Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: Which Is the Best Option for You?

Losing a tooth doesn’t just affect the appearance of your smile—it can also impact your oral health and chewing ability. Fortunately, there are effective ways to replace a missing tooth. The two most common options are dental implants and dental bridges. But… which one is better? At Dental Artistry, we’re here to help you understand the differences so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium (or zirconia) post placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. A custom-made crown is then attached, mimicking the shape and color of a natural tooth. One of the biggest advantages is that it doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth—meaning your healthy teeth remain untouched.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that relies on the teeth adjacent to the gap. These neighboring teeth need to be filed down to support crowns, which are then connected to an artificial tooth that fills the empty space.

Key Differences Between Both Treatments:

Durability:
Implants offer a long-term solution—often lasting a lifetime with proper care. Bridges typically last around 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.

Aesthetics:
Both options offer aesthetic results, but implants tend to look more natural and personalized.

Impact on Healthy Teeth:
Implants do not affect nearby teeth, while bridges require altering healthy adjacent teeth to serve as support.

Bone Preservation:
Implants stimulate the bone and help prevent bone loss. Bridges do not stop bone resorption in the area where the tooth is missing.

Treatment Time:
Bridges are usually placed faster. Implants take longer, as they require healing time for the bone to integrate with the implant.

Initial Cost:
Implants have a higher upfront cost, but they offer longer-lasting value. Bridges may cost less initially, but they might need to be replaced in the future.

So, Which Option Is Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your oral health, the amount of bone available, the condition of surrounding teeth, your budget, and your long-term goals.

At Dental Artistry, we conduct a full evaluation and clearly explain the pros and cons of each treatment based on your specific case.

Our Recommendation:

✅ If you're looking for a long-lasting, aesthetic solution that preserves your natural teeth, dental implants are ideal.
✅ If you prefer a faster treatment and want to avoid surgery—or if your neighboring teeth already need crowns—a dental bridge may be a good option.

Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Book a consultation at Dental Artistry and together we’ll find the best solution to bring back your smile and confidence.