Dental Implants Lexington: Differences Between Dental Implants and Bridges

Dental Implants Lexington

When considering tooth replacement options like dental implants Lexington area residents must carefully weigh all of the factors involved. Such an important decision must be made with solid information to guide you into making the right choice to restore your teeth, smile and self-confidence.

Ultimately, the decision between dental implants and bridges can be made between you and your dentist at an initial consultation. We have put together this guide to provide you with a starting place so that you can come to this consultation knowing what to expect.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is an appliance attached to teeth around the gap in your smile that bridges the entire area. In a conventional bridge, the teeth on each side of the gap are trimmed down to make room for the dental bridge. The dentist then places a cap over the teeth along with the bridge to replace missing teeth.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a type of tooth replacement involving three components that function as one unit. The first component of a dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed within the patient’s mouth to firmly anchor the implant. Titanium is chosen because this is a type of metal that is not known to react with organic materials like bone and tissue.

The second component of a dental implant is known as an abutment. The purpose of the abutment is to connect the metal post, abutment and subsequent dental crown that is placed in the final appointment.

Although most dental implant patients receive their new implants in only two appointments, there is an exception. Some people do not have enough jawbone mass to support an implant. In that case, a bone graft procedure can be performed. However, this will add additional time and expense to the entire implant process.

Lexington Dental Implants: Advantages

Dental implants make a superior tooth replacement treatment option for most people for a variety of reasons, including:

• Fixed restoration that will not shift within your mouth, as with dentures.
• Extremely durable. Can be expected to last for a lifetime when properly cared for.
• Serves as both a functional and aesthetic replacement for one or more natural teeth.
• Prevents bone loss that would otherwise occur.

Differences Between Dental Implants and Bridges

In terms of appearance, a casual observer will probably notice little difference between dental implants and bridges. However, both treatments are quite dissimilar from each other for a variety of reasons.

One key difference is durability. Bridges typically last around 10 years, while implants should last for a lifetime if cared for correctly.

Although dental implants cost more, it might be helpful to think of the cost as being an upfront expense. Since dental bridges may need to be replaced multiple times over the course of your life, they may end up costing more than a dental implant that has almost every other advantage over bridges.

In addition, dental bridges place great stress on the natural teeth that they are attached to. This can cause problems with these teeth that may require additional, expensive procedures down the road.

Learn More

Schedule a consultation with Lexington Smile Studio to learn more about dental implants and bridges.Call (781) 861-7645 or request an appointment online.

What Is Cosmetic Dental Care?

Cosmetic Dental Care

Sometimes it’s more than just about the health of your teeth and gums. General dentistry takes care of problems like tooth decay, dental exams and cleanings, and gum disease. Now that you’ve tackled the really serious health issues, it’s time to put the sparkle back in your smile with cosmetic dental care treatments and procedures.

Some popular types of cosmetic dental procedures include:

• Teeth whitening
• Dental crowns
• Porcelain veneers

Teeth Whitening Treatments

Having some level of tooth discoloration is extremely common among adults. Stains can be caused by:

• Drinking coffee and dark-colored beverages
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Old age

There are a number of professional teeth whitening treatments available, but most of them rely upon the application of a whitening gel, typically containing hydrogen peroxide. This professional strength gel is often used in conjunction with a special light that intensifies its effects.

Although professional teeth whitening is highly effective, it is not uncommon for the patient to begin experiencing tooth discoloration again at some point. Those individuals sometimes “cut to the chase” and opt for porcelain dental veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a type of cosmetic dental care that help to correct minor aesthetic imperfections of the teeth like stains and chips. A dental veneer is a thin shell attached to the teeth, and porcelain is the most popular type due to its outstanding stain resistant properties, as well as its strength and durability.

Getting your new porcelain veneers is a very simple process. During your first appointment, your dentist will form an impression of your teeth for the creation of a mold that will be sent to a dental laboratory. Once the lab has used this mold to create your porcelain veneers, your dentist will attach them during a follow-up appointment.

Porcelain is great for repairing minor cosmetic problems with the teeth. And porcelain naturally resembles the color and translucence of natural teeth. It is also known for being virtually impervious to stains.

Dental Crowns

A crown is a type of cosmetic restoration used for completely covering a damaged tooth. In addition to helping strengthen teeth that have been damaged, dental crowns can help to enhance teeth aesthetics and alignment. Dental crowns are commonly used on top of dental implants.

Ceramic or porcelain crowns are available that closely match the color of your natural teeth. Some other materials used in crowns include metallic alloys, gold and acrylic. Metal alloys are often stronger than porcelain and can be used for back teeth. Porcelain can even be bonded to metal to provide both strength and attractiveness.

Some reasons why you might get a crown include:

• Prevent a tooth from fracturing
• Fix a fractured tooth
• For the attachment of a bridge
• Covering a dental implant
• Protecting a tooth following a root canal procedure

Schedule Your Consultation

If you would like to further explore your cosmetic dental care treatment options, contact our cosmetic dentist today. At Lexington Smile Studio, we offer a variety of dental services to assist every unique smile. Call (781) 861-7645 or request an appointment online.