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Bridges Vs. Implants: Which Is Right For You?

If you’ve found yourself in a position where you’re missing one or more teeth, you might be desperately looking for answers on how to repair and restore your smile to its full and healthy state. Thankfully, there is hope for filling the gaps in your smile through either a dental bridge or an implant. Here are a few pros and cons for dental bridges and implants that you should consider before committing to either procedure.

What’s a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a false tooth that is held in place by either a crown or other framework on the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges are a versatile approach to filling in the gaps in your smile and can be used to replace one or several missing teeth.

Pros of Dental Bridges

• Natural Appearance Most dental bridges are made from either porcelain or plastic and can be made to match the color of your natural teeth.
• Non-Invasive Since dental bridges utilize your surrounding teeth for support, the procedure is considered non-invasive. This means you’ll have a speedy recovery time and can get back to enjoying your full smile quickly.
• Affordable and Accessible Dental bridges are very common and are more likely to be covered by most insurance plans and the out-of-pocket costs for the procedure are very minimal.

Cons of Dental Bridges

• Not PermanentDental bridges are not a permanent fix for tooth loss and typically will need to be replaced after 5 - 10 years.
• Potential Tooth DamageSince dental bridges rely on support from your healthy teeth, there is a slight risk for tooth damage if the bridges are not properly cared for.

What’s a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a false tooth that is held in place by artificial roots mounted directly into the jawbone. Implants are considered to be a permanent fix for one or more missing teeth.

Pros of Dental Implants

• Secure PlacementDental implants typically use titanium screws that are drilled into the jawbone, making them fully secure without relying on support from surrounding teeth.
• Long-LastingOn average, dental implants can last for over 15 years and may even last for the patient’s lifetime if they are properly cared for.

Cons of Dental Implants

• Invasive ProcedureInstalling dental implants is a surgical procedure that will include a lengthy recovery process and multiple follow-up appointments to ensure success
• ExpensiveImplants are less likely to be covered by insurance plans and can incur hefty out-of-pocket costs for patients.
• High Risk for Some Patients Since implants require surgery, this procedure is not ideal for patients with compromised immune systems and may result in complications.

Still Can’t Decide?

After weighing the pros and cons of each procedure, you should consult with your dentist to determine which of these options is the best fit for restoring your smile to its full glory. Dr. Julie Liberman DDS of Great Neck Dental Care NY proudly serves patients of all ages in the Great Neck area, spanning New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Douglaston, Jericho, Roslyn, etc. Book your checkup today to determine which procedure is right for you.