Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on the key differences between dental implants and conventional dental bridges. In Part 1 and Part 2, we discussed some of the key problems associated with bridges, including a higher risk of decay of the supporting natural teeth, oral discomfort and bad breath. Now, with the help of an experienced "All-On-4" dental implants professional we shall examine how bridges compare with the functionality and aesthetics of dental implants.

Dental Implant Function and Lifespan

As it was explained in Part 1 of this four-part series, in the case of a single missing tooth, teeth implants replace both the root of the missing tooth as well as the crown, whereas bridges only replace the crown. Bridges do enable New Jersey residents to eat most if not all of their favorite foods, but the stress on the supporting teeth can cause them to fracture. "Dental implants, just like natural teeth, are supported directly by the jawbone, which enables patients to eat comfortably and without stressing the adjacent teeth," explains the "All-On-4" dental implants professional. "Consequently, they boast greater functionality and have a longer lifespan than bridges.

"With dental implants, patients can typically enjoy the function of their new teeth for 20 or 30 years or even longer if cared for properly. Bridges only last between 10 and 15 years before needing restoration or replacement. This makes Teeth implants a far greater value for the money, because they are almost always a one time investment, whereas conventional bridges require repeat maintenance and eventual replacement."

Aesthetics

The one area in which dental bridges can be said to match implants is aesthetics... but only in the short term. "The artificial crowns supported by dental implants are made from the same material as bridges and so the quality of the replacement teeth will look similar," explains the All On 4 dental implants professional. "Having said this, bridges can appear unnatural because there isn't a clear division between the replacement tooth and the supporting adjacent crowns. Patients therefore aren't always happy with the aesthetic outcome."

What about the long term? Here's where, yet again, the fact that bridges don't replace the tooth roots becomes a problem...

"The roots of the teeth (natural or artificial) play an important role in transmitting the eating forces into the underlying jawbone," explain the implantologists responsible for giving New Jersey residents new teeth. "This functional stimulation "exercises" the bone tissue, keeping it strong and healthy. When this source of stimulation is lost, atrophy sets in and the bone level in the jaw drops. This not only upsets of the stability of the neighboring teeth, but it also exposes the underside of the bridge, providing bacteria with an excellent refuge from your attempts to maintain good oral hygiene. The common consequences of this are decay, halitosis, a bad taste in your mouth and even the loss of the neighboring teeth."

Teeth implants do not typically present with the same problems because they help to maintain good jawbone health. They're also far easier to clean, enabling patients to maintain a far greater degree of oral hygiene.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read more about how dental implants compare with conventional dental bridges for the replacement of missing teeth, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.