Missing Teeth: Implants, Bridges and Dentures Compared

A gap left by a missing tooth is rarely just cosmetic. Neighbouring teeth drift and tilt into the space, the opposing tooth over-erupts, bite forces redistribute unevenly, and the jawbone beneath the gap slowly resorbs. Replacing the tooth protects the whole arch — the real question is how.

An implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw that fuses with the bone and carries a crown. It looks, feels and functions much like your own tooth, doesn't rely on the neighbouring teeth at all, and — crucially — helps preserve the bone that other options can't. With good care, implants can last decades, though longevity varies with individual factors.

At our practice, implant treatment is from £2,950 including the crown, planned and placed by our implant dentistry lead with over thirty years of dedicated implant experience. The trade-offs: a healing period of a few months while the implant integrates, and suitability depends on bone volume and gum health, which we assess at consultation.

A conventional bridge suspends a false tooth from crowns on the teeth either side of the gap — fixed in place, no surgery, and complete within a few weeks, from £995 per unit. The compromise is that the supporting teeth must be prepared to carry crowns, which removes healthy enamel.

Where the neighbouring teeth are untouched and healthy, a Maryland bridge (from £1,030) offers a far more conservative fixed option: the false tooth is bonded to the back of a neighbour with a slim wing, sacrificing minimal tooth structure. It suits front teeth with a favourable bite.

Modern dentures bear little resemblance to the caricature. A well-made partial denture (from £795) restores appearance and function at the lowest upfront cost, and a full denture is from £1,095. They're removable, which some patients prefer for cleaning — and they can be a sensible interim step while you consider implants.

There is no single right answer: the best option depends on the position of the gap, the state of the neighbouring teeth, your bone volume, timescale and budget. At your £30 consultation on Wimpole Street we'll examine all of it and give you a written, itemised comparison of every suitable option — with no pressure toward any of them. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.

This article is general information, not personal clinical advice. For a diagnosis and a plan tailored to you, book a consultation with a GDC-registered dentist.