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Dental Bridge Alternative

By the time most people reach the age of 44, they have lost at least one permanent tooth because of an accident, tooth decay or other dental problem, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Bridges that close the gap between missing teeth are one option, but alternatives include dentures and implants.

  1. Dental Bridges

    • Bridges are made of ceramic material, metal (usually gold) or porcelain fused to metal. A typical bridge has two crowns on each side and a false tooth, called a pontic, in the middle. The teeth on either side of the gap are filed down so that the crowns can fit over them. The dentist cements the crowns in place. With proper care, bridges can last 10 years or more.

    Dentures

    • For people who have lost most of their teeth, full dentures are an option. The false teeth are attached to a supporting material that fits over the gums. Full dentures can be made of plastic or ceramic. They can be removed for cleaning.

      Partial dentures can replace several missing teeth. Like full dentures, the artificial replacement teeth are attached to a supporting base and then the entire apparatus attaches to the surrounding teeth with metal clasps. Partial dentures also are removable.

    Dental Implants

    • Dental implants are becoming a popular alternative to bridges and full or partial dentures. In 2009, more than 3 million people had dental implants, with half a million more people selecting that option each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).

      Dental implants require surgery. A dental implant is made up of a titanium screw anchored in the jawbone and a crown that shows above the gum line. Once in place, the implant takes several months to attach to the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. The success rate for implants is 95 percent, based on 50 years of research, according to AAOMS.

    Considerations

    • With bridges and dentures, either full or partial, you can avoid surgery and still replace missing teeth. Implants are a more expensive alternative that also involve the discomfort and recovery related to surgery. According to the AAID and AAOMS, however, dental implants are longer-lasting than dentures or bridges, with a life span of 20 years or more. Because dental implants fuse to the jaw bone, they can help prevent bone loss. They also are easier to floss than bridges.

      Whichever option you choose, dentists and surgeons recommend replacing missing teeth. Gaps can cause the remaining teeth to shift out of alignment and lead to an improper bite and jaw pain.

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