While losing a tooth as a child is an exciting sign of growing up, losing one as an adult isn’t quite as pleasant. Not only is it painful, but adult tooth loss can also cause difficulty in eating and speaking. On top of this, most people will start to feel self-conscious about how it looks to others. So if you’ve lost a tooth, chances are you’re desperate to find a replacement solution – pronto. In fact, it’s essential to get a legitimate replacement in order to retain the alignment of your teeth and facial shape. The two most common tooth replacement procedures in Perth are dental bridges and implants.
When it comes to understanding which option is best for you, we recommend looking at each one’s cost, appearance, health, hygiene, process and longevity. So keep reading as we compare these factors to determine which procedure is best for you.
Overview: Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants
Dental bridges have been around for a long time, making them an established option for tooth replacements. A dental bridge functions as the name suggests, false teeth work as a ‘bridge’ to support your tooth replacement. Most commonly made from materials such as porcelain or plastic, they will seamlessly match your natural teeth. This option can be used to cover one or even multiple lost teeth.
Dental bridges can last up to 10 years, but often need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. This is in part because they are hard to clean. A major drawback of dental bridges is that they require the supporting teeth to be reduced and subsequently run the risk of getting infected. So while the initial cost of bridges is less than implants, you may end up paying more over the years for managing complications and getting replacements.
Dental implants are considered a more modern option, as this method of tooth replacement is newer than bridges. However, implants have still been around since the 1950s. They’ve seen a quick rise to fame thanks to their longevity, natural look, easy maintenance and reduced risk of future complications.
The way that implants work is by planting an artificial tooth root (typically made from titanium) into the jawbone with screws to secure the crown or bridge. As you can imagine, the tooth replacement process is more invasive and takes longer, to account for healing periods. However, the results are longer lasting and safer, minimising future costs and pain.
Bridge vs. Implant Comparison
Your mouth is unique, so each replacement option will come with different pros and cons, specific to you. Your dentist should be able to examine and assess your situation, to help advise you on the best course of treatment for your desired results. To give you an indication of which is right for you, here is a side-by-side comparison of dental bridges and implants.
| Dental Implants | Dental Bridges | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | On average, the price starts at $5,000, depending on your location. | Can reach up to $1,800 per tooth, depending on your location. |
| Appearance | Keeps its natural look for longer | The natural look is lost with age |
| Health and Hygiene | Easy to keep clean and is less likely to damage the healthy teeth around it | Can cause cavities, decay and damage to the supporting teeth |
| Process | The entire process can take approximately 3 to 9 months | The entire process can take around a few weeks |
| Longevity | Can last 15 years or more. Around 97% of implants last at least 10 years. | Most will need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. |
Missing teeth can be a real hassle, but given the investment and permanence of replacement, you’ll want to ensure you choose the right treatment for you. So if you’re ready to complete your smile, or just want to consult a dentist on your options, book an appointment at Claremont Dental Perth today.