Do You Need a Dental Bridge or an Implant?
If you’re missing a tooth, a dental bridge or implant can make a huge difference in your daily life. Missing teeth impair your oral health and affect your ability to talk, chew, and smile. When you’re in need of restorative dental work, the experienced dentists at Sunrise Dental will find a solution that’s right for you. We offer our patients a variety of tooth replacement procedures that can greatly improve and restore their oral health.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant – Which is Right for You?
Dental bridges and implants replace one or more missing teeth and work to restore the structure and function of your mouth as a whole. Bridges and implants prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, improve your ability to speak and chew, and restore your brilliant smile. Both bridges and implants can replace partial, removable dentures. The most beneficial method of replacing a missing tooth depends entirely on the patient. At Sunrise Dental, we will find the solution that’s best for your quality of life and your dental health.
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are prosthetic teeth that are cemented onto neighboring teeth. They literally “bridge” the gap of a missing tooth, or teeth. For example, a bridge might consist of two crowns with a false tooth between them. The crowns attach to your existing teeth and are not removable. If a dental bridge is right for you, we will teach you how to properly clean under and around your bridge so it can last for many years.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Because titanium is a biocompatible metal, your body will readily accept the implant as a new tooth root, and your jawbone will begin to form new bone around it. This process, known as “osseointegration,” allows the jaw bone to grow and attach directly to the implant. Implants are often the best option for patients who have experienced atrophy of the jawbone due to missing teeth.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Pros and Cons
- bridges attach to your surrounding teeth, but implants do not
- bridges are more difficult to floss and brush than implants
- implants are a surgical procedure, while bridges are not
- implants have a longer healing time, but greater long-term benefits
- implants are a permanent solution; bridges last up to 10 years
Dental Bridges and Implants Improve Your Quality of Life
Tooth loss impacts many normal daily activities like speaking, eating, and smiling. When you are missing teeth, it becomes more difficult to enjoy the same foods you once did. Missing teeth can also affect the way you speak and pronounce words. You might feel more self-conscious about talking, smiling, or laughing in front of other people if you’re missing a tooth. Restoring your smile and bite with dental implants can get you back to eating your favorite foods and smiling confidently again.
Contact Us
Do you need a dental bridge or implant? For restorative dentistry, contact Sunrise Dental in Peoria to schedule an appointment. We have improved many patients’ smiles and quality of life with dental bridges and implants. Our friendly dentists Dr. Timothy Mettler, Dr. Victoria Griego, and Dr. Andrew Mikhail are committed to providing the highest level of dental care. We look forward to giving you a reason to smile!