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Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Which is The Best Choice for You?

Dental bridges and implants are excellent options for patients with one or multiple missing teeth. Both options renew confidence and restore your ability to chew and talk after missing teeth. But which option is a good fit for your smile? Alpine Family Dental discusses implants and bridges in Kalispell, Montana, to help you decide the best option.

What is a dental implant? What is a dental bridge?

A dental implant is a prosthetic device placed in the jawbone to act as a replacement root. Over time, the “tissue-friendly” titanium implant fuses with the jawbone to form a stable foundation for the replacement teeth. Typically, the dentist uses a crown to complete your implant, but a denture or bridge can be used to replace multiple teeth.

A dental bridge replaces your missing tooth without the need for surgery. A traditional bridge consists of custom-made artificial teeth that fill the gap left by the missing teeth, using the surrounding teeth as support. To ensure added stability, the dentist places dental crowns on these adjacent teeth, helping anchor the bridge securely.

What are the benefits of dental bridges and implants?

When you lose a tooth, you must replace it immediately. Otherwise, mouth gaps affect your aesthetics, oral functionality, and confidence. Good news! Dental implants and bridges effectively replace missing teeth and offer the following benefits.

  • Restored eating and speaking ability
  • Improved bite prevents premature dental wear and jaw pain
  • Improved facial structure
  • Both are simple to maintain
  • Long-term outcomes
  • Sky high confidence everywhere you go

Dental bridges vs. implants: Which one is the best?

Dental bridges are excellent teeth replacements, but dental implants offer an edge. Implants are anchored in the jawbone and stabilize you when eating and talking. Dental implants don’t move or slip when using your teeth. It is not that bridges slip, but dental implants provide another level of stability.

The other benefits of dental implants include.

  • Bone loss prevention: When you lose your tooth, you lose its root, too. When the jawbone no longer receives stimulation from chewing and grinding, it resorbs and loses its height and width. Dental implants are the only teeth replacements that can prevent jawbone degradation. Dental implants restore functional stimulation to maintain your jawbone’s volume and density.
  • Stand-alone teeth replacements: For traditional bridges to work, you must have healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap. The support teeth must be filed down to create room for the crown’s thickness. Once the enamel goes, it won’t grow back. That means you should wear crowns for life. Dental implants are stand-alone teeth replacements. They don’t need support from the nearby teeth since they are anchored directly into the jawbone.
  • Versatility: Dental bridges are designed to replace a few missing teeth in a row, while dental implants offer more flexibility. We can use dental implants to replace a single tooth or even an entire arch of missing teeth.
  • Longevity:While dental bridges are an effective option for replacing missing teeth, their longevity typically spans several years, ranging from 5 to 15 years. Over time, the supporting teeth (abutment teeth) and the materials used in the bridge can wear down due to daily use. In contrast, dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. With optimal oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, implants can last a lifetime, providing a more permanent and reliable option for tooth replacement.

While dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, there are cases where bridges are a better option. For instance, if you are ineligible for oral surgery, the dentist will recommend bridges as an alternative. Ultimately, your treatment choice depends on your unique needs.

Do you need to replace your teeth?

Dr. Olson is an experienced dentist who has helped many patients recover their smiles and confidence after tooth loss. Whether you have lost one or multiple teeth, we welcome you to Alpine Family Dental. Call (406) 393-8877 to reserve your appointment

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Dr. Evan Olson, D. ABDSM, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a dentist. He completed his degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University in Bozeman and then attended The University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Olson then practiced in a Community Health setting for five years treating all types of dental emergencies. He then ran a private practice in Central Oregon for seven years before moving back to Montana to take over Alpine Family Dental.

Dr. Olson was recently named a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which signifies extensive training and knowledge in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. He is a Fellow of The Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mentor for the CEREC Doctors training program. He has completed significant continuing education in many areas of dentistry including with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Mastery Program, training on dental implants at Implant Pathway, Misch Institute, and Pikos Institute, an internship on root canals at the University of Iowa, cosmetic dentistry courses at CDOCS and Spear Education, and further studies on infant frenectomy and CAD/CAM techniques.

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Dr. Autumn Chapman received her degree in physiology from the University of Wyoming and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She worked alongside her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Olson, in Havre, MT, before moving to Flathead Valley. Dr Chapman has been able to focus on education and training in facial esthetics and cosmetic dentistry. She has Training in orthodontics using suresmile clear aligners with CDOCs in Scottsdale and Training in Botox and filler with the american academy of facial esthetics.

Dr. Greg Eller obtained his degree in Aeronautical Maintenance and spent six years as a Skydiving Instructor. He then attended the University of Oregon where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Pre-Medicine and the Oregon Health Sciences University Dental School. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Montana Dental Association and has IV moderate sedation training. After 14 years at Alpine Family Dental, Dr. Eller has now transitioned out of full-time practice.

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