Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: What’s Right for Me?
If you’re interested in restorative dentistry to replace a missing tooth in Sunnyvale, you may be wondering if dental implants or dental bridges are right for you. What’s the difference between these two treatments, and what’s a better option for you?
The team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates is always happy to help you understand your options and why you may want to choose a dental implant over a dental bridge. By coming to our office for a consultation, we’ll be able to help you determine which one may be the best option for your unique needs.
Why Choose a Dental Implant?
Dental implants use a two-part restoration to restore your missing tooth. The implant itself is a small piece of titanium, which is placed directly into your gums and jaw. Once this implant heals and bonds with your jaw, a dental restoration such as a dental crown is attached to it, replacing your missing tooth.
There are a few reasons why you may want to choose a dental implant instead of a dental bridge, such as:
- Long lifespan – Dental implants typically last 30+ years with proper placement and care, which is much longer than a dental bridge. For this reason, implants are often a better value in the long-run if you compare the up-front cost and lifespan of each treatment.
- No need to trim healthy teeth – Dental bridges require you to have two healthy teeth trimmed to make room for “abutment crowns,” which hold a false tooth in the gap where your missing tooth used to be. But with implants, there is no need to trim any of your teeth.
- Completely natural look and feel – Dental implants are less bulky than bridges. The two-part implant and restoration will feel and look just like a natural tooth.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
Dental implants do have some unique benefits, but dental bridges have advantages of their own, such as:
- Faster results – While implants require 3-6 months or longer to be placed, bridges can typically be built and placed in just 2-3 weeks, making them a more convenient option for restoring your smile if you are hoping to restore your smile quickly.
- Less invasive than a dental implant – Dental bridges don’t require any incisions to be made in your gums or jaw bone, unlike an implant. This means the procedure is less invasive, overall.
- More Affordable & Usually Covered by Insurance – Bridges usually are less expensive than an implant. And while dental implants are rarely covered by insurance, bridges are almost always at least partially covered by your insurance plan.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
This depends on your oral health, your budget for restorative dentistry, and your personal preferences for restoring your smile. The best way to decide whether a bridge or a dental implant is right for you is with an appointment at Silicon Valley Dental Associates. Dr. Colin Au can explain all of your options and help you decide which treatment may be right for you.
Contact Us to Schedule a Restorative Consultation Today!
At Silicon Valley Dental Associates, we specialize in restorative dentistry for patients in Sunnyvale. To learn more about bridges and implants and see which one is right for you, come in for a consultation today. Contact us at (408) 245-5812 to get started, or stop by our office at 1565 Hollenbeck Avenue, Suite 120, Sunnyvale, CA 94087.