Implants vs Bridges vs Dentures: How to Choose

If you are missing a tooth, or several, there are three main options: a dental implant, a bridge or a denture. Each is right for some people.
Dental implants
A titanium post placed in the jaw supports a crown, bridge or denture.
- Good for: replacing a tooth without touching its neighbours, and supporting the jaw
- Trade-offs: a minor surgical stage and a longer overall timeline
More on dental implants.
Dental bridges
A false tooth is attached to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap.
- Good for: a fixed replacement without surgery, often in fewer visits
- Trade-offs: the neighbouring teeth must be shaped to hold the crowns
More on dental bridges.
Dentures
A removable set of replacement teeth, either a full or partial denture.
- Good for: replacing several or all teeth without surgery, and easy to adjust
- Trade-offs: they are removable, and can feel different at first
More on dentures. Dentures can also be secured with implants for extra stability.
Which should I choose?
There is no single best answer. The right one depends on:
- How many teeth are missing and where
- The health of your remaining teeth and gums
- The amount of jawbone
- Your preferences on timeline, surgery and maintenance
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Which options are suitable for my mouth?
- What are the stages and how long will each take?
- What will each option cost in total?
- How do I look after it long term?
We will go through these with you and put the plan in writing. To start, make an enquiry and tell us what you are thinking.
