Crown vs. Implant Supported Bridges
Dental bridges are among the most time-tested and highly effective of all dental treatments. In recent years, however, dental bridges have become even more durable and aesthetically pleasing, representing an outstanding way to restore health, beauty, and function to mouths compromised by missing teeth. Modern dental bridges allow patients to regain control over their lives, making tasks such as biting, chewing, and speaking easy once more.
At Ridgewood Dental Associates, dental bridges are custom-crafted from the finest-quality materials to blend beautifully into patients’ mouths and provide years of improved oral health. Each cosmetic dentist at our practice is skilled at producing exceptional results for patients who opt to replace between one and three of their missing teeth with a dental bridge. However, these patients must first decide which method of supporting their dental bridges is best suited to them, as they can be supported by crowns or dental implants.
Crown-supported Bridges
Traditionally, fixed dental bridges (as opposed to their removable counterparts) have been secured in the mouth by crowns. The typical fixed dental bridge consists of between one and three artificial teeth supported on either side by a crown. When the crowns are affixed to the natural teeth adjacent to a gap, the artificial tooth or teeth fill the space. This method has been used for decades with great success.
The only real downside to this method is the reliance on natural teeth for support. In order to accommodate the crowns, these teeth must be permanently structurally modified, with portions removed to make room for the crowns. Ironically, this means that the teeth being relied upon for their strength and stability are made somewhat weaker in order to serve this function.
That said, the removal of natural tooth matter is outweighed by the oral health benefits of replacing missing teeth. Crown-supported bridges are an excellent option for patients who wish to return full function to their mouths while filling in the gaps in their smiles.
Implant-supported Bridges
As effective as crown-supported bridges are, implant-supported bridges provide an alternative that does not require the alteration of any remaining natural teeth. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically embedded in the jawbone to replace the root structure of missing teeth. These posts fuse with the bone, essentially becoming part of the patient’s natural anatomy. Once the jaw is healed, dental implants provide the most secure and stable support possible for restorations, including dental bridges.
While implant-supported bridges may offer the most true-to-life replacement for missing teeth, their one potential drawback is their expense. Compared to crown-supported bridges, implant-supported bridges are considerably more expensive. However, the value of dental implants is extraordinary. With proper care and regular dental visits, dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime.
Learn More about Dental Bridges
Which type of dental bridge is right for you? The only way to find out for sure is to meet with one of our experienced, highly skilled restorative dentists in an initial consultation. To schedule your consultation, please contact Ridgewood Dental Associates today.
