When Bridges Make More Sense Than Implants

Dental implants can be excellent choices for replacing missing teeth. But they’re not always the best choice. There are cases where a dental bridge can be the smarter and more affordable option. 

Paula Skowronski-Adamiak, DDS, at Oasis Family Dental in the Jefferson Park section of Chicago, Illinois, evaluates your oral health and recommends the best option for you. 

So, when do bridges make more sense than implants? Let’s explore the possibilities. 

Bridges might make more sense than implants 

Taking care of your teeth is about more than having a nice smile. Your oral health is an overall health indicator.  When your teeth are healthy,  you can chew your food, speak clearly, and maintain a healthy smile. Missing teeth often leads to bone loss in your jaw, shifting teeth, and a drooping facial structure.

While both dental bridges and implants help prevent these issues, here’s why you might choose a bridge over an implant.

Cost concerns 

Dental implants are a long-term investment requiring a hefty upfront investment. A single implant typically costs between $3,000 and $4,500. That price tag can balloon to tens of thousands of dollars if you need multiple implants. 

In contrast, a dental bridge can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 for a three-unit bridge. A three-unit bridge includes two crowns for the adjacent teeth. These are your abutment teeth and one false tooth in the middle. 

For many patients, that price difference matters, especially if you don’t have comprehensive dental insurance. Bridges usually require fewer visits to the dental office, as well as no surgical procedures, which can also reduce the total cost of care. 

When you’re not a good surgery candidate 

Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implant surgery. It’s a minor surgical procedure requiring months of healing.  To be a good candidate, you need:

• Healthy gums 
• Sufficient jawbone to support the implant
• A stable medical history

If you have bone loss in your jaw, gum disease, or diabetes, your risk of implant failure increases. 

If adjacent teeth need crowns 

A dental bridge has three parts, literally bridging the gap left by your missing tooth. We use crowns to cover your adjacent teeth that support the false tooth in the center. 

If those “abutment teeth” are already damaged or require crowns, then they may not be strong enough to support the dental bridge.

When you need a fast result 

Implants often take 3-6 months or longer from start to finish. There’s a surgical procedure to install the implant post. This requires a healing period of several months so your post can integrate with your jawbone. 

Once healed, we place the final crown. 

On the other hand, a bridge installation usually takes two or three dental visits.

So, if you have a big event coming up, like a wedding or graduation, you may want a quicker solution. 

Final thoughts 

Dental implants are often not an either/or situation, but about the best option for you.  Both offer solutions to restore your bite, maintain a healthy smile, and keep your teeth from shifting position. 

If you’d like to explore which option is right for you, schedule a consultation at Oasis Family Dental in Chicago, Illinois. You can book your appointment here.