Did you know that almost three quarters of Americans have some form of periodontal disease? This means that their gums are in bad shape, and they could be facing tooth loss. For millions of Americans, the only way to fix this problem is through cosmetic dentistry.
Some of the most common treatments on the market are teeth whitening and bonding, veneers, dentures, and dental implants. But dental crowns and bridges are also considered an effective way to replace missing teeth.
Here are some of the advantages of crowns and bridges over dental implants.
- No Surgery. In order to replace missing teeth with a bridge and crown, dentists use the help of surrounding teeth to hold the new teeth in place. This means that there is no invasive surgery necessary, and negligent recovery time. This is unlike dental implants, which require surgically implanting a titanium rod into the jawbone, and a few months of recovery.
- Less Expensive. The average dental implant can cost up to $4,000 per tooth, meaning that an entire set of implants could cost as much as a luxury car. This surgery is also typically not covered by insurance, as it is a cosmetic procedure. Depending on the type of bridge a patient selects the cost can vary, but on average patients can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1,500, and could possibly have this procedure covered by insurance.
- Stronger Jaw. In order to fit a bridge or crown perfectly, a dentist takes an x-ray to view the structure of the jawbone. As the bridge is molded and fit to the patient’s gums, it is created in a way that allows maximum protection for any damaged part of the jaw. The surrounding teeth help support the bridge and crown, helping patients maintain a healthy jawbone.
Even though dental implants have garnered a great deal of attention for their effectiveness, bridges and crowns are also a quality treatment. It doesn’t hurt that they are much cheaper, too. Find more on this topic here.