Both replace missing teeth with a fixed, permanent result — but implants and bridges work in fundamentally different ways. An implant replaces the root and crown independently. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth for support. The right choice depends on your bone, your teeth and your clinical situation.
Implant From
£2,950
Bridge From
£2,985
Consultation
FREE
If you are missing a tooth and considering your replacement options, dental implants and dental bridges are two of the most effective fixed solutions. Both restore your ability to eat, speak and smile with confidence — but they work in fundamentally different ways.
A dental implant replaces the entire tooth — root and crown — independently, without touching the teeth on either side. A bridge uses the neighbouring teeth as anchors, placing crowns on them to support a false tooth in the gap. Both are part of our comprehensive restorative dentistry services, and the right choice depends on your jawbone, the health of your adjacent teeth and your individual clinical situation.
We offer a free 15-minute implant consultation so you can discuss your options with no cost and no obligation — book online or call us on 020 7183 0527.
At a Glance
Dental implants vs bridges — side by side.
| Feature | Dental Implant · From £2,950 | Dental Bridge · From £2,985 |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Method | Titanium root placed in jawbone — independent of other teeth | False tooth held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth |
| Impact on Adjacent Teeth | None — neighbouring teeth left completely untouched | Adjacent teeth filed down to support crowns |
| Procedure Type | Minor oral surgery under local anaesthetic | Non-surgical — tooth preparation and cementation |
| Treatment Time | 3–6 months (including healing) | 2–3 weeks (2 appointments) |
| Bone Preservation | Yes — stimulates jawbone like a natural root | No — bone in the gap gradually resorbs |
| Aesthetics | Excellent — porcelain crown, individually shade-matched | Very good — all-ceramic, shade-matched |
| Cost at Our Clinic | From £2,950 (single implant inc. crown) | From £2,985 (3-unit bridge for 1 tooth) |
| Longevity | 25+ years (implant); 15–25 years (crown on top) | 15–25 years with good care |
| Suitability | Sufficient jawbone, good general health, non-heavy smokers | Healthy, strong teeth on both sides of the gap |
Treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical assessment. All prices confirmed before treatment begins.
Permanent Tooth Replacement
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the bone in a natural process called osseointegration, creating an extremely strong foundation. A custom-made porcelain crown is then attached, completing the restoration.
At Dental Clinic London, a single dental implant including the crown costs from £2,950. The titanium implant itself is designed for long-term use; the porcelain crown on top may need replacing after 15–25 years. Published clinical studies report implant success rates of approximately 95–98% over 10 years.
Crucially, implants are the only widely used tooth replacement that actively stimulates and preserves jawbone. They stimulate the bone just like a natural root, preventing the bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. Neighbouring teeth are left completely untouched.
Fixed Tooth Replacement
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth (pontic) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The supporting teeth are crowned, and the bridge is cemented permanently in place — there is nothing to remove.
At Dental Clinic London, bridges are priced per unit (each crown or pontic) at from £995. A typical 3-unit bridge replacing 1 missing tooth costs from £2,985. A more conservative Maryland bridge starts from £1,030. All bridges are 100% metal-free, crafted from zirconia or porcelain ceramics.
Bridges are completed in just 2 appointments over 1–2 weeks — significantly faster than implants. With good care, a well-made bridge typically lasts 15–25 years. For patients who are not candidates for implant surgery, or who prefer a non-surgical solution, a bridge is an excellent fixed alternative.
Understanding the Difference
This is the most significant difference. A dental implant stands independently in the jawbone — it does not touch, alter or rely on any neighbouring teeth. A bridge requires the teeth on either side of the gap to be filed down (1.5–2 mm all around) and crowned. If those adjacent teeth are healthy and untouched, preparing them for a bridge means removing healthy tooth structure that cannot be replaced. For this reason, implants are often preferred when the adjacent teeth are in good condition.
Dental implants are the longest-lasting widely used tooth replacement. The titanium implant itself is designed for long-term use with good care; the porcelain crown on top may need replacing after 15–25 years. Bridges typically last 15–25 years — still very durable, but eventually the supporting teeth or the bridge itself may need attention. Over a patient's lifetime, an implant often proves more cost-effective because it avoids repeated replacements.
