Losing a tooth can feel like a big deal. Because it is. Beyond the obvious gap in your smile, missing a tooth affects how you chew, how you speak, and even how your other teeth hold up over time. Neighboring teeth start to shift. Your bite can change. It’s a domino effect that most people don’t see coming.
Modern dentistry gives you excellent options. At The Annapolis Center for Dental Health and Wellness, Dr. Vernon Sheen helps patients replace missing teeth with two proven solutions: dental implants and dental bridges. Both work. Both look natural. But they’re not the same. Here’s what you need to know to have an informed conversation with your dentist.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge does exactly what it sounds like: it bridges the gap. The tooth on either side of the missing one gets shaved down to accept crowns. Those crowns support a false tooth (or teeth) in the middle. The whole thing gets cemented into place as one solid piece.
The upside: Bridges are faster. You can usually get one in two or three appointments. They don’t require surgery. And they tend to cost less upfront than implants.
The downside: Your healthy neighboring teeth get filed down permanently. That’s a big deal. Those teeth were fine before, but now they’ll need crowns for life. Bridges also typically last 7 to 15 years before needing replacement.
What Is a Dental Implant?
An implant replaces both the tooth and its root. A local oral surgeon surgically places a small titanium post into your jawbone. Over several months, your bone grows around that post, a process called osseointegration. Once the post is solid, we attach a custom crown on top. The result feels and functions just like a real tooth.
The upside: Nothing else comes close to a natural tooth. Implants don’t involve your neighboring teeth at all. They preserve your jawbone, preventing the sunken look that can happen after tooth loss. And with good care, implants can last 30 years or more, often a lifetime.
The downside: Implants take longer. The whole process can stretch over four to eight months. They cost more upfront. And they require a minor surgical procedure.
So Which One Should You Choose?
That depends on your situation, your budget, and your goals.
Choose a bridge if:
- You need to replace a tooth quickly
- Your neighboring teeth already need crowns
- The upfront cost is your main concern
- You’re not comfortable with surgery
Choose an implant if:
- You want the longest-lasting solution
- Your neighboring teeth are perfectly healthy and you want to keep them that way
- You’re willing to invest more time and money upfront for better long-term value
- You want to preserve your jawbone and facial structure
What Dr. Sheen Wants You to Know
There’s no single right answer for everyone. Dr. Sheen has been practicing in Annapolis since 1991. He’s placed countless bridges and implants. What he’s learned is that the best choice is the one that fits your life, your health, and your goals.
Some patients want the fastest fix. Others want the most permanent one. Both are valid.
What’s not valid is doing nothing. Leaving a gap in your smile doesn’t just affect how you look. It affects how your whole mouth works. Neighboring teeth drift. The opposing tooth may grow too long. Your bite can shift. Over time, a simple missing tooth can turn into a complex problem.
Come Talk It Through
The best way to know which option is right for you is to sit down with someone who does both every week.
Call our office at (443) 482-5202 to schedule a consultation. We’ll examine your smile, talk about what matters most to you, and help you make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.