Getting dental replacements of any kind can be difficult, not because of pain or lack of opportunities, but because there are so many good options to choose from. If you find yourself stuck between the idea of getting multiple dental implants or a bridge, here's what you need to know about which solution is better.

Individual Implants

Dental implants are praised for their ability to permanently take the place of real teeth. Dental implants are designed to last for years, and with proper treatment and good oral health, many people keep them for decades.

With dental implants, there are no special care techniques: all you need to do is take care of them as though they were your natural teeth. Flossing and brushing keep your gums healthy, and since dental implants can't decay, they're not at risk of damage from bacteria in the mouth.

Finally, the biggest advantage that dental implants have to offer their users is that they mimic the natural functionality of real teeth. Since they go down deep in the gums, they transfer pressure from chewing food to your jaw bone. This is actually a normal process that happens with each one of your real teeth, and it's what keeps your jaw bones strong. Without those teeth or dental implants, bone weakening can start, so implants are a great idea for maintaining bone strength.

Bridges

Dental bridges can be affixed to neighboring teeth or dental implants. The implant variety is the best idea, as it means that you won't experience any strain on your real teeth. After all, the bridge has to be connected on both sides as a real bridge would, and over time, this can damage or weaken your living teeth. Implants are meant to take the torque of bridges, so it's not a big deal with them.

Dental bridges have some of the same bonuses that implants do. They're artificial, so they won't decay, and they can help to restore the appearance of your smile effectively. Unfortunately, since they're above the surface, they can't restore pressure-delivery to your jaw like dental implants can. If you choose the implant-variety of a bridge, the implants that are there will transfer pressure, but typically dentists only use two to three dental implants to support a whole bridge, instead of filling the entire space with dental implants.

How to Choose

Most people need to decide not which one is right for them not only from the benefits and disadvantages but their personal lifestyle as well. If you're fairly young, dental implants are possibly the best choice, as they're going to last the longest time. You won't need to worry about them for many years after you get them.

Dental bridges supported by implants may be the better choice for you if you already have bridges or partial dentures in your mouth. Of course, upgrading all your tooth replacements to dental implants is ideal.

It's clear that dental implants are the longer-lasting, more effective and more durable form of tooth replacements. If you're ready to make your decision, talk to a dental office like Orange Door Dental Group about implants and find out how they can make your life easier and better.