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Lost a tooth and wondering how to replace it? Both implants and bridges work, but they're very different solutions. Here's what you need to know.
The Quick Answer
Choose an implant if: You want the longest-lasting solution, your adjacent teeth are healthy, and you're comfortable with a surgical procedure.
Choose a bridge if: You want to avoid surgery, the adjacent teeth already have crowns or need them, or budget is a primary concern.
What's the Difference?
Dental Implant: A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone, topped with a crown. It replaces the entire tooth, root and all.
Bridge: False tooth suspended between two crowns that fit over adjacent teeth. No surgery required, but those teeth need to be prepared.
Cost Comparison
- Single implant with crown: from £2,500
- 3-unit bridge: from £1,800
Bridges cost less initially, but implants typically last longer so may cost less over a lifetime.
How Long Do They Last?
- Implants: Often 20-30+ years, many last a lifetime
- Bridges: 10-15 years on average
Implants also preserve bone — bridges don't prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth root is missing.
Impact on Other Teeth
Implants: Stand alone, don't affect adjacent teeth.
Bridges: Require filing down two healthy teeth to support the bridge. Those teeth are now permanently altered.
This is a significant consideration. If your adjacent teeth are healthy, an implant preserves them.
The Procedure
Implants: Surgery to place the post, 3-4 months healing, then crown fitted. Total time: 4-6 months. Multiple appointments.
Bridges: Two appointments over 2-3 weeks. No surgery, no healing time.
When We Recommend Each
Implant is often better when:
- Adjacent teeth are healthy
- You want the longest-lasting solution
- You have adequate bone (or are willing to have grafting)
Bridge might be better when:
- Adjacent teeth already need crowns
- Medical conditions rule out surgery
- You need a quicker solution
- Budget is the primary concern