I get why people lean toward implants, but I’ve got to ask—has anyone actually had a traditional bridge for a while and regretted it? My dentist said the same thing about grinding healthy teeth, but honestly, the upfront cost of implants is just wild. I’m not thrilled about messing with good teeth, but if insurance covers more of the bridge and it holds up well, is it really that bad? I mean, what’s worse: paying a ton now, or maybe needing more work on those teeth later? I keep going back and forth on this.
We had to make this call for my daughter last year after she lost a molar. I get the sticker shock with implants, believe me, but I couldn’t get past the idea of grinding down two healthy teeth for a bridge. Insurance did cover more of the bridge, but I kept thinking—what if those “anchor” teeth end up needing crowns or root canals in a few years because they were shaved down? That’s more cost and hassle down the line. Implants felt brutal on the wallet, but in the end, we went for it and haven’t had any regrets so far. If you’re planning long-term, I’d say it’s worth weighing the future risk to those healthy teeth against the upfront cost.
I couldn’t get past the idea of grinding down two healthy teeth for a bridge.
That’s exactly what pushed me toward implants, too. Years ago, I had a bridge put in after losing a premolar, and honestly, I wish I’d thought more about the long-term. The anchor tooth needed a crown within five years, and the whole thing became a headache. The implant I got later was pricey, no doubt, but it feels like my own tooth and I don’t worry about extra dental work down the road. It’s a tough call, but for me, the peace of mind has been worth the upfront pain—financially and otherwise.
