Houston Dental Implants or Dental Bridges?

"This article explores the key differences between dental implants and bridges as a replacement technology for single missing teeth."

The natural development of medical technology over the decades has resulted in there being a number of dental solutions available for patients that are missing one or more of their original adult teeth. The solution most highly recommended by dentists is the Houston dental implant, which offers a fixed, non-removable and long term replacement for missing teeth… but what about dental bridges? Most patients opt for inferior dental technologies because they are seduced by the lower initial costs. In the long term, however, the more sophisticated technologies like Houston dental implants work out to be far more beneficial; not only from a financial point of view, but also in terms of the higher quality of life and comfort they promote.

Comparing Houston Dental Implants and Dental Bridges: Defining the Technology

In order to better understand the differences between Houston dental implants and dental bridges, let’s take a look at what these two tooth replacement technologies are and how they work:

Dental bridges consist of a row of three porcelain caps or crowns that are designed to sit over the gap left by a missing tooth (see image below.) The two healthy teeth on either side of the gap are filed down by the dentist and are subsequently used to support the two outlying porcelain crowns on the bridge. The middle crown then fills the visible gap.

Houston dental implants, on the other hand, are designed to replace an entire missing tooth, from the root to the crown (see image below.) They reap all the support they need in order to remain free-standing from the underlying jaw bone. As such, they function just like natural teeth and are expertly fabricated to resemble them too, in both function and aesthetics.

Houston Dental Implants and Dental Bridges: Key Differences

There are a number of key differences between Houston dental implants and dental bridges and patients should understand what these are before they opt for a tooth replacement technology based upon cost alone.

• First of all, Houston dental implants are free-standing and do not require the two healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth to be sacrificed in order to support them.

• Secondly, because Houston dental implants are rooted in the jaw just like natural teeth, they feel natural and comfortable. This is one of the biggest complaints patients have about dental bridges; that they don’t feel like a natural tooth and subsequently, patients struggle with a greater degree of self-conscious and oral discomfort.

• Thirdly, Houston dental implants have an incredible lifespan of 20, 30 years and even longer if cared for properly. Dental bridges frequently require restoration or replacement after 12 years, if not sooner. So while they may seem to be the cheaper option in the short term, Houston dental implants constitute a smarter long-term investment.

• Last, but certainly not least, Houston dental implants replace the missing tooth root, which effectively prevents atrophy of the underlying jaw bone tissue. Dental bridges only replace the visible tooth crown and while this may offer patients a high quality aesthetic solution, it neglects jaw bone health. The subsequent resorption of this hard tissue greatly affects the stability and health of the neighboring teeth.

A Final Note on Houston Dental Implants

The loss of a tooth to accidental trauma, a failed root canal or decay can be quite a traumatic experience for a patient. Make sure that if this ever happens to you, you make a smart investment in the future of your oral health, bite functionality and smile aesthetics. Make sure you choose Houston dental implants.