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If you’re missing teeth, you know how difficult it can be to eat, speak clearly, and feel confident. Thankfully, you have smile restoration options. Two common choices are dental implants and dental bridges, but how do they differ? Here, the office of Hill Country Dental Associates of Kerrville, TX, explains three major distinctions to help you decide which restoration method might better suit your needs.

How Are Dental Implants & Dental Bridges Different?

1. Placement

Dental implants and dental bridges are both options for replacing missing teeth, but they accomplish this in different ways. Bridges rely on nearby teeth to support a replacement tooth. The supporting teeth are reshaped to accommodate the bridge; they are essentially crowned and a replacement tooth is secured between them. Implants, on the other hand, consist of a specialized post that your dentist places in the jaw bone and later covers with a crown. The bone will grow around the post, and the surrounding teeth will not be affected.

2. Maintenance

dental implants Kerrville TXIn many situations, dental implants function as individual teeth. This means they can be cared for with a more familiar and straightforward routine of brushing and flossing. When it comes to bridges, however, additional cleaning techniques are required. Because bridges are made up of multiple teeth joined together, the supporting teeth for bridges have a high chance of developing cavities. This means that dental bridges sometimes need to be replaced within 10-15 years. With diligence, you can still brush and floss as usual to keep the surrounding teeth and gum tissue healthy.

3. Cost

Dental bridges are less expensive up front, if you need an affordable fix right away. They will need to be replaced at some point, usually within 15 years. Dental implants are more expensive in the short term but can last your entire life if properly cared for.

When you're ready to restore your smile, reach out to the experts at Hill Country Dental Associates. Let them put their skill and experience to work for you. Call (830) 257-3000 or request an appointment with a dentist via their website. Hill Country Dental Associates is also on Facebook and Twitter.

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