Tustin Smile in Orange County offers both dental implants and high quality teeth bridges for our patients. They are both excellent  options to meet your dental needs. However, you shouldn’t be concerned if you find it difficult to choose between bridges or dental implants for the replacement of your missing teeth.

We will be happy to answer all of your questions about the costs involved and the process that is used. The differences between the two options will be clearly explained, so that you can make the best decision that meets your particular needs.

Dental Bridges

What are Dental Bridges?

Bridges are dental prostheses in a fixed position that replace more than one missing teeth. They are different from removable dentures because they are supported by dental implants or natural teeth or the dental implants that are on the sides of the gap of the missing teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants at Tustin Smile

Implants are screw-shaped devices that are surgically inserted directly into the jaw bone. They serve as the root portion of the artificial tooth. Dental implants provide stability and retention for prostheses that are placed over them. This includes bridges, crowns and dentures. The most common option is for a single implant to replace one missing tooth. There are other available options for the full mouth  implant rehabilitation of edentulous jaws. We provide the finest quality treatment of all of our patients. We take the utmost care in every operation and procedure that we perform.

How are Bridges Prepared?

Tustin Smile in Orange County in Southern California fabricates and installs your bridges in several steps, always insuring the highest quality services.

  • Clinical Evaluation – The first step in the process for dental bridges, is a thorough dental examination by our highly trained dental staff, under the leadership of chief dentist Amit Shah DDS. This is always done before beginning the procedure. Your dental records and x-rays will be thoroughly evaluated by Dr. Shah, who will determine whether you are a good candidate for dental bridges.
  • Teeth Preparation – The light natural tooth structure is slightly removed. This creates room to attach the bridge over them. In order to reduce the risk of tooth exposure, your mouth will be anesthetized by our dentist.
  • Impression Making – The dentist will then make an impression of the prepared teeth. The dental laboratory uses the impression to fabricate the bridge.
  • Attaching the Bridge – Once the bridge is fully prepared, it placed by our dentist who will then check the look and fit. Once the dentist determines that it is a good fit, they will use dental cement to secure it.

How Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are usually made from titanium and other similar alloys. The materials used in dental implants foster the formation of bone around the implant surface. Dental implants eventually become completely embedded within the jaw bone through a process called Osseo-integration. This is why dental implants are very durable and can be retained over a long period of time.

How are Dental Implants Placed?

It usually takes two to three steps for Tustin Smile to place your dental implants. The first step is for out staff to thoroughly examine your dental and medical records and do a careful examination of your teeth. In certain instances, same day implants can be performed. The second step in the process is to anesthetize the soft tissue over the bone where the implant will be inserted. This involves incising the tissue and raising the flap. Finally, the dentist will drill a hole into the jawbone and insert the implant.

How is the Implant Loaded?

A healing screw is placed over the implant and the flap is sutured, if you are having delayed implant loading. However, with a same day implant, a prosthesis (such as a bridge, crown or permanent dentures) is immediately attached to the implant after placement. In the case of delayed implant loading, placement of a prosthesis is delayed until you have had time to fully heal.

Pros of Teeth Bridges

Tustin Smile recommends that our patients get teeth bridges in these situations:

  • Aesthetics – Bridges look much better than artificial teeth in removable dentures.
  • More Durable than Removable Dentures – Compared to removable dentures, bridges are more durable and last longer. The reason that this is true is because of the stronger, higher quality materials that are used to make teeth bridges.
  • Restoration of Dental Function – A major advantage of teeth bridges is that they are attached to your teeth. This allows you to  eat your favorite foods without having to worry about any unfortunate mishaps, like having them slip or move. This can be an issue with removable dentures.
  • Restoration of Normal Occlusion – A problem that can occur when a tooth is lost and not replaced immediately, is that the vacant space can become occupied by the adjacent teeth. When a dental bridge is placed in this space, it restores balanced occlusion in the mouth. As a result, adjacent teeth cannot expand into openings.

What are the Pros of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are now one of the most popular tooth replacement options throughout the world. There are several benefits of using dental implants to replace missing teeth:

  • Improved Smile – Your overall health and your smile can be improved by attaching attractive dentures, crowns and bridges over the implants. Implants that support prostheses offer better quality and enhanced facial aesthetics compared to teeth bridges.
  • Durability – Titanium alloys are used for the preparation of dental implants. This material extends the life of the prostheses that are placed over them because they are extremely durable. With the proper care and oral hygiene, it is possible for a dental implant to last for a patient’s lifetime.
  • Convenience – It is possible to speak and eat conveniently through the use of implant supported prostheses. You can  have a natural feeling similar to your original teeth with teeth restoration using dental implants.
  • Easy to Maintain Oral Hygiene – Where a bridge has been placed, it is necessary maintain excellent oral hygiene. The need for this strict cleaning requirement is due to how hard it is to completely maintain the area beneath the bridge framework. By contrast, dental implants do not have any special cleaning requirements. The cleaning and brushing of implant supported teeth is similar to what is required for natural teeth.
  • Safety – The safety of dental implants is ensured by the use of titanium alloys. This material is very safe and sturdy. Since titanium alloys are very biocompatible, they do not result in any toxic or allergic reactions.

Cons of Teeth Bridges

  • Sacrifice of Natural Tooth Structure – It may be necessary to sacrifice or modify natural teeth that the bridge will be attached to, while preparing for abutment.
  • Limited Clinical Service Life – Even if you practice meticulous oral hygiene, teeth bridges are only expected to last between five and seven years. New bridges must then be prepared and installed.

What are the Cons of Dental Implants?

  • Success is Dependent upon Surgical Technique – The skill and technique of the dental specialist determines the failure or success of a dental implant treatment. A slight mistake during the surgical procedure can cause Peri-implantitis, which can lead to complications. At Tustin Smile, there is no need to have this concern. Due to the outstanding surgical skill of our specialists we have a very high success ratio for our implants.
  • High Cost – It is true that it costs more to get proper dental implant treatment than it does for bridges and removable dentures. Nevertheless, the costs are definitely outweighed by the long-lasting benefits of dental implants.

Read more about Dental Implant services that we offer at our Tustin Office in Orange County, CA. Read more here about Dental Bridges treatment.

Which Option Should You Choose?

The choice of a suitable option for you is definitely a good question.  While the ultimate decision is yours to make, The Tustin Smile staff recommend that you choose the best available teeth replacement option. suggest you get the best permanent teeth replacement option available. When comparing bridges and dental implants, it depends on what you seeking in terms of durability, strength and aesthetics. The decision is ultimately yours to make. You should contact Tustin Smile today. We will be happy to tell you about the ways that new dental implants can bring that wonderful smile back to your face.