Key Takeaways
- Both implants and bridges replace missing teeth, but implants offer a more permanent and natural-feeling solution.
- Bridges are faster and more affordable upfront, but may require changes to healthy teeth.
- Dental implants in Sherman Oaks protect bone health and last longer than most other replacement options.
- Your overall health, jawbone quality, and long-term goals influence which one is the better choice.
- Clove Dental Sherman Oaks helps patients compare both options so they can make a confident, informed decision.
Are you trying to choose between a dental implant or a bridge to replace a missing tooth?
Here’s the simple answer: both options work well, but the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and long-term oral health.
Many patients who visit Clove Dental Sherman Oaks want a clear comparison that explains the differences without confusing dental terms. Since missing teeth affect chewing, confidence, and overall health, it’s important to pick the option that truly fits your needs. For many people, dental implants in Sherman Oaks offer the longest-lasting and most natural replacement, but bridges can still be a strong solution in the right situation.
Let’s break it down in a clear, patient-friendly way.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium. It’s placed into the jawbone, and once it heals, a custom crown is attached on top. The final result looks and functions like a natural tooth.
People choose dental implants in Sherman Oaks because they:
- Don’t rely on nearby teeth for support
- Help preserve the jawbone
- Look extremely natural
- For many years, with proper care
An implant doesn’t just fill a space; it restores how your bite works.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching a false tooth to the natural teeth on either side. Those supporting teeth are reshaped so that crowns can hold the replacement in place.
Bridges are:
- Faster to complete
- A good option when implants aren’t possible
- Often more affordable upfront
However, bridges require reshaping healthy teeth, and they don’t protect the jawbone under the missing tooth.
How Do Implants and Bridges Compare?
Let’s look at the differences that matter most to patients in Sherman Oaks.
1. Long-Term Strength and Stability
Implants bond directly with your bone, creating a strong base for chewing. Because of this, dental implants in Sherman Oaks tend to last longer than bridges. Many implants last for decades or even a lifetime.
Bridges usually need replacement every 10–15 years.
2. Impact on Natural Teeth
Implants leave nearby teeth untouched. Bridges, on the other hand, require us to file down the teeth next to the gap, even if they’re perfectly healthy.
For some patients, this difference is a major deciding factor.
3. Bone Health
When a tooth is missing, the jawbone begins to weaken from a lack of stimulation. An implant prevents this by acting like a natural root.
A bridge does not. Bone loss may continue over time.
4. Cost Over Time
Bridges may cost less upfront. Implants can cost more initially, but the long lifespan of dental implants in Sherman Oaks often makes them more cost-effective in the long run.
5. Appearance and Comfort
Both can look natural, but implants often feel the closest to real teeth because they’re anchored in the bone.
Bridges sit above the gums, which may feel slightly different when chewing.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Each Option?
You may be a strong candidate for dental implants if:
- Your jawbone is healthy
- You want a long-lasting solution
- You prefer not to involve your other teeth
- You want something that looks and feels very natural
If you are missing multiple teeth, dental implants in Sherman Oaks can also support implant bridges or implant dentures.
You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if:
- You want a quicker, non-surgical option
- Your jawbone isn’t strong enough for implants
- You prefer a lower upfront cost
- Your nearby teeth already need crowns
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we help patients evaluate these factors with simple explanations and visual guides during their visits.
Why More Patients Are Choosing Implants Today
In the past, bridges were the most common way to replace missing teeth. But dental technology has changed. Implants are now one of the most predictable and natural-looking treatment options.
Here’s what patients often tell us:
- They want something that won’t shift or loosen
- They want to protect their bones and facial shape
- They prefer a “set it and forget it” solution
- They want to avoid future dental work on nearby teeth
For these reasons, dental implants in Sherman Oaks have become a popular choice for adults of all ages.
How Clove Dental Sherman Oaks Helps You Choose
We understand that choosing between an implant and a bridge isn’t always simple. Our team walks you through:
- X-rays and bone evaluations
- Cost comparisons
- Expected lifespan
- Pros and cons of each option
- What your daily experience will feel like
We never rush this conversation. Our goal is to help you feel confident in your decision.
Final Thoughts
Missing teeth affect your health, confidence, and daily comfort, but you have strong solutions. Bridges offer a reliable and faster fix, while dental implants in Sherman Oaks provide a lasting, natural-feeling replacement that protects your bone and smile long term.
No matter which option you’re considering, Clove Dental Sherman Oaks is here to guide you with honest recommendations and supportive care.
FAQs
Which lasts longer: implants or bridges?
Dental implants typically last decades or even a lifetime with proper care. Bridges usually last around 10–15 years before needing replacement.
Do dental implants hurt?
Most patients say the procedure is far more comfortable than expected. Local anesthesia keeps the area numb, and mild soreness afterward is normal.
Are implants always better than bridges?
Not always. Implants are the most long-lasting option, but bridges may be better for patients who want a faster, non-surgical, or more affordable upfront solution.
Can I get a dental implant if I don’t have enough bone?
Yes. Many patients can still get implants after bone grafting. Your dentist will check bone levels during your consultation.
Do bridges damage the teeth next to the missing tooth?
Bridges require reshaping the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. Implants do not affect neighboring teeth.
Which option looks more natural?
Both can look natural, but implants typically feel and function the closest to real teeth because they are anchored in the bone.