Dental Bridges & Dental Implants in St. Catharine's, ON
There are lots of different types of prosthetics that are in use in dentistry today beyond traditional dentures. The truth is most folks are not missing an entire set of teeth that require dentures but instead are missing teeth here and there, creating empty spaces in the mouth. Of course, no one wants to have a mouth that has gaps because it makes you less inclined to smile and also affects your dental hygiene. The good news is there are solutions for a mouth that has some empty spaces in it, and one of the main solutions is bridges and dental implants. These prosthetics are designed to fill in the gaps in your mouth so effectively that only a trained eye would notice the difference.
Bridges
The way bridges work is that they use the adjacent teeth for support. You can have a bridge of up to three teeth, provided that there is support on either side. The bridges essentially will clip onto the healthy teeth and should fit properly in the gap. The dentist may have to do a little filing just to make the bridge fit right, but this is not to the detriment of the teeth. Bridges also can be removed easily.
Implants
Dental implants are permanent bridges except they do not require using the adjacent teeth for support. These implants are notable because while they are more expensive than bridges, they are quite strong and can handle the duty of a regular tooth. The best part about implants is that they are designed to last for a long time. While the price tag for some may seem a bit prohibitive, the reality is that there are amazing benefits that you get with implants that you won’t get with other types of dental prosthetics, durability being the most prominent of the benefits.
Conclusion
There are many reasons that you should stop by your dentist for prosthetic teeth. Besides filling in gaps in your smile, it will promote better dental health. They make sure that your teeth look good.
Book your appointment with Monarch Dentistry for Dental Implants and Bridges in Ontario today!
FAQs
A dental bridge uses adjacent natural teeth or implants to support replacement teeth and “bridges” the gap, while a dental implant is a titanium post placed directly into the jawbone to act as an artificial root offering a more permanent, stable, and often longer-lasting solution.
Ideal candidates are patients with one or more missing teeth, healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density (or who are willing to undergo bone grafting), and good overall oral health. Your dentist will assess bone structure and oral health to determine which option, implant, bridge, or implant-supported bridge, is best for you.
The process typically spans several months: placing the implant post, allowing for osseointegration (bone healing), and then attaching the crown or bridge. Depending on the case (single tooth, multiple teeth, bone grafting), it may require several visits over a few months for the best long-term result.
Dental implants preserve bone health and jaw structure, prevent bone loss, do not rely on adjacent teeth for support (so avoid stressing or damaging them), and often offer superior longevity and chewing strength, making them ideal for patients seeking a permanent, natural-feeling tooth replacement.
Yes. Based on your oral health and bone condition, both traditional bridges and implant-supported options can effectively replace several missing teeth, bringing back natural function and appearance.
The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and discomfort is usually manageable. Mild swelling or soreness afterward is normal but typically subsides within a few days. Your dentist will share simple aftercare steps to help your mouth heal smoothly and keep you comfortable.
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, gently flossing or using interdental brushes, and attending regular dental check-ups. Because implants integrate with bone, they are immune to decay, but the surrounding gums still need care. Proper maintenance, along with regular professional cleanings, helps ensure the longevity of both implants and bridges.