You have missing teeth and you’re weighing tooth implants vs. dental bridges, but unsure which option is best for you. Dr. Andrew Greenberg is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for Dental Implants in Westchester County NY, and he can help you make this decision.
Tooth Implants vs. Dental Bridges
If you are missing some teeth, you understandably want to fill the gaps so your smile will be whole again. Tooth implants and dental bridges are two of the best options to achieve this goal.
What Are Tooth Implants?
Tooth implants, also known as dental implants, are screw-like posts Dr. Greenberg inserts into empty sockets where your missing teeth once were. The posts fuse with the jawbone over time and then a dental crown that looks just like a natural tooth tops it off.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges attach to existing teeth on either side of a gap to bridge it. The process involves dental crowns capping the healthy teeth on both sides of the space. These crowns serve as anchors for a false tooth or teeth that fill in the gap, thus restoring your smile.
Tooth Implants Pros & Cons
As with anything else, there are pros and cons to every procedure that will help you decide which one is best for you.
PROS
- Longer natural appearance
- No damage to neighboring teeth
- High success rate
- Last 15 years or more
CONS
- Insurance may not cover them
- The process can take months, as the patient often needs to wait 4 months for the implant to integrate. This is best assured a good final result. While waiting for the permanent restoration a temporary tooth can be placed.
Dental Bridges Pros & Cons
PROS
- Insurance usually covers bridges
- Does not require surgery
- Process is quicker
- Lower cost
CONS
- Loses natural appearance over time
- Higher risk of cavities and tooth decay in surrounding teeth
- Can damage healthy teeth
- It lasts only 5-7 years before replacement becomes necessary
- Dental flossing is very difficult
Which Is Best For Me?
It’s up to you to decide which option is best for you. If you want something that looks more natural and will last longer, dental implants are likely the best choice. If you want an initially cheaper option that is quicker to install, dental bridges may be for you.
You should know that Dr. Greenberg offers same-day dental implants, which speed up the process so you can get back to smiling sooner.
Contact Us
Dr. Andrew Greenberg has spent decades providing dental implants in Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, and Croton-On-Hudson to patients. He can do the same for you. We strive to make every patient comfortable, and Dr. Greenberg will explain the procedure before he performs it.
Now is the time to repair the gaps in your teeth. With a convenient location at Briarcliff Manor, make an appointment with us online or call us to start your journey to a new smile.