Struggling to decide between a dental bridge or an implant?

Knowing which one is better for you is difficult and knowing which procedure to actually commit to can be even more challenging.

That’s why our dental expert and CEO at Enlighten, Sanjay Patel, has written this all-you-need-to-know guide breaking down what dental implants and bridges are, how they work and the cost.

What is a dental implant?

Once the implant is inserted, it fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable and durable foundation for a prosthetic tooth.

Another screw at the top of the root replacement holds a prosthetic crown — usually made of durable plastics or a ceramic compound – that’s designed to not only look like a tooth but support neighbouring teeth as well.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by "bridging" the gap between the remaining natural teeth or implants. It consists of one or more artificial teeth — known as pontics — anchored in place by the neighbouring teeth or dental implants.

These come in many types including:

· Traditional Bridge

· Cantilever Bridge

· Maryland Bonded Bridge (Resin-Bonded Bridge)

· Implant-Supported Bridge

What’s involved in the procedures?

The procedure for the dental implants typically goes as follows:

· Consultation and Planning: Examination, X-rays, and sometimes CT scans to assess the bone structure and plan the treatment.

· Surgical Placement: The implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone under local or general anaesthesia.

· Healing Period: Osseointegration occurs over several months as the implant fuses with the bone.

· Placement of Abutment and Crown: After healing, the abutment is attached to the implant, followed by the custom-made crown.

The procedure for the dental bridge is slightly different:

· Preparation: The abutment teeth are reshaped to fit crowns.

· Impressions: Moulds or digital scans of the teeth are taken to create a custom bridge.

· Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the area.

· Final Placement: The custom-made bridge is cemented or bonded in place during a second visit.

Pros and cons of dental implants?

Pros

1. Natural Appearance and Functionality: Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

2. Durability and Longevity: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them a long-term solution compared to bridges or dentures.

3. Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require altering or crowning adjacent healthy teeth, preserving their structure.

4. Stability and Comfort: Implants are fixed in place and do not slip or move like dentures, providing a secure and comfortable fit.

5. Improved Confidence: Implants restore your smile, improving self-esteem and confidence.

6. Easier Maintenance: Implants can be cared for like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

Cons 

1. Cost: Implants are one of the most expensive dental restoration options, especially when multiple teeth are involved. Crowns or abutments may require replacement over time, adding to long-term costs.

2. Time-Consuming Process: The procedure can take several months, including healing time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone.

3. Surgical Procedure: Placement involves minor surgery, which carries risks like infection, nerve damage, or sinus issues.

4. Potential for Complications: While rare, complications such as implant failure, loosening, or rejection can occur, particularly if there’s insufficient bone support or poor oral hygiene.

5. Bone Grafting May Be Required: If the jawbone is insufficient to support the implant, a bone graft may be needed, adding to the cost and complexity.

6. Not Suitable for Everyone: Patients with certain health conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or gum disease) may not be good candidates for implants.

Pros and cons of dental bridges

Pros

1. Restores Functionality: Replaces missing teeth, allowing you to chew, eat, and speak more comfortably.

2. Improves Appearance: Bridges fill gaps in your smile, restoring confidence and aesthetics.

3. Quick Solution: The process of getting a bridge is faster than dental implants, often completed in two visits over a few weeks.

4. Cost-Effective: Bridges are generally less expensive upfront compared to dental implants.

5. No Surgery Required: Unlike implants, bridges don’t involve surgical procedures, making them less invasive.

6. Prevents Teeth Shifting: A bridge helps keep the surrounding teeth from drifting into the gap left by missing teeth, which can lead to bite problems.

7. Customised Fit: Dental bridges are tailored to match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size.

Cons

1. Alters Adjacent Teeth: Traditional bridges require the adjacent healthy teeth to be reshaped and capped with crowns, which may weaken them over time.

2. Limited Lifespan: While durable, bridges typically last 5–15 years, depending on oral hygiene and material quality, compared to implants, which can last a lifetime.

3. Bone Loss: Unlike implants, bridges don’t stimulate the jawbone, which can lead to bone loss and changes in facial structure over time.

