Crowns and Bridges vs. Dental Implants: What You Should Know

If you have experienced partial tooth loss, consider crowns and bridges or dental implants as a means for replacing your teeth. In our dental office, we understand the importance of having a full set of teeth. Your teeth directly impact your appearance, how people perceive you, your facial structure, and your confidence. They also make it possible for you to speak clearly and eat all your favorite foods. Without a full set, multiple aspects of your life could suffer. We do not want you to experience this any longer than you have to, and can provide you with several restorative solutions to solve the problem.

Dentures may have been the most common teeth replacement solution for centuries, but they have been overshadowed by fixed solutions like crowns and bridges and dental implants. This is because more and more people are looking for a convenient way to replace teeth that will not become loose or fall out when eating, speaking, or running around. All three of these solutions are effective, and which one is right for you will depend on your oral health and goals. Here is what you should know about two of our popular options.

Crowns and Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Crowns and Bridges

This is a fixed solution, providing you with new teeth after partial tooth loss. If you have experienced complete tooth loss, you will need to consider dental implants or dentures. The way that crowns and bridges are placed is to first take an impression and measurements of your mouth so the dental lab can get to work creating your new prosthetic. The teeth replacing your old ones will be secured to a gum-like base, similar as to what you could expect from partial dentures. The main difference is that the base is secured in place using crowns. A crown is placed around the two teeth surrounding the new ones, and these teeth serve as anchors. They hold the bridge in place so it will not move or become loose. This is beneficial if you want a fixed solution without surgery. It will look natural and be fully functional. The only drawback is that in order to place crowns on your natural teeth, some enamel will need to be removed from them. Once done, these two teeth will always need to have crowns. Essentially, you are negatively impacting these two teeth in order to replace the other ones.

Dental Implants

This is the only tooth replacement solution that is surgically placed. In this procedure, a titanium post is implanted under the gums and secured to the jawbone. The bone and post will fuse together through the process of osseointegration to create a secure root system that a new tooth can be attached to. The result is a new tooth or teeth that are incredibly durable and natural-looking without impacting any of the remaining natural teeth.

Regardless of which option you select, we can provide you with a tooth replacement that is beautiful and highly functional. To learn more about crowns and bridges, dentures, or dental implants, give us a call.