The difference between implants, dental bridges and partial dentures

Aug. 13, 2024

Dental work is extremely common. Beyond the annual twice a year cleaning, individuals require crowns, fillings, implants or dentures every day. Replacing missing teeth is known to not only keep your natural teeth aligned, but it also improves mental health. So if and when you lose a tooth, it’s important to address the issue and find the right solution for your needs. Two popular solutions to missing teeth are dental bridges and implants. But what is the difference? Here, we’ll uncover the differences between bridges, implants and dentures to help you determine which dental solution is right for you.

What is a dental bridge

A dental bridge is a very literal name. It “bridges” the gap between natural teeth. A bridge is basically a set of false teeth that are held in place by the natural teeth surrounding it. It consists of at least two “crowns” for the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth anchor your bridge and are referred to as an abutment. Typically they are made of strong material, like porcelain or zirconia, which can be made in a way that matches your natural teeth. This is considered a permanent option and does require filing down your natural (often healthy) teeth With good oral hygiene, dental bridges can last at least ten years, though some dentists argue with proper care they can last a lifetime.

There are four primary types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, maryland and implant. Traditional bridges are most common. They have one or more false teeth and are held in place with crowns. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the missing area. Cantilever bridges are held in place by a crown that is cemented only by one abutment. Maryland bridges don’t use crowns. This kind of bridge uses “wings,” made of porcelain or metal. The wings are on each side of the bridge that are bonded to the back of the teeth. Implant bridges are named quite literally, as they use dental implants for support instead of crowns. Bridges are sometimes also referred to as fixed partial dentures.

Advantages of a dental bridge:

• Speed: Dental bridges usually take about two to four weeks to make.
• Price: Dental bridges are less expensive than implants, averaging about $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth.
• Keep teeth in alignment: They also support the maintenance of jawbone integrity and keep your teeth in alignment. By replacing a missing tooth (or teeth,) they keep the jawbone stimulated which prevents bone loss.

Disadvantages of a dental bridge:

• Gum disease: Dental bridges require a higher amount of oral hygiene to remain healthy, otherwise patients have a slightly higher risk of getting gum disease. This probability decreases with regular oral hygiene and dental check ups.
• Reliance on adjacent teeth: Dental bridges rely on your natural teeth that surround the bridge. Any damage to those can cause an issue with your bridge. If decay or trauma occurs to your abutment teeth, your bridge can weaken.
• Health of surrounding teeth: The work needed on the adjacent teeth to have a bridge can also weaken the teeth, which make them more susceptible to decay.
• Bone resorption: The bone underneath a fixed bridge can weaken and “resorb” over time, particularly if the bridge is absorbing more stress than the underlying and supporting bone.

What is an implant

Implants are artificial tooth roots surgically positioned in the jawbone beneath the gum line. It starts with a titanium post that is surgically placed within the jawbone. Once healed, a replacement tooth is screwed or cemented on the post.

Advantages of implants:

• Natural look: since dental implants are designed to mimic tooth roots and teeth, they look function like your natural teeth.
• Duration: With proper oral hygiene, implants can actually last your lifetime. With this in mind, dental implants are the most permanent solution of all dental replacements.
• Health of surrounding teeth: dental implants don't damage the healthy teeth surrounding the implant

Disadvantages of implants:

• Cost: an upfront cost of dental implants is higher (generally) than dental bridges. Though, it is important to keep in mind that the long term cost of an implant could be less expensive than bridges since bridges need to be replaced.
• Time: process can take six months or longer.
• Surgery required: to get an implant, surgery is required to implant the screw into the jawbone.

Dental bridge vs. implant

From a day to day perspective, dental bridges and implants don’t function all that differently. The cost, permanence and surgical requirements of each however, are quite different. When determining if either option is right for you, it’s important to consider questions about convenience, cost and length of replacement.

How much does a bridge cost vs. an implant?

Dental bridges are usually more cost effective up front than dental implants. Bridges can cost between $1,000 - $2,500 per tooth where a dental implant can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 per tooth. However, keep in mind this is an up front cost. Dental implants could be less expensive in the long term, depending on how many times you need a dental bridge replaced.

Partial dentures vs dental bridges and implants

Partial dentures are what they sound like. Dentures that replace missing teeth through the use of a temporary oral device. Out of all of these options, partial dentures are certainly the most cost effective option. They’re also the only removable option. If cost and convenience are two variables of importance to you, partial dentures could be the right option for you. If so, ResetSmile is a great option for your needs. Modern advances in 3D printing and design give ResetSmile devices a significant improvement over more traditional partial dentures made of metal and acrylic resins. To read more about partial dentures made by ResetSmile, check out this blog.