Tooth loss causes complications for your smile, dental health, and confidence! You may find eating and chewing difficult with gaps in your teeth and feel embarrassed about smiling or interacting with others.
You should know there are excellent solutions to remedy tooth loss and restore aesthetics and function to your smile, but which procedure is best for your needs? Let's review the differences between dental bridges vs. dental implants in Champaign to make the best decision for your smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge replaces one or more teeth in a row by anchoring to healthy teeth with dental crowns and supporting artificial teeth in between. Our dentists in Champaign, IL make your bridge out of ceramic porcelain that they can customize to blend beautifully with your smile restoring aesthetics.
Your bridge also fills in the gaps so you can enjoy chewing function again, keeping surrounding teeth from moving into the open space left by your missing tooth.
How Does a Dental Implant work?
A dental implant takes the place of both your tooth and root, and this is important because root loss results in bone loss since your bone deteriorates with no root to support it.
Our dentists carefully place the implant into your jawbone, where it heals and integrates with the bone over time. After healing, it's ready to support a dental crown or your new tooth. Implants can also support a prosthetic like a bridge or a denture that replaces multiple teeth.
The Pros and Cons of Implants vs. Bridges
Dental treatments have pros and cons, as do bridges and implants. Here's what you should know.
Dental Bridges in Champaign
Pros:
- Bridges tend to be less expensive than implants
- The procedure doesn't require surgery
- Bridges restore function and aesthetics while keeping your teeth from shifting
Cons:
- Bridges don't prevent bone deterioration
- The procedure alters two healthy teeth for successful placement
Dental Implants in Champaign
Pros:
- Implants protect the health of your jawbone.
- Dental implants deliver a natural tooth's look, feel, and function.
- Implants offer excellent longevity since they can potentially last a lifetime.
- You can brush or floss around a single implant just as you would a natural tooth.
Cons:
- Implants tend to be more expensive than a bridge.
- Surgery is required for placement.
Book a Consultation at Anderson Dental
If you have further questions about dental implants or bridges, or are ready to schedule a consultation for restorative dentistry, contact your team at Anderson Dental at (217) 356-7334. Our dentists will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.