The 3-unit bridge and implant are two options you can consider if you’re looking to replace missing teeth. To determine which one is the best choice for you, it’s important to understand the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each. Your decision should be based on your own understanding of how these two treatments compare in terms of effectiveness, cost, longevity, and how they align with your personal oral health needs.
What’s a 3-Unit Bridge?
A 3-unit bridge is a type of dental restoration which is used to replace the space between two missing teeth. The device uses two adjacent, side-by-side natural teeth to support the anchor a false tooth, also called a pontic. These abutment teeth are capped with crowns for support of the middle pontic. A 3-unit bridge is helpful in restoring chewing function and prevents other teeth from moving or shifting.
What is a Dental Implant?
The action of an implant is very similar to that of being an artificial root for the tooth. Thus, placing a titanium post in the jaw can replace the missing tooth. This titanium post holds up a crown; the crown stands as its independent replacement for a tooth. The main difference of a 3-unit bridge from an implant is an implant is self-supportive and does not depend upon the adjacent teeth to stand placed while offering long-term benefit to resemble natural teeth.
Conclusion:
A 3-unit bridge supports adjacent teeth, but the implant directly integrates into the jawbone. An implant lasts longer and requires lesser maintenance as compared to the bridges that require frequent replacements. In the long term, implants are more robust and economical.
Advantages of Choosing a 3-Unit Bridge
A 3-unit bridge procedure is faster than an implant since it is non-surgical. Bridges are cheaper to most people who want to avoid surgical procedures. They can be done in fewer dental visits than implants.
Disadvantages of Selecting a 3-Unit Bridge
The disadvantage of a 3-unit bridge is that they require healthy adjacent teeth to be filed down. Bridges do not stimulate the jawbone, thus gradually losing the jawbone over time. Being dependent on neighboring teeth, the bridge may need some repair or even complete replacement with higher long-term cost.
Dental implants resemble the normal tooth root. As a result, the bone is stimulated, keeping it dense. They don’t need healthy teeth altered in any way. Once cared for, they could last a lifetime. The replacement cost is reduced by these long-term investments.
Drawbacks of Choosing a Dental Implant
Dental implants are time-consuming to complete as it is a surgery and healing process. It costs more at the outset and requires healthy bone support. Sometimes, bone grafting will be required that extends the time for completion of the procedure and is costly also.
Durability: 3-Unit Bridge vs Implant
A dental implant is expected to be longer-lasting than a 3-unit bridge if proper care is maintained. The implant is meant to be lifelong, whereas the 3-unit bridge has a lifespan of slightly more than a decade at about 10-15 years.
Cost Comparison: 3-Unit Bridge vs Implant
A 3-unit bridge or an implant costs money, the sum of which depends on material, location, and insurance. Having a 3-unit bridge is cheaper initially but the life that has to be changed many times. The implant is comparatively little costlier in the beginning but economical in the later years.
Bone Health Consideration:
Implants promote healthy bones since they stimulate the jawbone, thus maintaining density. The 3-unit bridge does not offer the above benefit and may end up leading to bone depletion in the area over time.
Which Option is Best for You?
The choice between a 3-unit bridge and an implant is left to your needs, aims, and budget. Your dentist will meet with you to inform you of which is appropriate for your dental health best. Contact us today and get the personalized guidance coupled with the best treatment option for a lifetime confident, healthy smile. For the best guidance and treatment, contact us today! Our team is here to help you make the right choice for a confident, lasting smile.
