There are many dental treatments available to you these days. On one hand, this is great because regardless of your oral health situation, you’ll be able to obtain the kind of care you need. On the hand, it can be overwhelming. Treatments can be mixed up and, in some cases, too much information can be just as bad as too little.
Two dental processes that are similar and therefore, tend to cause some confusion among patients are receiving dental implants and dental bridges. Both approaches are used to restore your smile but offer different perks.
To learn more about dental implants or dental bridges in Yaletown Vancouver, reach out to our local dental practice. We’ll happily address any questions you have.
Restorative Dentistry
Just like repairs are needed when a water pipe bursts or a crack appears in the wall for a house to function properly, restorative dentistry works the same way. Each treatment that’s classified under this category is done to amend the functionality of your smile so you can chew, swallow, talk, yawn, and laugh as you normally do.
There are several processes you can explore as a restorative dental patient, such as receiving a dental filling, crowns, implants, and bridges.
Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants
A common problem that can be fixed through restorative dentistry is that of missing teeth.
People can have gaps in their smiles because of oral trauma, aging and genetics, gum disease, severe decay or infection, and as a result, your tooth needed to be pulled, and other health conditions.
Dental implants and dental bridges are two ways to remedy your smile, but how do they compare? Which is best?
Dental implants
Essentially, a dental implant is a device that’s designed to act as a replacement tooth. It is made up of three small, yet distinctive components. The first is the implant screw. This needs to be drilled into your jaw through surgery. It fuses with your bone to give you a very sturdy foundation of support. The second part is the abutment; it is simply a connecting piece that attaches the screw to the prosthetic that sits above your gum line. Titanium is used to create the screw and abutment since it’s biocompatible with the human body. Last, the prosthetic typically comes in the form of a dental crown. It covers the bottom of the implant and fills in the space.
Many advantages come with receiving dental implants from your dentist in Yaletown Vancouver, and they are as follows:
- They’re a permanent solution! Once you have an implant, you won’t ever need to worry about replacing it.
- You can treat them like natural teeth.
- Stops bone deterioration. When the screw is embedded in your jaw, this actually stimulates cell growth.
- Provides immense support for your entire smile.
- Stop facial sagging.
To have the procedure done, you need a strong jawbone. Your dentist will be able to let you know if you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure by performing an evaluation of your teeth and gums and taking x-rays.
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are a fabulous solution if you’re missing one or more teeth in a row. Like implants, they are also made up of tinier pieces, which include a fake tooth (also known as a pontic) and dental crowns. The pontic is what fills in the space in your smile, while two crowns are attached to the teeth on either side of the space to hold it in position. This can be installed anywhere in your mouth.
Such a device can be fashioned out of metal, like gold or silver, ceramic, or porcelain. Most people want their device to blend in with the natural shade of their smile, so they opt for ceramic or porcelain.
If you’ve been given the green light for this process, impressions are made of your oral cavity and sent off to the dental lab. It’s crucial that your bridge fits you properly, otherwise, there’s no point in acquiring it.
The benefits of getting a dental crown are:
- They restore your ability to chew.
- Fixes your bite patterns.
- Relieve unnecessary stress on your neighboring teeth and your jaw.
- They’ll increase your self-esteem!
Which One is Better?
A few factors play a role when it comes to selecting the best form of dental care:
- The current state of your oral health
- Your medical/dental history.
- The extent of the problem that you’re facing. Decayed, broken, or missing teeth are just three examples.
- Your budget (and by extension, your insurance coverage).
- What your dentist recommends.
With all that said, before you commit to anything, schedule a private consultation with a dentist near you. They’ll work with you to determine the best approach going forward.
Ultimately, there is no “right or wrong” treatment. In the end, it’s up to you and what you feel comfortable with. At Greenwoods Dental Vancouver, we offer both dental implants and dental bridges near you. We’ll walk alongside you through the entire process, so you know what to expect. Call or come by our clinic to schedule an appointment with us today!