Implants vs Bridge
Which Is Better?
Both replace missing teeth. Implants last longer, preserve bone. Bridges cost less, need no surgery.
Comparison
Implants (from £2,500): 25+ years, preserves bone, no adjacent tooth impact. Bridge (from £483): 10-15 years, lower cost, requires grinding neighbours.
Consultation from from £40
Final cost confirmed at your £40 consultation. 0% finance available.
What Happens at Your £40 Consultation
Dental Implants vs Bridges: Which Is Right for You?
When you lose a tooth, two of the most common replacement options are a dental implant or a dental bridge. Both can restore your smile, your bite and your confidence — but they work in fundamentally different ways, have different lifespans, and suit different clinical situations. At Station House Dental Care, our dentists will always recommend the option that is genuinely best for your teeth, your health and your budget.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a period of 3 to 6 months (a process called osseointegration). Once healed, a custom-made porcelain crown is attached to the implant via an abutment, creating a replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions exactly like a natural tooth. The implant replaces the tooth root, which means it stimulates the jawbone and prevents the bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction.
How Dental Bridges Work
A dental bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side (called abutment teeth). These adjacent teeth are reduced in size (filed down) and fitted with crowns that support a false tooth (pontic) suspended between them. The bridge is cemented permanently in place. A bridge does not replace the tooth root, which means the jawbone beneath the missing tooth will gradually resorb over time.
Key Differences
Longevity: Dental implants, with proper care, can last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing after 15 to 20 years, but the titanium post itself is permanent. Bridges typically last 10 to 15 years before they need replacing. Bone preservation: Implants preserve jawbone density because they replace the root. Bridges do not — the bone beneath the pontic gradually shrinks. Impact on adjacent teeth: Implants are standalone — they do not require any modification to neighbouring teeth. Bridges require the two adjacent teeth to be permanently filed down, even if those teeth are perfectly healthy. Cleaning: Implants are cleaned exactly like natural teeth — normal brushing and flossing. Bridges require special floss threaders to clean beneath the pontic.
Cost Comparison at Station House
A dental implant and crown at Station House Dental Care costs from £2,500. A dental bridge costs from £695 per unit (a typical 3-unit bridge replacing one missing tooth would cost from around £2,085). While a bridge may appear cheaper upfront, the implant is often more cost-effective over a lifetime because it does not need replacing every 10 to 15 years and does not put healthy adjacent teeth at risk. We offer 0% interest-free finance on both options. Visit our treatment costs page for full pricing.
Which Should You Choose?
In most cases, our dentists will recommend a dental implant as the gold-standard option because it preserves bone, protects adjacent teeth, and lasts longer. However, a bridge may be recommended if you are not a suitable candidate for implant surgery (for example, if you have insufficient bone density and do not wish to undergo bone grafting), if you need a faster solution (bridges can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks, while implants take 3 to 6 months), or if the adjacent teeth already require crowns. Book a consultation and our team will examine your specific situation and recommend the best option with a clear cost comparison.