Bridge Vs. Implant: Cost and Longevity Comparison

So, you need to replace one or more missing teeth and aren’t sure whether to go with a dental bridge or dental implants. We’re happy to provide some information and guidance on the pros and cons of each approach to help you find the right solution.

When it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth, you have a few good options. But expanded choice brings its own challenges, chief of which is the pressure to make the right choice.

The team at BH Dental NY is happy to provide some information that can help you decide how to move forward. Of course, when you’re ready to take the next step or have additional questions or concerns, we welcome you to visit Leslie Azran, DDS, at our bright and comfortable office located in the Morningside Heights area of Harlem, New York City.

Dental bridges: An affordable, durable tooth replacement option

A dental bridge is made of one or more artificial teeth held in place by a dental crown on the adjacent healthy teeth. It’s called a bridge because it literally spans a gap in your smile.

Bridges, also called bridgework, are a relatively quick dental restoration that only require a couple of trips to the office and a relatively short waiting period while the new teeth are fabricated in the dental lab.

Bridgework creates a durable restoration that can last as long as 10 years with proper care. They are also less expensive than dental implants and are covered by many dental insurance plans.

Dental implants: A permanent solution, but at a higher cost

One of the best things about dental implants is the fact that they offer a permanent restoration for one or more missing teeth. Once your implant is installed, it will last for the rest of your life.

Implants also offer the added benefit of preserving your bone health. Because the post portion of the implant fuses with the bone tissue in your jaw, it creates the same level of stimulation your natural teeth provide when you bite or chew. This keeps your bone tissue healthy and strong, and reduces the risk of losing adjacent teeth.

The primary drawback of dental implants is cost. There is no denying that implants are a more expensive tooth replacement approach. Not all dental insurance plans will cover the full cost of implants.

Dental implants also require a few trips to the office as well as a waiting period while the post fuses to your bone. Once that is complete, the crown portion of the implant is placed and your smile is fully restored.

Other considerations for bridges and implants

Thanks to advancements in dental technology, today’s bridgework and dental implants are crafted to look just like your natural teeth. They even have the same minute imperfections that natural teeth have. Once in place, virtually no one will know that you’ve had your smile restored, no matter which option you select.

Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Some people lack the volume of bone tissue necessary to anchor an implant. Others have health issues that make oral surgery a risky proposition. In these cases, bridgework might be the best course of action.

If expense is your leading concern, consider coming in to BH Dental NY for a personalized consultation. We can explore which options are best suited for your needs and discuss a variety of payment options. The team at BH Dental NY is always focused on finding the right fit for each patient, so there is never any pressure to choose one treatment over another.

When you’re ready to take the next step, remember that you can reach our office by phone, and that we also have an online booking option.