Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile and confidence—they can affect your ability to eat, speak, and maintain proper oral health. Choosing the right tooth replacement option is super important in restoring your confidence and function. Two popular solutions are dental implants and bridges, each offering unique benefits depending on your needs.

In this article, we’ll give you the inside scoop on these options to help you decide which one might best fit your lifestyle and long-term oral health.

What are dental implants?

We’ll start by talking about dental implants because among all tooth replacement options implants feel and look the most like your natural teeth. Not only that, but they are designed to last your lifetime, which means no need for replacement multiple times over the years.

But what just precisely are dental implants? We think you’ll be glad you asked. Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option that mimics the structure of natural teeth. They consist of a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone via a surgical procedure. This post acts as a false tooth root. Once the post integrates with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached, completing the restoration.

As we suggested earlier, what sets dental implants apart is their super-long lifespan and natural appearance. The titanium post provides a solid foundation, while the crown is crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. This combination makes implants not only functional but also visually seamless, blending perfectly into your smile.

In addition to their natural look, implants help maintain oral health. By replacing the tooth root, they stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth. This helps preserve the shape of your face and supports neighboring teeth, keeping your overall bite aligned. With proper care, dental implants are a long-term solution that can give you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile with ease.

What are dental bridges?

Now that you know what dental implants are, it is natural to wonder what dental bridges are. This tooth replacement option is a reliable, non-surgical option for replacing one or more missing teeth. Unlike dental implants, which are secured directly into the jawbone, bridges rely on the adjacent teeth for support. A dental bridge consists of one or more replacement teeth, known as pontics, that are held in place by crowns fitted onto the neighboring teeth.

This method is effective for filling gaps in your smile and restoring the function of your bite. Bridges not only improve your ability to chew and speak but also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, which can happen when a tooth is missing.

With proper care, dental bridges can last five to seven years, and often longer. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dental professional regularly, a bridge may last over a decade. Dental bridges offer a dependable and time-tested solution for restoring your smile and maintaining oral health.

What are the key differences between implants and bridges?

Clearly, both dental bridges and dental implants in Boise, ID, are a great solution for tooth replacement. And, failing to seek treatment for your missing teeth can lead to several oral health concerns down the road.

So, if you want to regain your healthy smile, let’s briefly summarize the differences between these two restorative dentistry options so you can make an informed decision.

• Cost: Bridges typically have a lower upfront cost, making them a more budget-friendly choice. Implants, while initially more expensive, are considered a long-term investment due to their longer lifespan.
• Strength: Implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, while bridges generally last five to ten years. This means if you choose a dental bridge, you’ll likely have to have it replaced more than once.
• Procedure: Dental implants involve a surgical process, including placement of a titanium post and a healing period before the crown is added. Bridges, on the other hand, are non-surgical and require less time to complete.
• Maintenance: Both options require consistent oral hygiene, but implants are easier to care for since they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. Bridges may require special flossing techniques to clean under the replacement tooth.

For those seeking a strong, natural-feeling solution for their tooth loss, implants offer long-term benefits. However, if affordability and a quicker process are priorities, bridges may be the better choice.

Choosing the Right Option for You

We know that choosing the best option to restore your smile is a big decision and that there are many considerations. That’s why Dr. Staley and the team at Staley Dental are here to help. During your consultation, we’ll assess your smile and current state of oral health and will provide treatment options. Together, we’ll make the best decision for you.

Ready to get started? Request your smile consultation today.