Losing one or more teeth can significantly impact your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident in your smile. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers two effective solutions: dental bridges and dental implants. But you might be wondering which option is best for you?
With these two choices available, we, at Prof Clinic, will explain in today’s article the Dental Implant vs Bridge, by explaining their advantages, disadvantages, costs, and how to choose between them. Let’s dive in.
Procedures dental bridge and implants
Dental implants and bridges are advanced solutions for replacing missing teeth, each requiring a series of specialized procedures and treatment steps that vary in nature and stages to achieve the desired outcome.
Dental implants
This procedure addresses tooth loss by placing a sturdy metal post, typically made of Titanium, into the jawbone to serve as a stable root for the replacement tooth.
The dental implant journey involves several key stages:
- Initial Evaluation and Planning: This begins with a comprehensive examination of the jaw and gums, including 3D imaging to assess the jawbone’s quality and density, determine the optimal implant site, and design a precise, individualized treatment plan.
- Implant Placement: A minor surgical procedure is performed to insert the implant into the jawbone. The gum is then closed over it, allowing the implant to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which may take several months.
- Osseointegration and Healing: During this phase, the implant bonds firmly with the jawbone, forming a solid and stable foundation for the future tooth. The duration of this stage varies depending on your condition and the implant’s location.
- Uncovering the Implant and Placing the Abutment: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, its top is exposed, and a small component called the abutment is attached, serving as the connection point between the implant and the artificial tooth.
- Crown or Bridge Placement: After the gum heals around the abutment, precise measurements of your jaw and surrounding teeth are taken to fabricate a crown (for a single tooth implant) or an implant-supported bridge (for multiple teeth replacement). Both are designed to perfectly match your natural teeth.
- Regular Follow-Up: Post-treatment checkups are essential after the final crown is placed to ensure the health of the surrounding gum tissue and maintain the longevity of the restoration.
Dental bridges
It is a traditional solution for replacing missing teeth; bridges work by connecting crowns to the adjacent natural teeth, which act as supports to hold the bridge that fills the gap. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Assessment: The adjacent teeth are evaluated to confirm their health and strength to support the bridge. This step includes clinical examinations and X-rays to determine the appropriate bridge design.
- Preliminary Preparation: The natural teeth adjacent to the gap are shaped and reduced in size to prepare them for receiving the bridge’s crowns.
- Taking Impressions/Measurements: Impressions are made using traditional materials or digital scanners and sent to a dental lab to create a custom bridge.
- Temporary Bridge Placement: A temporary bridge is usually placed to protect the prepared teeth and gums, maintaining aesthetics and function until the permanent bridge is ready.
- Permanent Bridge Fabrication: Based on the impressions, the bridge is crafted from materials such as porcelain, zirconia, metal, or a combination, ensuring it matches the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Bridge Fitting and Adjustment: The permanent bridge is tested in the mouth, precisely adjusted for fit, function, and aesthetics, and then permanently cemented in place.
- Post-Treatment Care: Bridges require ongoing oral hygiene, including the use of dental floss to clean beneath the bridge and prevent plaque buildup.
Choosing between dental bridges and implants may feel overwhelming without the right expertise. At Prof Clinic, our specialized dentists are here to provide you with accurate guidance. Contact them via our WhatsApp number for a free consultation.
Also read: Define Dental Implant: Comprehensive Guide
Dental implant vs. bridge
Selecting between dental bridge and implants is a medical decision that requires a thorough evaluation by a dentist, taking into account the benefits and challenges of each option to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Dental bridge pros
- Cleans more easily compared to traditional bridges.
- Remains highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Preserves jawbone integrity and prevents bone loss.
- Provides a natural look and feel, boosting self-confidence.
- Avoids shaping or preparation of adjacent natural teeth.
- Offers exceptional stability and functionality similar to natural teeth.
Dental bridge cons
- Costs more compared to other solutions like bridges.
- Requires a lengthy treatment duration, often spanning months.
- Involves a surgical procedure, carrying risks such as infection or bleeding.
- Suits only patients with sufficient bone density or requires bone grafting.
- Carries a slight risk of complications, such as infection or failure of osseointegration.
- Demands meticulous oral hygiene to prevent gum inflammation around the implant.
Dental implant pros
- Costs less initially compared to dental implants.
- Fixes easily and blends seamlessly with natural teeth.
- Avoids complex surgical procedures compared to implants.
- Restores chewing function and aesthetic appearance relatively quickly.
- Suits cases where implants may not be viable, such as insufficient bone volume.
- Replaces missing teeth faster compared to implants.
Dental implant cons
- Affects bite alignment if not precisely designed.
- Lasts a shorter lifespan compared to dental implants.
- Requires shaping and reducing the size of adjacent natural teeth.
- Fails to prevent bone loss or resorption beneath the missing tooth.
