Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
Wausau, WI
No one likes having a big gap in their teeth. The missing tooth not only feels uncomfortable but can also affect your self-esteem as you shy away from smiling and revealing the gaps in your teeth. More importantly, gaps in the teeth can be quite dangerous for the health of your mouth as well.
Over time, without any support, the teeth beside the empty space can start moving and become crooked as well. Not to mention, the empty space can harbor bacteria, or food particles can accumulate there, which can then lead to many other problems. So, you need to get that tooth replaced right away.
The only question is, should you choose dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants?
Dentures
Dentures are essentially a set of replacement teeth, which can be removable or fixed, depending on the type of denture. They rely on the adjacent teeth or even the gums for support in the mouth to replace the set of missing teeth. Types of dentures include complete dentures and partial dentures.
Complete dentures, as the name suggests, are for when a person has none of their natural teeth, and partial dentures are for when a person still has some of their natural teeth left. Dentures tend to be less expensive than dental implants, but they are also not a temporary solution. Moreover, they can be a hassle to deal with as you have to take them out and clean them every day.
Bridges
 Bridges are quite similar to dentures. They also consist of one or more new teeth to replace any missing teeth and aid chewing and eating. However, one of the primary differences between a dental bridge and a denture is that bridges are often fixed while dentures can be removable.
There are several types of bridges, such as traditional bridges, resin-bonded bridges, and cantilever bridges. Bridges can be made using plastic or porcelain and are usually meant to look similar to your natural teeth. As compared to implants, bridges are not a very invasive procedure, and you can likely get them fitted in two to three visits.
Implants
Dental implants are the most expensive and involve a much more invasive procedure. Implants are made using titanium and directly screwed into your jaw bone with a crown on top. These are meant to completely mimic your natural teeth.
Where dentures or bridges may last for 10 or even 15 years, dental implants can last a lifetime if taken care of properly. They look exactly like your natural teeth and don’t damage the surrounding teeth either. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Older people with weaker jaws may not be able to support implants.
A lot of factors come into play in deciding which teeth replacement method is best for you. It can depend on the health of your existing teeth, the number of teeth missing, and even your age. That’s why you should arrange an appointment with us at or call us at to schedule a meeting with our experienced dentists today.
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