BRIDGE ADVANTAGES

• Can be completely finished in about two weeks.  Looks natural and is strong.
• Can be less expensive (short term!) than implants
• Can be used to additionally realign misplaced teeth

BRIDGE DISADVANTAGES

• Bone loss is not stopped in the areas where the teeth are lost-leading to gaps and food getting caught beneath bridgework over time
• Difficult to floss beneath requiring special floss or cleaners.  Since bridges are more difficult to clean, they are much more likely to develop gum disease or decay.
• If any of the supporting crowns are compromised or develop decay around them, the entire bridge will have to be replaced
• Expected longevity only 5 to 15 years
• The teeth that will be needed to support the bridge, even if they are in good condition, will need to be drilled away to fit supporting teeth of bridge

IMPLANT ADVANTAGES

• Preserves the bone in the areas where the teeth are lost
• Much easier to floss and clean around than bridges
• Longevity 15 to 40 years.
• Are not susceptible to decay
• Easy to keep clean
• Can be highly esthetic
• Lower long term cost than bridgework due to very low failure rate

IMPLANT DISADVANTAGES

• Initial cost is usually more expensive than bridgework
• If the patient waited too long for the implant to be placed additional procedures may need to done to increase the amount of bone for implant support