- Complicates cleaning beneath the bridge, often requiring special tools.
- Places additional stress on supporting teeth, potentially compromising them.
Also read: Zirconia Implant Crown A Durable and Aesthetic Solution for Your Dental Needs
Implant vs. bridge cost
The cost of tooth replacement varies depending on the procedure type and materials used to ensure the best fit for your condition:
- The cost of a traditional dental bridge (3 units) typically ranges between €300 and €840.
- The cost of a single dental implant starts at €280 and can go up to €1,200, depending on the type of implant.
- The cost of implant-supported bridges varies based on the number of implants and bridge components, ranging from €860 to approximately €2,600 or more.
- Full-arch restoration using the All-on-4 system starts at €3,900 and can reach €6,600.
- Full-arch restoration using the All-on-6 system starts at €4,600 and can go up to €8,800.
At Prof Clinic in Turkey, our prices are among the most competitive, paired with a steadfast commitment to using high-quality medical materials. Our team ensures you achieve the best, longest-lasting results without any issues. Our clinic is always ready to welcome you or address any inquiries you may have—just reach out to us.
How to choose between an implant and a bridge
Choosing between dental implants and bridges is certainly not a simple decision. Several factors play a role in this choice, and your dentist is the expert best equipped to evaluate them and provide tailored advice. Here are the key factors:
- Cost: Dental implants are more expensive due to the surgical procedure and high-quality materials, whereas traditional bridges are more budget-friendly.
- Number and Location of Missing Teeth: Implants are ideal for replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth without affecting adjacent teeth, while bridges are better suited for replacing one or two adjacent missing teeth.
- Overall Health of the Patient: Implants require good general health and adequate bone density, and may not be suitable for patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes. Bridges, however, are less dependent on overall health.
- Treatment Timeline: Dental implants require 3-6 months for osseointegration, making them a slower option, while bridges can be placed within weeks.
- Condition of the Jawbone and Gums: Implants demand strong, dense bone for support, whereas traditional bridges rely on the health and strength of adjacent teeth.
- Health and Strength of Adjacent Teeth: Bridges require preparation of neighboring teeth, which may weaken them, while implants are independent and do not impact healthy teeth.
- Durability and Longevity: Implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them preferable for younger patients, whereas bridges typically need replacement after 5-15 years.
Prof Clinic is the best dental implant clinic in Turkey
When seeking excellence in dental implants in Turkey, Prof Clinic stands out as a leading destination for many. With its growing reputation and specialized expertise, the clinic offers a range of advantages that make it a preferred choice:
- A highly skilled medical team of dental implant surgeons and technicians with extensive experience and expertise.
- Utilization of the latest technologies and materials in dental implants to ensure the highest quality standards.
- Emphasis on precise case planning and designing individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Provision of a comfortable and supportive treatment environment focused on patient experience and comfort.
- Achievement of high success rates in dental implant procedures, as attested by patient testimonials.
- Comprehensive services that may include initial consultations and post-treatment follow-up care.
FAQs about dental bridge and implants
Can you have a bridge with implants?
Yes, dental implants can be used as a support for a fixed bridge, particularly when multiple adjacent teeth are missing, providing a stable and robust solution.
How long do dental implant bridges last?
With proper oral care and regular checkups, implant-supported bridges can last 10 to 15 years or more. Their lifespan depends on factors such as bone quality, maintenance, and the stresses placed on them.
Which is better bridge or implant?
There’s no universally better option; the choice depends on your health, the condition of adjacent teeth, jawbone density, and budget. Implants preserve bone and don’t affect neighboring teeth, while bridges may be faster and less costly upfront.
What is the disadvantage of an implant-supported bridge?
The initial cost may be higher than traditional bridges. It requires surgery to place the implants, with potential complications related to the implants themselves, and maintaining hygiene remains crucial.
Why is a dental bridge not recommended?
It’s not advised if adjacent teeth are weak or unable to support the bridge, if there’s significant bone loss beneath the missing tooth, or if a solution that preserves neighboring teeth intact is preferred.
What is the success rate of implant bridge?
Implant-supported bridges have a very high success rate, typically exceeding 90-95% over 10 years or more in most cases, provided proper care is maintained.
What hurts more a bridge or an implant?
A single implant procedure involves minor surgery and may cause more post-operative discomfort compared to shaping teeth for a traditional bridge. However, both are performed under anesthesia, and post-procedure pain is managed with painkillers.
How many teeth can you have in a bridge implant?
The number of teeth an implant-supported bridge can replace depends on the number and position of implants. Typically, two implants can support a bridge replacing 3 to 4 teeth, with the number increasing with additional implants.
Do dental bridges come loose?
Yes, both traditional and implant-supported bridges can become loose due to failure of the adhesive material, decay in supporting teeth (for traditional bridges), fracture of the bridge itself, or issues with the supporting implants.
