Dental Implants vs. Bridges:

Dental implants and bridges are both effective solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s function and aesthetics. At Gentle Dental Care (GDC) in Lorton, VA, and Sterling, VA, we offer both services to help you achieve a confident and complete smile.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for dental crowns, bridges, or dentures, mimicking the natural look and function of your teeth. Implants are a long-lasting and durable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are supported by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. They “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and functionality. Bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto the supporting teeth or implants for stability and durability.

The main difference between dental bridges and implants lies in their placement and structure:

Placement: Dental bridges are supported by neighboring natural teeth or dental implants, anchoring the artificial teeth in place. In contrast, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots.

Structure: Bridges consist of artificial teeth (pontics) connected to crowns on adjacent teeth or implants, creating a “bridge” across the gap left by missing teeth. Implants, on the other hand, involve placing titanium posts in the jawbone to support individual replacement teeth (like crowns) or implant-supported dentures.

If you’re considering dental implants or bridges to replace missing teeth, schedule a consultation at Gentle Dental Care (GDC) in Lorton, VA, or Sterling, VA. Our skilled team will assess your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and create a personalized plan to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality. Call us at 703-495-9992 or visit our office to book your appointment today.”