Dental Implants vs. Bridges in Vail, AZ

Because knowing you matters.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: Your Guide to a Confident Smile

At Vail Family Dentistry, we understand the impact of losing a natural tooth. Not only does it affect your smile, but it can also lead to various oral health issues. We’re here to guide you through two excellent solutions for tooth replacement: Dental Implants and Dental Bridges. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your smile is both healthy and beautiful.

Understanding Dental Implants

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant acts as a substitute for a tooth root. Made from titanium, a robust and biocompatible material, it is placed into the jawbone to support a custom-made dental crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth. The implant integrates with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the crown. This process, known as osseointegration, ensures the implant is securely anchored.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

  • Durability: When properly maintained, implants can last a lifetime.
  • Natural Appearance: The crowns attached to implants closely mimic natural teeth.
  • Oral Health Preservation: Implants prevent bone loss and maintain the natural alignment of your teeth.
  • No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Unlike other options, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Exploring Dental Bridges

What is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are designed to “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, held in place by crowns on the adjacent teeth. Pontics can be crafted from various materials like gold, alloys, or porcelain, depending on your preference and needs.

Benefits of Dental Bridges:

  • Aesthetic and Functional Restoration: Bridges restore the appearance and functionality of your smile.
  • Prevention of Teeth Shifting: They prevent remaining teeth from moving out of position.
  • Quick Procedure: Getting a bridge is generally faster than implant placement.
  • Cost-Effective: Bridges are often more affordable than implants.

Dental Implants or Dental Bridges: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between dental implants and bridges depends on several factors, such as your oral health, bone density, budget, and personal preferences. At Vail Family Dentistry, we provide personalized consultations to help you determine the best option for your unique situation.

Considerations include:

  • Oral Health Status: Your gum and bone health play a crucial role in determining suitability for implants.
  • Longevity and Maintenance: While implants may require a higher initial investment, they often offer greater durability.
  • Aesthetic Preferences: Both options provide natural-looking results, but the choice may depend on the location of the missing tooth and your cosmetic goals.

Learn more about Dental Implants at Vail Family Dentistry

Implant-Supported Bridges

A bridge is a restoration for two or more missing teeth in a row. Common restorations like fixed bridges or removable partials can cause the surrounding bone to weaken because they are dependent on adjacent teeth for support. However, implant-supported bridges integrate with the natural bone, providing a much stronger and more natural restoration.

Implant-Supported Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration that replaces the top part of the tooth. A single tooth that needs to be completely replaced can be restored utilizing an implant-supported crown. The crown is typically made of porcelain, giving the restoration a natural look.

Implant-Supported Dentures

An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture (a removable partial denture or a complete denture that covers and rests on one or more remaining natural teeth, the roots of natural teeth, and/or dental implants) that is supported by, and attached to, implants. A regular denture rests on the gums and is not supported by implants.

Individual Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line to replace the tooth's root. It is then topped with a crown after healing to provide the appearance of a natural, healthy tooth. If you're considering implants, you must have healthy gums and a jaw bone that is strong enough to secure and support the post.

Implants vs. Bridges

Dental implants are the next best thing to your healthy, natural teeth. Strong and stable, a dental implant restores a lost tooth so that it looks, feels, fits and functions like a natural tooth when implanted by your dentist. While dental implants may need periodic adjustments, they can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for over time.

Reach out to us today - Because healthy teeth matter!

We believe in making you feel at home. Call us today at (520) 762-3236 to talk about getting the smile of your dreams! You can also use the contact form to email us.

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A featured review of Vail Family Dentistry from a Vail, AZ dental patient neighbor.

 

5 Star Dental Patient Review

“An Awesome Experience!”

What an awesome experience! After having a horrible experience with another Vail Dentist Office, I decided to switch to Vail Family Dentistry. There was absolutely no comparison. Vail Family Dentistry had friendly knowledgeable reception staff, and the people in the back were wonderful as well. Dr. David was AMAZING. So nice and caring and NO UP SELLING. He looked at my X-rays, he proposed a cleaning, and that was it. He spent time with me discussing issues I had, gave me advice on how to handle them at home, game me supplies to use, and was kind to my 8 year old who I brought with me. I cannot thank them enough for restoring my faith in humanity, and alieving my fears of the dentist. The prices were fair, and I couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend Vail Family Dentistry. ~Chrystal Patterson
Vail Family Dentistry Office
Vail Family Dentistry
Dentist in Vail, AZ

// Family Dentistry in Vail, AZ

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