Interested in either dental implants or dental bridges to restore your smile in Lakewood? In this blog from Lakewood Smiles Dentistry, we’ll take a look at a few of the pros and cons of each treatment, to help you decide which one may be right for you.
The Pros & Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of a two-part implant and restoration, and provide you with a smile that looks and feels totally natural, and will last you for years to come.
Pros
- 30+ year lifespan – As long as you care for your implants properly, you can expect them to last you at least 30 years. Most patients keep them for the rest of their lives.
- Easy to maintain – For single-tooth implants, all you have to do is brush and floss your teeth normally, and see Dr. William for regular teeth cleanings every six months.
- Will never shift, move or slip – Your implant will be securely anchored to your jaw bone, so your new teeth will never shift or slip.
Cons
- Long treatment time – It can take 3-6 months to get an implant. If you need a tooth extraction, bone grafting or other preparatory surgeries, it can take even longer.
- Expensive – The investment is worth it, but dental implants usually have a higher up-front cost than any other restorative treatment.
- Requires invasive surgery – You will need to have oral surgery to place the implant, which may not be preferred by some patients.
The Pros & Cons of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges consist of two crowns that attach to healthy abutment teeth and support one or more false teeth (pontics) to replace your missing teeth. Here are a few of their pros and cons.
Pros
- Will never shift, move or slip – Like implants, bridges won’t move. They are anchored to your teeth using strong, durable dental crowns.
- Fast treatment – You can often restore your smile in just 2-3 weeks with a dental bridge.
- Minimally-invasive – Some of your enamel must be removed from the abutment teeth, but there is no need to cut into your gums or jaw bone.
Cons
- Shorter lifespan – Bridges usually last between 5-15 years, which is shorter than dental implants, but better than dentures.
- Requires trimming of healthy teeth – Your abutment teeth must be trimmed down significantly, even if they are healthy, which will weaken them if the bridge ever must be removed.
- Hard to clean – It will take some practice to get used to cleaning your bridge properly, and you may need special tools like floss tape and interdental brushes.
Not Sure What Treatment Is Right for You? Find Out at Lakewood Smiles!
At Lakewood Smiles, we specialize in restorative dental care for patients in Lakewood. Contact us for an appointment today, and Dr. Nancy Willliam can help you choose between dental bridges and dental implants. Give us a call at (562) 866-0406, or stop by our office at 5220 Clark Ave, Suite 435, Lakewood, CA 90712 to get started.
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