A bridge is significantly faster — completed in 2 appointments over 1–2 weeks, with no surgery. An implant requires a minor surgical procedure, followed by 3–6 months of healing while the implant fuses with the jawbone. In some cases, same-day temporary teeth are possible. If bone grafting is needed, this adds further time. For patients who need a result quickly, a bridge delivers a fixed solution in weeks rather than months.
At Dental Clinic London, a single implant including the crown costs from £2,950; a 3-unit bridge costs from £2,985. The upfront costs are very similar for a single tooth. However, bone grafting (from £750) or a sinus lift (from £1,200) can increase the implant cost if needed. A Maryland bridge (from £1,030) is the most affordable fixed option for a single missing front tooth. 0% finance is available on selected treatments.
Implants require sufficient jawbone volume to anchor securely — if bone has been lost, grafting can rebuild it but adds time and cost. Bridges require strong, healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. If the adjacent teeth are weak, heavily restored or missing, a bridge may not be possible. Your dentist will assess your bone, gums and teeth to determine which option suits your situation.
Weighing Up
Advantages
Limitations
Advantages
Limitations
Transparent Pricing
Prices at Dental Clinic London. View our complete fee guide for all treatment pricing.
| Treatment | Price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Free Implant Consultation (15 min)Discuss options with a dentist — no obligation | FREE | 15 min |
| New Patient ExaminationFull assessment, X-rays & treatment plan | £30 | 1 visit |
| Maryland Bridge (resin bonded)Conservative — minimal tooth preparation | From £1,030 | 1–2 weeks |
| 3-Unit Bridge (1 missing tooth)2 supporting crowns + 1 false tooth | From £2,985 | 1–2 weeks |
| Single Dental Implant (inc. crown)Titanium implant, abutment & porcelain crown | From £2,950 | 3–6 months |
| Implant-Supported Bridge2 implants + bridge — no natural teeth prepared | From £5,900 | 3–6 months |
| Bone Graft (if required)Rebuild jawbone volume before implant placement | From £750 | +3–6 months |
All costs confirmed before treatment begins. 0% finance available on selected treatments, subject to status.
Making Your Decision
The right choice depends on your jawbone, the health of your adjacent teeth and your personal priorities. Here is a general guide — your dentist will confirm the best approach following examination.
If the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and untouched, a dental implant is the preferred choice. It replaces the missing tooth independently — no neighbouring teeth are drilled, crowned or altered in any way. A bridge requires those healthy teeth to be permanently prepared, removing 1.5–2 mm of structure from each. Once removed, that tooth structure cannot be replaced.
A tooth-supported bridge is completed in just 2 appointments over 1–2 weeks — no surgery, no extended healing. An implant requires 3–6 months from placement to final crown (longer if bone grafting is needed). For patients who need a fixed result quickly — or who prefer to avoid surgery — a bridge delivers an excellent outcome in a fraction of the time.
Dental implants are the longest-lasting widely used tooth replacement. The titanium implant is designed for long-term use, and implants also preserve jawbone — preventing the bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. Bridges last 15–25 years and do not prevent bone resorption. Over a patient's lifetime, an implant often proves more cost-effective by avoiding repeated replacements.
For a single missing front tooth, a Maryland bridge (from £1,030) is the most affordable fixed option — and it requires minimal tooth preparation. A traditional 3-unit bridge (from £2,985) and a single implant (from £2,950) are comparable in cost for one missing tooth. For patients replacing multiple adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge (from £5,900) may be more cost-effective than multiple individual implants.
For patients who have lost most or all teeth, dentures or a smile makeover may also be considered. All options are discussed as part of our general dentistry services.
Common Questions
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Book a free 15-minute implant consultation at Dental Clinic London. Your private dentist will assess your teeth, jawbone and overall suitability and recommend the most appropriate option — whether that is an implant, a bridge or something else entirely. No cost, no obligation.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. All treatment outcomes vary by patient. Prices shown are starting prices and may vary depending on complexity. Dental Clinic London is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).