Missing or damaged teeth have been an issue for many people all over the world. When it comes to finding the right solution to fix this issue, usually we face three options: dental implants, bridges, or crowns. All these treatment suggestions offer great results and are highly recommended but the choice will depend on the severity of the issue and what the dentist will recommend.
In this blog post, we will compare in detail what dental implants, bridges, and crowns are, what differentiates them from each other, and also what benefits and drawbacks they have. This way you will be able to make the right choice and understand better what will happen during the procedure. However, this decision will be made with the help of a professional dentist because he will also need to do a thorough examination of the mouth. Knowing the right questions to ask your dentist and knowing what every procedure entails will be very helpful when it comes to choosing the right treatment for your missing or damaged teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most commonly used treatment to treat missing teeth or highly damaged ones since they aim to replace all the structures of the teeth including the root of them. They are usually made of titanium or zirconia which offer stability and durability. While the implant itself will last for a lifetime the artificial tooth located on top of it should be replaced for about 20 or more years. They resemble your natural teeth not only in functionality but also aesthetically.
Types Of Dental Implants
Dental implants differ from each other in how they are attached to your jawbone. Two of the main dental implant types are:
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common ones. They look like screws, cylinders, or blades. This implant will be placed into your jawbone once your dentist makes the cuts on your gumline to reach the bone. Once they are inserted these implants are strong enough to hold on multiple or only one prosthetic tooth. Usually, endosteal implants are considered a good option for people who already have bridges or removable dentures.
Suberiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are placed on top of the jaw with posts. These posts have a metal framework that sticks out of your gums to hold the prosthetic teeth. Usually, these types of implants work better for people who don’t have the possibility to wear removable dentures or those who don’t have sufficient bone to support endosteal implants.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Usually, the dental implant procedure needs 2-3 dental appointments. The process takes some time since the implant needs time to integrate with your jawbone. However, there is another option that allows the dentist to place the implants and the artificial tooth on the same day. Depending on your goals and needs crowns, bridges, or dentures can be used on top of the implant to restore the missing teeth.
Who Might Need Dental Implants?
Dental implants are mostly requested by people who have one or more missing teeth. You can lose your teeth for several reasons but the most common ones are:
- Tooth decay or cavities.
- A tooth damaged from the root.
- Teeth damaged by bruxism.
- Periodontal disease.
- Missing teeth due to accidents or injuries.
- Missing teeth since birth.
Dental Implant Benefits
When compared to other restoration options, dental implants have many advantages, including:
Better Ability To Chew
When compared to dentures, for example, dental implants offer a lot of stability which makes it easier for you to chew your food better. This is due to the fact that they are fixed in your jawbone just like your natural teeth. This will allow you to eat and taste your food without pain and issues.
Better Ability To Talk
As we mentioned before, since dental implants are fixed in your jaw they will not slip in your mouth making it easier and more comfortable for you to speak. On the other hand with dentures, you are in constant worry if they will slip or not.
More Comfort
Even though the procedure seems painful it is not, since you will be under the effect of local anesthesia. However, the recovery period can be tricky. This process will take some time but after it is done everything will be worth it. If you have a missing tooth or several it is very important to replace them because if you don’t take the right measures your teeth will shift and change the whole structure.
If you decide to go with dental implants this will not impact our other teeth since the missing space will be filled not allowing the other teeth to shift. This way once the procedure is done you will not even feel a difference between your natural teeth and the new ones and you won’t have to worry if they will slip around.
Improved Oral Health
Another huge benefit of dental implants is that if they are placed correctly they will not cause any issues to your gums. This is only true if you take good care of your teeth and have a stable routine. These implants do not allow the bacteria to hide underneath them and you can easily floss and brush them. On the other hand, if you go for dentures bacteria and leftover food can hide in holes and cracks between your gums, which will lead to infection.
If the dentist recommends a tooth-supported bridge, he will need to shave your teeth down, while with dental implants they will not need to alter the nearby teeth at all. This will be very beneficial for your oral health in the long term.
Better Appearance
The crown that will be placed over the implant can be composed of different materials which will be designed to look exactly like your real teeth. After they are placed, you will feel and look better about your appearance.
Durability
Dental implants are very stable and they will last for a very long time. However, keep in mind that for them to last you need to have a good dental routine. Don’t forget to brush and floss your new teeth at least twice a day.
Protection Against Bone Loss
One thing that differentiates and makes dental implants the best option is the fact that it will replace the roots of your teeth if they are damaged or missing. This will keep your jawbone intact and it will prevent further teeth shifting. If you don’t replace the missing tooth your oral health will be greatly impacted. This will change the shape of your whole face making you look older and your jaw smaller. Since implants will be placed like your natural teeth, the jawbone will be more stabilized, and further loss will be prevented.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Once the dentist decides that your oral health and general health will be in good condition, the chances of dental implant success will be very high. They have a success rate of 95%. However, some patients may not be suitable for this treatment due to several factors that should be addressed before.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant procedure is considered surgery so some level of pain is expected and considered normal. However many people have stated that the pain after a tooth extraction before and after is worse than a dental implant. Any type of swelling and pain will be easily managed with over-the-counter medications.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges serve as a tooth replacement. They can improve your dental health, your attractiveness, and your ability to chew. Artificial teeth that “bridge the gap” in your mouth and crowns that fit over your natural teeth on either side of the opening make up a dental bridge. Your natural teeth or dental implants need to be in good health to support a dental bridge.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bridges?
Like dental implants, dental bridges also offer a lot of benefits for your dental health including:
- They can restore your smile back to normal.
- After the procedure, you will be able to chew you food and eat normally.
- The shape of your face will not be altered.
- When you apply pressure while eating it will be distributed in all your teeth.
- When the dental bridge is placed the nearby teeth will not shift.
