Hi, it’s Dr Wendy here from Oralux Dental. Over the years, one of the most common questions we get from our clients is what is the difference between dental implant and dental bridge? So I thought it’ll be great if I can make a short video explaining the difference to you.

A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth that a dentist can provide. It consists of a titanium post integrated into the jawbone and a porcelain crown that is placed over the post. A dental bridge, on the other hand, consists of two porcelain crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing space as an anchor to support a porcelain tooth.

So compared to a bridge, a dental implant looks and functions just like a natural tooth and you can care for it in the same way as a natural tooth, with brushing and flossing. Many of our patients said that you feel as if they’ve never lost a tooth in the first place. And also unlike a dental bridge, which requires healthy teeth to be shaped to fit the crown, a dental implant does not rely on adjacent teeth for support.

On the other hand, a dental implant can be more of an upfront investment compared to a dental bridge, but if cared for properly, a dental implant can save your money on the long run as it can last anywhere between 10 to 15 years or even a lifetime. And also unlike a bridge, a dental implant requires a longer treatment time because we have to wait for the jawbone to integrate with the titanium post.

So what are the benefits of a dental bridge? A dental bridge procedure usually takes less time from start to finish, compared to a dental implant procedure. It usually can be completed in less than four weeks. The cost of the bridge is often less than the tooth implant, particularly if you don’t need any other additional augmentation procedures such as a bone graft.

In terms of aesthetics, although it might not look as realistic as a dental implant, a dental bridge can still be visually pleasing and functions like a normal tooth.

So what is the downside of a dental bridge? A dental bridge requires the shaping of the teeth adjacent to the missing space, and often we may have to remove some of the healthy tooth structures in order to fit a dental crown on top of it. A dental bridge often requires more attention to keep it healthy and clean. You may need a specialised floss to protect it against the buildup of plaque.

Now, you may be asking, “So which one should I pick?” Well, everyone is different and everyone has their own unique dental needs and their own situation. So it’s always a good idea to visit your dentist and discuss what is the best option to replace your missing teeth that suit your lifestyle the best.

If you’re ready to get a professional opinion for your missing tooth situation, we would love to help. We are conveniently located at Crows Nest in the Lower Northshore, and Bella Vista in the Hills District. So simply give us a call, complete the enquiry form on our website, or direct message us via sms or on social media, and we will be in touch to help you organise your appointment. See you in the next video.

Note: All content and media on the Oralux Dental website and social media channels are created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

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