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What is the difference between a traditional bridge and an implant-supported bridge?


Published on Apr 12 2024

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Tooth loss leads to multiple adverse impacts on patients’ health, smile, and general well-being. Fortunately, modern dentistry has achieved much progress in treatments that consider replacing missing teeth to restore one’s smile and dental function.

Traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges are ideal treatments to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Each type has its benefits, but which one to select often depends on various health factors as well as budget and what level of longevity is desired in the restoration.

To guide you through the right dental bridge for your needs, in this article, we’ll discuss the differences and see how they differ.

Understanding Traditional Dental Bridges

What Are Traditional Bridges?

Traditional dental bridges are done for restoration to replace one or more missing teeth due to crack, or accidental loss. The procedure involves the adjacent teeth on either side of the defect caused by the missing one or more teeth as an abutment for the artificial tooth or artificial teeth, also known as the pontic. The abutment teeth, or both, are usually ground to provide space for accommodating the bridge and are then bonded to them for stability.

How Do Traditional Bridges Work?

In order to make a customized bridge, your dentist takes impressions of your teeth after they have been reshaped. The prepared prosthetic teeth help in appearance and function to mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

The bridge cemented to the prepared teeth allows you to chew and speak well; moreover, a gap that is observable in the middle is closed appropriately.

Pros of Traditional Bridges:

Faster procedure: In comparison to implants, teeth bridges can be fitted in just two visits, so they are a rather faster treatment.

Costlier: They tend to cost less than other options in the short run.

Less invasive: As it is a non-surgical treatment, many patients are more welcoming to it because they will be assured of a less invasive and painful procedure.

Cons of Traditional Bridges:

Alters healthy teeth: The bridge needs adjacent healthy teeth to be reduced for placement; this can weaken them.

Shorter lifespan: Traditional bridges have a shorter lifespan of 7-10 years until they need to be replaced or rebuilt.

Bone loss prevention: Traditional bridges do not become part of the tooth root, so they do not restore or prevent bone loss.

Implant-Supported Bridges

What Is an Implant-Supported Bridge?

implant

An implant-supported bridge is one of the most advanced denture options. It doesn’t anchor onto adjacent teeth for support but uses dental implants instead. These are metallic titanium implants surgically inserted into the jaw to serve as anchors. These implants work like artificial roots to create a stable, solid base for the bridge.

How Do Implant-Supported Bridges Work?

Implant-supported bridge place dental implants in the jawbone by surgical procedures. These implants merge with the bone to serve as an anchor base for the placement of the bridge. After this bonding with the jawbone in a few months, the implants with osseointegration can be bonded onto the implants thereby completing the restoration.

Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridges:

Longer life span: Implant-supported bridges have a lifespan of 15 years or more if maintained well.

Prevents bone loss: It imitates the procedure of the natural root of the tooth, there is stimulation to maintain the density of the jawbone, which further prevents more shrinkage.

More stable and secure: Provides a solid foundation, and because of this, the dental bridge will probably not shift or loosen over time.

Cons of Implant-Supported Bridges:

Longer procedure time: Implants require a placement procedure followed by healing, which can take months and patience.

Expensive:They cost more than traditional implants because of the involvement of surgical procedures.

Bone density: It doesn’t work well with patients with less bone density. They would require a bone graft to place implants, which makes it even more complicated and expensive.

Major Differences Between Traditional and Implant-Supported Bridges

Anchor Points

Traditional Bridges: Rely on natural teeth as anchor points. This means healthy teeth must be modified to support the bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridges: An anchor point is made of titanium implants, which are inserted into the jawbone to provide stability.

Longevity and Durability

Conventional Bridges: They generally have a life of 7-10 years because differential wear in the abutment teeth can reduce the anticipated lifetime of the bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridges: It lasts longer than 15 years because of the stability of the implants and from less strain on surrounding teeth.

Dental Bone Health

dental-bone-health

Traditional Bridges: It does not inhibit bone loss. Without the stimulation from missing roots from either your natural teeth or implants, the bone of your jaw where the tooth was lost will gradually atrophy over time.

Implant-supported bridges: prevent bone loss since they stimulate the jawbone, just like in the natural roots of the tooth, and ensure long-term bone health.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Factors to consider:

Cost: Although the initial cost for traditional bridges is less than that of their costlier variants, it still remains one of the most popular choices due to patients’ budgetary issues. However, these might need to be replaced more often than implants.

Time Frame: While most traditional bridges take a few weeks to complete, an implant-supported bridge will take months since it waits for osseointegration to happen.

Bone Density: Getting implants depends on your bone density; if the bone structure is sufficient enough, then a bridge supported by the implants is the ideal choice, However, if the patient does not have enough bone density, have to get a bone graft first before any implant can be placed.

Long-term Health: Though implant-supported bridges have a far greater advantage over traditional bridges, they are very effective in preserving bone health and may limit the wear and tear of adjacent teeth.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

A smile can go a long way. If you are considering restoring your missing teeth by getting implants, make an appointment with Prodental MN now for a consultation, so we can help you choose the best solution for your dental health according to your situation.

Conclusion

Both traditional and implant-supported bridges serve as effective missing-tooth replacement solutions. Even though the latter may be faster and cheaper to implement, the positive outcomes of implant-supported bridges are more extensive and ensure better oral health support in the long term. Therefore, it is up to you which option best fits your personal health, budget, and long-term dental goals. Your dentist can help you decide the best treatment for you to enjoy restorations and excellent oral health for years to come.

FAQs

What is the recovery time for implant-supported bridges?

The healing process for dental implants can take several months, while traditional bridges have a shorter recovery period.

Are implant-supported bridges worth the extra cost?

While more expensive, implant-supported bridges offer longer-term benefits and superior stability compared to traditional bridges.