One of the most frequent consultations of patients who have lost or have to replace one or more teeth, is whether it is better to opt for a prosthesis fixed on the teeth or fixed on a dental implant.
Although in most cases it is recommended to opt for dental implants, the most appropriate treatment should be indicated by a specialist. We will have to seek from a correct diagnosis what is the ideal indication in each case. There are factors, such as lack of bone for example (something that as patients we cannot adequately assess), which can make the implant treatment more complex and we opt for a bridge fixed on the teeth.
In this article we explain the differences between a dental prosthesis and an implant, and the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative, in the case that both are a viable option.
Both techniques are used to replace teeth that have been lost or need to be replaced because they are damaged or broken. However, there are some essential differences that must be taken into account when opting for one treatment or the other. The first is that in order to place a bridge over teeth we must always have at least one tooth on both sides of the absence, so that they can act as an abutment for the bridge. If this is not the case, we will have to discard the option of a bridge over teeth.
| Dental prosthesis | Dental implant | |
| Materials | Manufactured with acrylic or resin materials, metal-ceramic or zirconium-metal. | Made of titanium. The material of the implant prosthesis can also be the same as the tooth. |
| Aesthetics | They can be very similar to natural teeth. Over the years they can become unsightly, as the metal can be seen. | They are the option that looks and feels most like natural teeth. Aesthetics can be compromised by the gum, which is sometimes missing. |
| Functionality | They are safe, but not as safe as an implant, as they can become detached. | They do not move or fall off, they are firmer and safer, since the sheath is screwed to the implant. |
| Independence | They are fastened to the adjacent teeth, which means that they have to be lowered to make room for the bridge. | The sleeve is placed over the implant, so it does not depend on the adjacent teeth and does not overload them. |
| Duration | In the best conditions, they last between 8 and 15 years. The main reason for loss is caries. | If properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. The main reason for loss is infection of the bone surrounding the implant. |
In most cases, our recommendation is to opt for a dental implant, mainly because in this way we are more conservative with the healthy teeth that the patient has. Although the initial cost may be higher than that of a prosthesis , its advantages more than compensate the initial investment:
In summary, the final result, both in appearance and in functionality and durability, are usually comparatively more positive in an implant than in a dental prosthesis. However, as we have already mentioned, we recommend that you go to your specialist to analyze the state of your oral health and which is the most appropriate treatment for your specific case. And if you have any questions or want a second opinion, please contact us, AHOA will be happy to help you!
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