DENTAL IMPLANTS VS DENTAL BRIDGES:
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you're missing a tooth (or more), you’ve probably heard about dental implants and dental bridges. Both are popular and effective ways to restore your smile—but which one should you go for?
Let’s walk through the differences, pros and cons, and how to decide what’s best for your mouth and your lifestyle.
Let’s walk through the differences, pros and cons, and how to decide what’s best for your mouth and your lifestyle.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
AN IMPLANT AND A BRIDGE?
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DENTAL IMPLANTS 🦷 A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (usually made of titanium) that’s surgically placed into your jawbone. 🦷 Once it heals and bonds with the bone (a process called osseointegration), we attach a custom-made crown on top. 🦷 It looks, feels, and functions just like a real tooth. |
DENTAL BRIDGES 🦷 A bridge fills the gap where a tooth is missing by anchoring to the teeth on either side. 🦷 These neighbouring teeth are filed down and fitted with crowns to hold the bridge in place. 🦷 The replacement tooth (or teeth) sits in between, resting on the gums. |
PROS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
🦷 Long-term solution – With good care, implants can last 20+ years, sometimes a lifetime.
🦷 Very natural feel and look – Implants feel like your own teeth. No shifting, clicking, or special cleaning techniques.
🦷 Protects your jawbone – The implant stimulates the bone, preventing the shrinkage that can happen with missing teeth.
🦷 Preserves surrounding teeth – No need to file down healthy teeth, unlike with bridges.
PROS OF DENTAL BRIDGES
🦷 Faster process – Bridges typically take just 2–3 visits over a few weeks, compared to a few months for implants.
🦷 Lower upfront cost – Bridges are usually more affordable in the short term, especially without the need for surgery.
🦷 Good option for patients with weak bone – If your jawbone isn’t strong enough for an implant, and you don’t want a bone graft, a bridge may be better.
🦷 Less invasive – No surgical procedure required, which is great if you prefer to avoid surgery for medical or personal reasons.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE CHOOSING
Here are a few questions to help guide your decision:
Do I want something long-lasting and low maintenance?
Implants might be better.
Do I want a quicker, less invasive option?
A bridge could be the way to go.
Am I okay with altering my healthy teeth?
Bridges require filing down neighbouring teeth; implants don’t.
How is my overall health and bone density?
Some health conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking) and bone loss may make implants trickier.
What’s my budget like?
Implants cost more upfront but may save money long-term; bridges are more budget-friendly short-term but may need replacement after 10–15 years.
Do I want something long-lasting and low maintenance?
Implants might be better.
Do I want a quicker, less invasive option?
A bridge could be the way to go.
Am I okay with altering my healthy teeth?
Bridges require filing down neighbouring teeth; implants don’t.
How is my overall health and bone density?
Some health conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking) and bone loss may make implants trickier.
What’s my budget like?
Implants cost more upfront but may save money long-term; bridges are more budget-friendly short-term but may need replacement after 10–15 years.
A QUICK COMPARISION AT A GLANCE
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FEATURE
Looks/Feels like a real tooth Surgery Required Affects Neighbouring Teeth Prevents Bone Loss Time to complete Costs |
DENTAL IMPLANTS
✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes Several months Higher upfront |
DENTAL BRIDGES
✅ Yes ❌ No ✅Yes (needs support) ❌ No 2-3 weeks (sometimes single visit) Lower upfront |
LET'S FIND THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU
No two smiles are the same, and neither are the solutions.
The best way to know what’s right for you is to come in for a consult.
We’ll check your teeth, gums, and bone health, chat about your lifestyle and preferences, and walk you through all your options—no pressure, just good advice.
Your smile is worth it, and we’re here to help you love it again. 😊
The best way to know what’s right for you is to come in for a consult.
We’ll check your teeth, gums, and bone health, chat about your lifestyle and preferences, and walk you through all your options—no pressure, just good advice.
Your smile is worth it, and we’re here to help you love it again. 😊
Give us a call on 3378 0033 or book online to get started. We can’t wait to see you!
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