For better oral health and a prettier smile, consider having your missing teeth replaced. This guide will help you decide between dental implants vs bridges.

If you're looking for ways to improve your smile, dental implants and bridges are both viable options for tooth restoration. According to the CDC, approximately 65 percent of American adults sought some form of dental care over the last few years. 

When it comes to choosing dental implants vs. bridges, how do you know which option is right for you?

Read on to learn more about both of these methods so that you can determine which one will provide you with the results you need for a healthy smile.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges: The Basics

Both dental implants and bridges provide you with a range of helpful benefits. However, each procedure is different and has its own unique set of pros and cons.

If you choose dental implants, they should last up to 15 years or longer. Many patients choose implants because they're currently the longest-lasting option for tooth restoration and teeth replacement on the market today.

Bridges are also effective, but they don't tend to last as long as implants do. On average, a dental bridge typically needs to be replaced every five to seven years, although they can last as long as a decade in some cases.

Getting a bridge won't require any surgery or skin grafting, and you can get them much sooner than implants. With dental implants, the process takes longer and it does require minor surgery and skin grafting to complete.

Dental implants must be surgically attached to the jawbone and are often used to replace individual teeth. For patients missing more than one consecutive tooth, bridges may be a better option since it's less time-consuming, less costly, and less invasive.

Keep in mind that bridges tend to lose their natural look over time. With dental implants, your new tooth (or teeth) should look as new as the day you got them long into the future.

Dental Implants Overview

Dental implants replace the root of the tooth with a durable post made of titanium or another type of strong metal. After the post is inserted into the jawbone, the new bone and tissue begin to grow around it.

Your dentist will check to ensure that the new post is secure and strongly attached to the jaw before moving on to the next step. A crown is then screwed directly on top of the implant and sealed in place. 

The crown is made to look exactly like your natural teeth, down to the color and shape. The process to complete a dental implant can cost several thousands of dollars per tooth, but the results are extremely long-lasting and they won't affect the health of your jawbone, gums, or other teeth.

Getting dental implants can take several months to complete from start to finish. Your jawbone will need time to regrow and all of the tissue around the post will need to grow around it, too before the crown is added. However, you can expect your new dental implants to last a very long time and they don't require any more maintenance than your natural teeth do.

Dental Bridge Overview 

Dental bridges are quite effective for tooth restoration and replacement. No bone grafting is required, and the process takes much less time to complete than implants.

It's important to note that a dental bridge puts more pressure on the surrounding structure in the mouth including the jaw and gums. If more than one tooth is attached to the bridge, then the strain can be even more intense. 

Patients who choose a bridge must continue to practice good oral care. If the bridge is not properly taken care of, it can cause more decay of the surrounding teeth. 

If a patient is missing several teeth in a row, some dentists may recommend a combination of dental bridges and implants. Always consult with your dentist so they can help you determine which options are best for your specific needs. 

Cost of Implants vs Bridges

As you compare dental implants vs. bridges, the cost is usually a significant factor. Most dental insurance companies will cover bridges but typically won't cover dental implants.

While your actual cost varies depending on a wide range of factors, bridges are less expensive overall. Since a dental implant procedure requires more work and time, some dental insurance companies won't cover any of the cost.

Getting dental implants requires a fair amount of skill and time. A dental bridge takes much less time to complete and they are a much more common option for many patients, which is why the price has gotten lower in recent years.

Another reason why implants cost more is that they last much longer. Bridges need to be replaced over time, while implants are considered a long-term investment. 

If you're unsure which procedure is best for you in terms of cost, make sure you check with your dental insurance carrier before scheduling your appointment. They can tell you which options are covered and how much of the cost is taken care of under insurance.

Dental implants typically have a cost of anywhere from $900 to $3,000 per tooth. Dental bridges cost much less and carry an average cost of somewhere between $700 to $1,500 per bridge (before insurance).

Choose Your Tooth Restoration Procedure

Now that you know more about dental implants vs. bridges, you can make a sound, informed decision about which option is right for you. Remember to consult with a local dentist you can trust to get advice about which procedure is best based on your individual circumstances.

If you're ready to improve your smile and need a reliable dentist in Riverdale, IL, be sure to get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.