Implants: The alternative to bridges
Each and every one of your teeth plays a vital role in the structure of your mouth as well as in relationship to your remaining teeth. A missing tooth can have serious consequences; aside from the aesthetics of having a gap in your smile, a missing tooth can affect the way you speak, alter your bite alignment and pressure (which can lead to uneven tooth wear), and lead to bone loss in your jaw.
In the past, a dental bridge was your only option to replace a missing tooth. Now, however, with the latest advances in dental implant technology, we are able to provide you with a longer-lasting, more stable alternative.
A dental implant consists of two parts: a titanium tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, and a replacement tooth fixed to the post. The replacement tooth is made of porcelain, which mimics the color and opacity of your natural teeth.
Advantages of Implants over Bridges
- The instability of a conventional bridge can make it difficult for you to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, along with giving you a stronger biting force.
- The stability of a bridge depends on the teeth adjacent to it. An implant doesn’t compromise the health of your natural teeth because it doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support.
- The typical lifespan of a bridge is about ten years. An implant will typically last a lifetime if you care for it properly.