5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Bridges vs. Implants for Your Missing Teeth

How to choose the best tooth replacement option.

Missing teeth cause more problems than just aesthetics. When you have missing teeth, speaking and chewing abilities change, as well as your smile. This makes tooth replacement important for both your dental health and your confidence. 

Two of the most common tooth replacement options in restorative dentistry are dental bridges and implants. Before you make the choice, you’ll want to ask your dentist certain questions. Those answers will help you make the best long-term decisions for your oral health and lifestyle. 

When choosing between bridges and implants, make sure to consider these five key questions:

1. What is my oral health like right now?

The current state of your dental health will determine what your best treatment option will be. For example, factors like gum health and jawbone density affect how well the implant or bridge will hold up over time. 

Your jawbone density matters because dental implants need adequate bone volume to support them. The implants are installed directly into your jawbone, so if you have a lot of deterioration, you may not be a good candidate. 

You should treat any active gum infections or diseases like periodontitis before getting any prosthodontics, whether that’s a dental implant or bridge. Excessive gum inflammation and bacteria buildup can compromise your remaining teeth and cause deeper problems with the installation of bridges or tooth implants. 

The same is true for your general oral hygiene. Ask your dentist how to improve your oral care routine if you’re struggling with tooth decay or other hygiene-related dental issues. You’ll need your mouth to be in good condition before getting prosthodontics. 

2. How many teeth am I replacing—and where are they?

Dental bridges are fixed to healthy teeth, or abutment teeth, that surround a gap in your mouth. They can replace three or more missing teeth in a row, as long as the abutment teeth are healthy and sturdy enough to support the bridges. 

Bridges are popular for filling wide gaps in the mouth, thanks to their ability to cover more space. If you’re looking for a lower-cost option that covers multiple tooth replacements at once, bridges are a good solution. 

However, if you’re missing single teeth in different spots throughout your mouth, dental implants may be your best bet. Implants attach to your jawbone and replace one tooth at a time. Implants can cost more and require more invasive installation, but they usually last the longest.

3. What’s the maintenance like for each option?

When comparing bridges and implants, consider what you’ll have to do to keep each option clean, healthy, and sturdy. Implants are generally considered the lower-maintenance option. 

Taking care of dental implants is similar to practicing good oral hygiene in general. You should brush and floss daily, removing any food particles or debris each night. You can continue with regular dental evaluations and checkups. 

Bridges often require some extra care and cleaning. You must brush and floss thoroughly, including threading floss underneath your bridge to remove trapped debris. 

You should avoid sticky, hard foods as much as possible to avoid damaging your bridge. It’s also essential to schedule professional cleanings and dental checkups at least twice a year to check for any damage or plaque buildup. 

4. How long will each option last?

When it comes to bridges and implants, you may wonder how long you can expect each option to last. Dental implants can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular checkups. At a minimum, your implants should hold up for around 25 years. 

They’re installed directly into your jawbone, so they’re more permanent and durable in nature. Implants also stimulate your jawbone to prevent bone loss and maintain your facial structure. 

Bridges have a shorter lifespan, typically between 5 and 15 years, depending on the foods you eat and how well you clean them. The health of the abutment teeth also matters, since the bridge relies on the support of these teeth. 

Hard foods can damage the integrity of the bridge and wear it out faster. Smoking, poor gum health, and grinding your teeth can also shorten your bridge’s lifespan. 

5. What’s my budget and insurance coverage?

When evaluating the costs of bridges and implants, consider the long-term picture. Dental implants are a bigger investment upfront, since they require a surgical procedure to place them into the jawbone. But they last for many years, longer than the average dental bridge. 

Bridges are directly attached to the abutment teeth without surgical intervention. This makes them a budget-friendly option, especially for more urgent cases.

Some dentists offer payment plans and care credit cards to cover the costs. Call your dental insurance provider and ask what they cover for both bridges and dental implants to see which fits your budget. 

Explore Prosthodontics Near Buffalo, MN

Looking for the best dentist near me in Minnesota? At Dental Care Associates of Buffalo, we have extensive experience installing both dental bridges and implants. We can guide you to the right oral solution to meet your needs so that you can smile with confidence again. Book a consultation for prosthodontics with us today!