If you have a damaged or missing tooth, you may be wondering what replacement option is best for you. You may try to pick between a dental bridge or an implant-supported restoration. The right choice depends on your dental situation, budget, and other factors. Your Sterling Heights cosmetic dentist can explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option. However, here is information you can use to make an informed decision. 

How Dental Implants and Dental Bridges Work

An implant-supported restoration makes use of titanium root fixtures for replacing a missing tooth’s root portion. Your dentist will carefully place the fixture in the optimal position, letting it fuse with your jawbone. This provides your restoration with permanent and stable support. During this time, your dentist will then attach an abutment to your implant and place a dental crown on it to replace the damaged or missing tooth. 

Dental bridges are restorations that bridge the gap created by a missing tooth. Typically, a bridge uses the remaining tooth on every side of the gap to keep your restoration in place. A dental bridge can be made of porcelain-faced gold, gold, or all porcelain. The right material depends on structural requirements and their visibility when you smile.  

How Dental Implants Look vs the Look of Bridges

When you choose a tooth replacement option, the best solution will help you wear your best smile. Dental bridges and implants create a full and beautiful smile. No matter your choice, your dentist will match your replacement teeth’s natural color. But the look of dental implants can be more natural than that of dental bridges. A replacement tooth that is rooted with a dental implant fits perfectly against your gums, but a dental bridge does not have this natural fit. 

Comfort Level

When you choose between a dental bridge or dental implant, you should consider more than just the look. Your replacement tooth must be comfortable enough to let you talk, eat, and smile without any discomfort.

A dental implant is the most comfortable option because it feels like your natural tooth when fitted. It does not slip, and it is as strong as your natural teeth, which means you can consume your favorite food, regardless of its chewiness and crunchiness. 

Meanwhile, a dental bridge can also be comfortable. It is often made with porcelain, so it may feel like a natural tooth. But you may not get used to the bridge right away. Also, it can put additional strain on your abutment teeth.