Dental Implants vs. Dentures vs. Dental Bridge

Replacing teeth have come a long way in the last few decades. Missing teeth entertain concerns of infection, but the key to a confident smile is with the correct replacement. Today, the questions you need to ask your dentist are quite different:

1. What’s the difference between a dental bridge vs. implant?
2. Which treatment option is right for me?

Very often the dental implant is ideal, but numerous factors will need to be considered first, including if your tooth loss is recent or happened years ago.

— EastVanDental (@EastVanDental) September 15, 2018

Dental Implants vs Dentures

If you are missing most or all of your teeth you have probably been told to get dentures. While traditional dentures restore the look of your smile and support facial muscles, they come with several disadvantages. Because a traditional denture rests directly on top of the gums, it has no basic support, the gums and jawbone lack the stimulation of tooth roots to keep them strong and healthy. Bone loss, receding gums, and face shape alteration are not uncommon for denture wearers. A patient who experiences these consequences may need denture resizing and can be at risk for periodontal disease.

Other disadvantages of dentures can include:

• Slipping and sliding
• Gum irritation
• Minimal chewing support
• Impaired talking ability
• Embarrassing clicking or sucking noises
• Reduced food taste

Alternatively, implant supported dentures have several dental implants to imitate the function of the tooth roots, maintaining gum and bone structure. The dental implants present chewing support and stability for the dentures. In several cases, the attachment allows the dentures to be removed for easy cleaning. Implant supported dentures safeguard against deterioration and periodontal disease, in addition to making eating and talking more comfortable.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF WITH A MOUTH FULL OF MISSING TEETH, OR SEVERAL IN A ROW it may be unrealistic and costly to replace every missing tooth with a dental implant. As an alternative, dental implants are commonly used as an anchored support for dentures or a dental bridge.

— EastVanDental (@EastVanDental) September 15, 2018

Dental Implants vs Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a common solution for a row of missing teeth. In many cases, the teeth adjacent to the gap are shaved down and fitted with dental crowns, which act as anchors for the row of artificial teeth between them. Like a traditional denture, a dental bridge rests over the top of the gums, leaving the underlying gums and bone to eventually deteriorate without proper stimulation. As the jawbone weakens and the gums recede, the dental bridge can begin to slide and cause irritation. Plaque can easily creep into the space between the gum and dental bridge, creating a risk for periodontal disease, additional tooth loss, and other oral health issues.

Implant supported dental bridges provide a longer-term and healthier solution for tooth replacement. Instead of having to reshape the adjacent healthy teeth, one or more dental implants are positioned into the gums to function like tooth roots. These dental implants attach to the dental bridge, creating chewing support and preventing bone or gum loss. In addition, implant-supported dental bridges are slip resistant since they are attached firmly to the implants.

Being a Patient at East Van Dental

If you are interested in the services described above, please join our Commercial Drive dental family in East Vancouver. We never turn away a patient in need! Plus, we’re always running some sort of dental promotion to help with the wallet. Give us a call or just simply drop-in. We’re a casual dental office and are always happy to meet new patients.