Types Of Dental Bridges
Traditional Dental Bridge
The most popular kind of dental bridge—which you may even be familiar with—is the classic one. With a false tooth or teeth in between, a single dental crown that is bonded to the neighboring teeth makes up this kind of bridge. In this way, the artificial tooth “bridges” the space and the dental crowns serve as anchors. The durability of classic bridges is one of their key advantages. The only downside, though, is that they need to alter the two nearby teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Cantilever dental bridges differ in construction from standard dental bridges in that they only utilize one anchor tooth. They may usually only be positioned at the front of the mouth and are not as common as other types of bridges. Because cantilever bridges put undue strain on a single tooth, they are not recommended for the back of the mouth. A cantilever bridge may save money and time if it is positioned safely. However, there are not many situations where this kind of bridge can be installed securely.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
The structure of a Maryland bonded bridge is similar to that of a conventional dental bridge, however, a metal or porcelain framework is used as anchors rather than dental crowns. This framework is applied to the back of the teeth, avoiding the need to alter the neighboring teeth. Maryland bonded bridges offer a more cost-effective and careful substitute for conventional bridges. However, two main disadvantages are that their strength is determined by the adhesive’s strength, and metal frameworks might cause tooth discoloration.
Implant-Supported Bridge
The construction of implant-supported dental bridges is the same as that of conventional bridges, but they are secured in position by dental implants. As a result, implant-supported bridges may fill up huge gaps left by several lost teeth and do not require altering the neighboring teeth. In addition, dental implants are known for their durability, strength, and capacity to return to the normal functions of your teeth. However, this form of dental bridge needs a more intrusive placement operation and recuperation time.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a fixed, tooth-shaped covering cap that mimics the natural tooth completely covering the top of a tooth that has been damaged. These conditions include chipped, worn, broken, short, discolored, root-canal treated teeth (especially the posterior), misshaped teeth, or unattractive teeth. The goal of the crown is to restore the natural tooth’s optimal shape, size, and color, as well as its appearance.
When Should We Have A Dental Crown Treatment?
If the dentist finds that a patient’s teeth are unhealthy, have major cavities or cracks in them, have already had root canal therapy, or are at high risk of breaking, they will recommend crown treatment. Additionally, when orthodontic treatment is not an option or when braces are not necessary, crown treatment is typically recommended by dentists to patients who wish to alter the alignment, form, or location of their teeth. The following dental conditions may benefit from crown treatment:
- Large holes in the teeth lead to decay.
- Broken tooth, chipped tooth, cracked tooth.
- A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
- A misshapen tooth that will not be treated by braces.
Types Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are classified into three main types according to their composition: metal, porcelain, and composite resin.
- Stainless steel, silver, and gold are just a few of the metals used to make metal crowns. Metal crowns are sturdy and durable, but they are not as popular as they once were since they are visible beneath the gum line.
- The most widely used type of dental crowns are porcelain ones. They are constructed from a ceramic substance attached to a metal frame. While they might cost more, porcelain crowns appear more natural than metal crowns.
- As the name states, composite resin crowns are composed of resin material that is placed on top of the tooth. Since they are not as durable as metal or porcelain they are less expensive.
Material Used In Dental Crowns
Metal & Gold
Metal crowns are available in an array of colors and shapes. They do not wear down teeth, they create a strong attachment, and they are resistant to fractures. These crowns are frequently made of gold, copper, and other metals. Many metal crowns are made of non-noble metals, which are incredibly robust and resistant to corrosion.
Before the Crowns can be positioned, the tooth structure must be altered in order to fix them. Metal crowns are a more convenient choice since they involve the least amount of tooth extraction.
Cosmetic (Ceramic)
Dental crowns made of ceramic are made of porcelain. In dentistry, porcelain is used to create tooth-colored dental materials, such as beautiful crowns that mimic real teeth in terms of appearance, feel, and functionality. The front teeth can be restored and made to blend in with the rest of your smile using cosmetic dental crowns. They are resilient, long-lasting, and difficult to chip or shatter. The most popular metal substitute for all-ceramic crowns is “zirconia.”
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal
Porcelain-metal composites are the most widely used restorative material for dental crowns and bridges. Porcelain chemically attaches to the oxides of metal when heated in proximity to metal, creating a strong bond. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are more resilient than standard porcelain crowns because they are supported by a metal component. They also mimic the form, look, and functionality of your natural teeth.
All-Resin
Dental crowns made of metal, ceramic, gold, or porcelain are more expensive than restorations made entirely of resin. On the other hand, because resin crowns are less durable than metal dental crowns and are more prone to wear strain, and fractures, dentists rarely suggest them. Resin is thinner and less fragile than other dental restorations like metal and porcelain.
Permanent teeth should not be restored with resin; only deteriorating baby teeth can be restored. Even if the procedure is simple, dental patients nevertheless need to adhere to sufficient aftercare guidelines in order to ensure a full and speedy recovery. The following instructions alter depending on whether you have a permanent or temporary dental crown fixture.
In Conclusion
In summary, there are a number of considerations to take into account while deciding between dental implants, bridges, and crowns. These include your oral health, the treatment time and durability, your lifestyle, and your financial situation. Dental implants are a great option for those who meet the requirements because they give a secure, long-lasting solution that can stop bone loss and feel much like real teeth. On the other hand, even though they are less intrusive, bridges can be a practical and attractive option for those who are missing one or more teeth, especially when nearby teeth are already missing or need crowns. For the restoration of individual teeth that are broken but not lost, crowns will be the perfect choice.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal decision is based upon certain requirements and situations. It is essential to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your unique circumstances and suggest the best course of action. Making an informed decision may improve your dental health and general quality of life. This can be achieved by understanding the numerous alternatives and what they offer you.
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