{"id":4792,"date":"2020-01-22T08:36:15","date_gmt":"2020-01-22T07:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahoa.es\/which-is-better-a-prosthesis-or-a-dental-implant\/"},"modified":"2025-03-04T17:04:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T16:04:13","slug":"which-is-better-a-prosthesis-or-a-dental-implant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahoa.es\/en\/which-is-better-a-prosthesis-or-a-dental-implant\/","title":{"rendered":"Which is better, a prosthesis or a dental implant?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One\nof the most frequent consultations of patients who have lost or have to\nreplace one or more teeth, is whether it is better to opt for a prosthesis fixed\non the teeth or fixed on a dental implant.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

Although\nin most cases it is recommended to opt for dental implants, the most appropriate treatment\nshould be indicated by a specialist. We will have\nto seek from a correct diagnosis what is the ideal indication in\neach case. There are factors, such as lack of bone for example (something that as\npatients we cannot adequately assess), which can make the\nimplant treatment more complex and we opt for a bridge fixed\non the teeth. <\/p>\n\n

In\nthis article we explain the differences between a dental prosthesis\nand an implant, and the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative, in the\ncase that both are a viable option.<\/p>\n\n

Differences\nbetween dental prostheses and dental implants<\/h2>\n\n

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<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n

<\/td>Dental prosthesis<\/strong><\/td>Dental implant<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Materials<\/strong><\/td>Manufactured with acrylic or resin materials, metal-ceramic or zirconium-metal.<\/td>Made of titanium. The material of the implant prosthesis can also be the same as the tooth. <\/td><\/tr>
Aesthetics<\/strong><\/td>They can be very similar to natural teeth. Over the years they can become unsightly, as the metal can be seen. <\/td>They are the option that looks and feels most like natural teeth. Aesthetics can be compromised by the gum, which is sometimes missing. <\/td><\/tr>
Functionality<\/strong><\/td>They are safe, but not as safe as an implant, as they can become detached.<\/td>They do not move or fall off, they are firmer and safer, since the sheath is screwed to the implant. <\/td><\/tr>
Independence<\/strong><\/td>They are fastened to the adjacent teeth, which means that they have to be lowered to make room for the bridge.<\/td>The sleeve is placed over the implant, so it does not depend on the adjacent teeth and does not overload them.<\/td><\/tr>
Duration<\/strong><\/td>In the best conditions, they last between 8 and 15 years. The main reason for loss is caries. <\/td>If properly cared for, they can last a lifetime. The main reason for loss is infection of the bone surrounding the implant. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

So,\nis a prosthesis or a dental implant better?<\/h2>\n\n

In\nmost cases, our recommendation is to opt for a dental implant,\nmainly because in this way we are more conservative with the healthy teeth\nthat the patient has. Although the initial cost may be higher than that of a prosthesis\n, its advantages more than compensate the initial investment: <\/p>\n\n