4. Maintenance Challenges: Cleaning under the pontics (false teeth) and around the abutments can be tricky, requiring extra care to prevent decay or gum disease.

5. Potential for Decay: If the abutment teeth under the crowns aren’t well cared for, they can decay, potentially compromising the bridge.

6. Not Suitable for Large Gaps: Bridges are best for replacing one or a few teeth. Large gaps may require implants or other solutions for better support.

7. Aesthetic Concerns Over Time: If the gum line recedes, the base of the bridge may become visible, affecting appearance.

8. Material Limitations: Metal-backed porcelain bridges may show a dark line at the gum line, which some people find less appealing.

Which one is best for me?

Ultimately, the decision on which one is better comes down to personal preference and the circumstances surrounding your health — which might limit your options.

However, if you’re not sure, here are some things to consider before opting for bridges or dental implants:

Oral Health and Jawbone Condition

· Dental Implants: Require a healthy jawbone for support. If you have significant bone loss, you may need a bone graft before the procedure.

· Dental Bridges: Don’t require bone support but rely on the health of adjacent teeth for anchoring.

Aesthetics

· Dental Implants: Mimic natural teeth in appearance and blend seamlessly with your smile.

· Dental Bridges: Also look natural but may show gaps at the gum line if your gums recede over time.

Longevity

· Dental Implants: Can last a lifetime with proper care, though the crown may need replacement after 10–15 years.

· Dental Bridges: Typically last 5–15 years, depending on maintenance and material quality.

Cost

· Dental Implants: More expensive upfront due to the surgical procedure and materials.

· Dental Bridges: Lower initial cost but may require replacement more frequently, adding to the long-term expense.

Procedure and Healing Time

· Dental Implants: Involve surgery and can take several months, including healing time for osseointegration.

· Dental Bridges: Non-surgical and typically completed in two dental visits over a few weeks.

Risk of Complications

· Dental Implants: Carries surgical risks like infection or nerve damage but has a high success rate.

· Dental Bridges: Risk of decay or gum disease around the abutment teeth if oral hygiene isn’t 

Lifestyle Factors

· Dental Implants: More secure, and suitable for people with active lifestyles or those who dislike removable options like dentures.

· Dental Bridges: Functional but may not feel as stable as implants.

Maintenance

· Dental Implants: Easy to maintain with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

· Dental Bridges: Require extra care to clean under the pontic and around the abutments to prevent decay.

Your Dentist’s Recommendation

Your dentist will help you assess:

· The condition of your teeth and gums.

· Jawbone density.

· Overall health and suitability for surgery.

· Budget and preferences.

Whiten your teeth with Enlighten’s market-leading treatment

At Enlighten, we understand that every smile is special and deserves personalised care.
 

Bridges and implants won’t help to whiten your teeth - but our techniques will. Our gentle treatment is designed to improve the brightness and health of your teeth with a non-invasive approach.

Visit one of our trusted dentists for professional, non-invasive whitening options that keep your smile radiant.

Want to know more?

Explore our expert guides, filled with tips, advice, and the latest insights to help you achieve and maintain a confident, glowing smile.

FAQs

1. What other options are there instead of bridges and implants?

If you’re looking for an alternative to bridges and implants, you might want to consider other types of restorative treatments like:

· Dentures

· Resin-bonded bridges (Maryland bridges)

· Removable partial dentures

· Flipper dentures

· All-on-4 implants

· Implant-supported dentures

· Snap-on dentures

· Dental crowns for adjacent teeth reshaping

· Orthodontic solutions (to close gaps)

· Gum ridge augmentation (for aesthetics without teeth replacement)

2. Implants vs bridges cost

A dental bridge typically costs around £400 per tooth, while a single dental implant can cost approximately £1,800. However, prices may vary based on factors such as the type of bridge or implant, the number of teeth being replaced, and the location of the dental practice.

3. Do dental bridges look natural?

Yes, dental bridges can look very natural, especially when designed and placed by an experienced dentist. Advances in dental technology and materials have made it possible to create bridges that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth in terms of colour, shape, and texture.