they are implanted in the jaw. The dentist will insert a titanium post that acts as a stand-in root for your tooth. The crown can then be mounted on top. 

Implants last forever, basically, and you take care of them just as would your natural teeth. They cause no damage to the surrounding teeth and help to support your jawbone and facial structure. If you have lost several teeth, a bridge will not support your jawbone which can lead to bone loss over time.

An implant takes longer to install. Your jawbone will need time to heal after the post is implanted and the whole process can take up to 8 months. 

Which Is Right For You?

Tooth implants prices are typically what draws people to choose dental bridges instead. However, over the course of a lifetime, teeth implant cost can actually be less than dental bridge cost. Bridges usually have to be replaced every 10-15 years whereas implants are usually permanent. 

If you have many missing teeth, the process of installing implants can get both expensive and painful. Additionally, if you have already suffered bone loss, you may not have a healthy enough jaw to install the implants. Older people can often benefit from the lower cost of bridges as they typically won't need to replace them as many times.

Implants are a better option for younger people, especially if they only have one or two missing teeth. This will give them the most natural smile and with proper care they won't ever have to worry about them again!  

Finding a Dentist in Liverpool

Still trying to decide between a dental bridge vs an implant? Talk to an expert dentist to get their recommendation. Whether you want to get dental bridges or a dental implant in Liverpool, we're here to serve you!  

We offer a free consultation for cosmetic dentistry, so please either request a voucher for a free consultation or call 0151 286 0330 today

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Proudly welcoming patients from around the Liverpool area including Waterloo, Blundellsands, Waterloo, Formby, Thornton, Hightown & Bootle

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