When you have a few missing teeth, dental bridges and dental implants are typically both an option. While some people choose dental bridges because they sometimes have a lower start-up cost, there are some significant downsides to dental bridges that dental implants don't share. Here's what you could completely avoid if you choose dental implants instead of a bridge.

Cleaning

Dental bridges require additional care when it comes to keeping them clean. Flossing under the bridge (which is typically more difficult than standard flossing) and near the wires is an absolute necessity. This is because debris that gets under the bridge can harm your gums, potentially triggering gum disease or an infection.

Furthermore, any food or debris that gets stuck under the wires of your bridge can start to cause dental decay on the teeth that are supporting the bridge. If these teeth are damaged badly enough, they may not be able to support the bridge anymore, so making an extra effort to keep the bridge clean is a daily necessity.

In comparison, dental implants are cleaned like real teeth; you floss and brush them, and then you're done.

Wear and Tear

Another problem that dental bridge users face is potential wear and tear on surrounding teeth. As previously noted, bridges are usually supported by real teeth that sit on either side of the bridge. Over time, the wires that connect the bridge to the teeth can start to wear down those teeth, eroding their enamel or pulling them out of alignment. This can start to affect the fit of your dental bridge, and in some cases, it can cause lasting damage to the surrounding teeth.

Dental implants are supported fully by themselves. A titanium peg under the dental implant holds it in place, so you don't need to worry about other teeth being impacted.

Potential Loss

Lastly, it's possible to lose a dental bridge. Dental bridges can be damaged like other dental appliances, and if the wires are damaged, the bridge can actually fall out of your mouth. This can lead to losing your dental bridge or needing to bring it back into the dentist's office for repairs or replacement, which can be costly.

In comparison, since dental implants support themselves, this is rarely a risk. Titanium is an extremely strong material, which means that dental implants can take a lot of force without causing any significant issues. While it's not impossible for a dental implant to break, it's very rare, and usually would never happen outside of a severely traumatic event, like a blow to the face. Your own bones help to support the dental implant, too, so as long as your jaw is okay, your implant is likely to be, too.