Implants vs Bridge
Which Is Better?
Both replace missing teeth. Implants last longer, preserve bone. Bridges cost less, need no surgery.
Implants vs Bridge: the key differences
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a titanium root and crown that stands on its own, while a bridge fills the gap by anchoring a false tooth to the neighbouring teeth. Implants (from £2,500) last longer and preserve bone; bridges (from £695) cost less and need no surgery. Here is how they compare at a glance.
| Feature | Dental Implant | Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed in place? | Yes — freestanding | Yes — supported by neighbouring teeth |
| Typical lifespan | 25+ years, often a lifetime | Around 10–15 years |
| Preserves jawbone? | Yes — stimulates bone like a natural root | No — bone under the gap can still shrink |
| Affects neighbouring teeth? | No — they are left untouched | Yes — they are reshaped to hold the bridge |
| From price | £2,500 | £695 |
| Best for | A long-term, bone-preserving replacement | A lower-cost, non-surgical fix |
Last updated: August 2026
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Clinical Evidence & References
- Long-term systematic reviews of the dental literature report high 10-year survival rates for implant-supported fixed prostheses.
- NHS UK — Dental implants and bridges comparison
- Comparative clinical studies report that both implants and conventional bridges have good long-term survival, with implants avoiding any preparation of the neighbouring teeth.
What Happens at Your Smile Consultation
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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 securely 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 many years. The crown on top may need replacing after 15 to 20 years, but the titanium post itself is a fixed, non-removable solution. 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 irreversibly 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 advanced 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.