Missing teeth can really put a damper on your life. Having one or several missing teeth can make it hard, or even hurt, to chew food properly. You may often feel embarrassed about smiling too widely or making your teeth really visible to new people you meet.

This kind of constant worry and self-consciousness can be really wearing on your self-esteem, but having missing teeth can also hurt your oral health. Missing teeth can cause drifting, uneven wear on your other teeth, and even cause bone loss in your jaw. If you are ready to replace your missing teeth, here are some options to consider.

Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant

Dental bridges literally “bridge the gap” left by missing teeth. We place two crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth, and then a replacement tooth fills in the gap where your missing tooth once was. We attach the anchoring crowns to either natural teeth or dental implants.

The main difference between a bridge and an implant is that with a bridge, the gap that’s filled in does not have an attachment that goes into your jaw. So even though a bridge is very secure, it’s not inserted into your jawbone, creating a firm foundation as a dental implant would.

You may have heard of dental implants. They’re one of the best permanent solutions for replacing missing teeth. This is because we place a titanium post in your jaw bone, which acts like the root of a tooth. We also attach a permanent crown to it, so it not only feels like a real tooth, but it looks like one, too! In fact, dental implants may feel and look so real, you may forget that they’re not your natural teeth.

Which One is Right for Me?

If you’re wondering whether you should replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge or an implant, call us today to schedule a consultation. We will discuss a number of things for you to take into consideration, including cost, the current state of your oral health, and what you really want out of your replacement teeth. Sometimes, it simply comes down to individual preference! Find out what’s right for you at your next appointment.