Dental implants or a permanent bridge?

I had two teeth pulled years ago (upper teeth/incisors/both sides) when I had braces, to make room to move my teeth into their "correct" positions. The main problem with this was, the teeth that were pulled were "baby teeth" that I'd never lost...and there were no "adult teeth" to come in after them. Now I'm left with two gaps, on both sides of my upper teeth. My orthodontist fitted me with a partial "denture" plate in lieu of the standard retainer when the braces came off, to hold the empty spots open. I was told that the retainer wouldn't be a permanent "fix" for my problem, and I'd eventually have to have either a permanent bridge affixed, or have dental implants done to replace the two missing teeth. What would you guys suggest? I'm a dental phobe, so the idea of having someone drill into my upper jaw to set posts for implants freaks me out. I've also heard that posts also have to be set for bridges as well...though I'm not sure.

Dental implants or a permanent bridge?
An implant would usually be the best option for you as it is a direct replacement of the missing teeth.


A bridge requires the teeth either side to be ground down to accept crowns, and is therefore more aggressive. It is more suited to patients who have already had some decay damage to the adjacent teeth, and where crowns would be a side benefit. In your case with missing lateral incisors, a standard 3-unit bridge would not be necessary - a cantilever bridge could come off the canines, or a double cantilever off the central incisors.


For implants, you need to get your situation assessed by a specialist - either a periodontist or a prosthodontist. In such a cosmetically demanding position of front teeth, you want the best operator for the best results. Beware that a lot of general dentists now are doing implants, and I would be wary of their skill level.


My 21 yo daughter has just received implants for her missing laterals, placed by a periodontist. She is a real dentaphobe too (just her "luck" to have a father who's a dentist!), but she was very happy with the ease and minimal discomfort of the procedure. If she can handle it, anyone can.
Reply:implants are much more invasive however you have the option of being asleep for the procedure. i have had this done and am very happy with the results. not as painful as i was thinking it would be after seeing the pictures of what they actually did. it is also much more expensive but also more permanent.
Reply:Implants are permanent...bridges usually need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years. Also, a bridge will need the two teeth next to the missing teeth to be ground down. If there is nothing wrong with these teeth, disturbing them is a bad idea.





Over your lifetime, implants will cost less.
Reply:I have had a fixed bridge in my mouth almost 20 years, and I have also seen implant abuments replaced after a year.. nothing is set in stone....


I would think the cost would be close to the same.


The bridge would require the teeth on either side of the "gap" to be reduced, impressions made, wait a couple of weeks; then have the bridge seated.


The implant procedure would require a wait to make sure the implant "takes", then the impression procedure... and seat the crown that will cover the implant abutment.


Ask your dentist about the pros and cons of each, along with price difference...