Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Things to Consider Before Deciding

Two of the most common options for replacing missing or damaged teeth are dental bridges and dental implants.¹ Both can restore your smile and improve chewing and speaking function, but implants and bridges differ in how they’re placed, their longevity and the type of maintenance each requires.²  

The right choice for you depends on your oral health, your budget and your dental professional’s recommendation.²

Dental Implants vs. Bridges Overview

The following table compares dental bridges and dental implants across key factors, including what they are, the materials used, how long they last, maintenance requirements, safety concerns and average costs.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between remaining natural teeth. A bridge is constructed of permanent artificial teeth, called pontics, that are cemented in place using crowns to cap the adjacent healthy teeth.³ These supporting healthy teeth, called abutments, typically need to be shaved down to attach the bridge securely.³

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial posts designed to act like tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.³ Over time, new bone grows around the post in a process called osseointegration.² Once healed, the structure is secure enough to support a dental prosthetic such as a single crown or a bridge, depending on the degree of tooth loss.³  

What Materials Are Used?

Both bridges and implants are made from materials chosen for strength, durability and biocompatibility. 

Dental bridge

Porcelain is a common choice for bridges due to its natural appearance.⁴ Porcelain is fused to either a metal base or metal-free zirconia to increase its strength, creating a porcelain-fused-to-metal, or PFM, bridge.⁴ 

Ceramic bridges are a newer technology that uses more advanced materials, like zirconia or lithium disilicate, for exceptionally high strength and durability.⁴ Alloys like gold, cobalt-chromium or nickel-chromium can also be used to create metal bridges, which are strong but may not be a suitable option for front teeth.⁴

Dental implant

Dental implants are most commonly made from titanium or titanium alloy. Titanium implants are highly biocompatible, meaning they are safe for long-term human use and encourage the process of new bone growth around the implant.⁵ Titanium implants are made of two parts: the implant screw, which is inserted into the jawbone to act as a tooth root, and the implant abutment, which allows an artificial tooth to be attached to the screw.⁵

Zirconia implants are a newer, metal-free technology, usually recommended as an alternative for patients allergic to titanium. Zirconia implants are one-piece, but they may be more difficult to insert than traditional titanium.⁵

How Long Do They Last?

While both types of restorations are designed for long-lasting results, their lifespans differ due to several factors.

Dental bridge lifespan

Dental bridges can last between 10 and 15 years.² Over time, the supporting teeth (abutments) may weaken or decay, which can cause the bridge to loosen or fail.² 

Dental implant lifespan

Dental implants are designed to last 25 years or more, but with proper care, they may last a lifetime.² The titanium post that integrates with the jawbone is highly resistant to fracturing and corrosion.⁵ 

Routine Maintenance and Care

Care and maintenance for a dental bridge and a dental implant involve slightly different routines because of how each restoration is structured.

Dental bridge

A dental bridge requires vigilant cleaning under and around the false teeth (pontics), since food and debris can get trapped in the small space between the bridge and the gums, causing decay. It’s recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste twice daily, as well as an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup. A floss threader, water flosser or electric toothbrush are recommended to remove plaque and prevent decay in the supporting teeth and gums.⁶

Dental checkups every six months are essential for keeping the surrounding teeth and gums healthy, since damage to the abutment teeth can compromise the entire bridge. Your dentist will check for wear and tear of the bridge, assess the health of your teeth and gums and check that your bite alignment has not shifted. Early detection of issues allows your dental professional to prevent them from becoming more significant problems later.⁶

Dental implants

By contrast, dental implants are generally easier to maintain because they function like natural teeth and don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. Daily brushing, flossing and routine dental cleanings are usually sufficient to prevent gum inflammation and plaque buildup around the implant.³

However, it’s important to clean thoroughly around the gumline to prevent peri-implant diseases, which can lead to implant failure.⁵

Safety Concerns and Considerations

Dental bridges and dental implants are considered safe and effective tooth replacement options when performed by a qualified dental professional. However, each comes with potential concerns.

Dental bridge concerns

With dental bridges, the main concerns include decay or damage to the supporting teeth, gum irritation, or loosening of the bridge over time.³ Because the abutment teeth are filed down to hold the bridge, they become vulnerable to decay if not properly cleaned.²

Dental implant concerns

Dental implants have a high success rate, typically 90% to 95%, but, as with all surgical procedures, there is a potential for complications.⁷ Some concerns include infection at the implant site, failure of the implant to fuse with the bone, nerve damage or damage to nearby teeth or tissues.⁷ In some cases, peri-implant diseases can develop if plaque builds up around the implant, which may lead to implant failure.⁵

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

For both dental bridges and dental implants, the cost can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Dental bridge costs

The national average cost* of a traditional single-tooth bridge is $5,197, but it can range from $4,100 to $9,650 depending on the material used and the complexity of the procedure.⁸

Dental implant costs

The national average cost* of an endosteal implant is $4,344 per tooth, but it can range from $3,457 to $8,122 depending on the materials used, whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are needed, the experience or specialty of the surgeon and follow-up care.⁸

Calculate the costs of a single-tooth bridge near you*

Pros and Cons

Both dental bridges and dental implants have their benefits and considerations. Your dental professional can recommend the right course of treatment for you based on your oral health, lifestyle, budget and other factors. 

Dental bridge benefits

Dental bridges offer some advantages over dental implants.²

• A non-surgical solution that can usually be completed in a few dental visits 
• Generally, a lower initial cost than dental implants 
• May be ideal for replacing more than one missing tooth in a row, particularly if the adjacent teeth are damaged and need a crown

Dental implant benefits

Dental implants have several benefits over bridges.²

• Can be maintained with regular brushing and flossing like natural teeth
• Closely mimic the look, feel and function of real teeth
• Fuse with natural bone through osseointegration
• Last 25 years to a lifetime with proper care
• No alteration of neighboring teeth for support

Dental bridge considerations

There are some drawbacks to consider when it comes to a dental bridge.²

• Adjacent teeth must be filed down to support the bridge, which can weaken them
• Chance of decay and gum disease if plaque accumulates under the bridge 
• Does not prevent bone loss in the jaw
• Typically lasts 10 to 15 years and may need replacement over time

Dental implant considerations

Dental implants also have potential downsides.

• Are initially more expensive than bridges²
• Patients with insufficient bone density or certain health conditions may not qualify without additional procedures⁵
• Requires a surgical procedure with a healing period that can take several months²
• Poor oral hygiene and peri-implant diseases can lead to implant failure⁵ 

Make the Right Choice for You

Dental implants and bridges each offer an effective solution for restoring missing teeth, but the best choice depends on your individual needs, oral health and budget. Implants are a long-term investment that support bone health and can last a lifetime, while bridges are a quicker, non-surgical and less costly alternative. Talk with your dentist to help you determine which treatment will give you a confident smile while preserving your oral health.

Financing Bridges or Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you’re getting dental bridges, implants or you’re simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.