Implants vs Bridges – Ultimate Comparison Guide
Whether you’re looking to replace a single missing tooth or a few in a row, you’ll no doubt be considering and weighing up your options between dental implants and dental bridges.
Find us: MyoDental 40 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8AB.
Both are trusted and traditional options, but they differ greatly in how they’re fitted, how they function and how they support your oral health long term.
So if you’re making a decision that’s not based solely on cost, read our guide below to learn which type of prosthetic is best suited to your lifestyle and goals. Have a question? Email us at hello@myodental.co.uk.
Comparison of both treatments at a glance
Comparing the pros and cons
The advantages and limitations of each treatment:
Dental bridges
✅ Typically covered by insurance
✅ Doesn’t require surgery or bone grafting
✅ Lower upfront costs compared to implants
✅ Takes 2-3 dental visits over a few weeks
❌ Requires more frequent replacements or repairs (5-15 years durable)
❌ Loses natural-looking appearance with wear
❌ Adjacent teeth are more susceptible to decay and cavities
❌ Requires changes and damage to healthy teeth neighbouring the missing tooth
Dental implants
✅ Can last up to 30 years (the implant itself will likely never need replacing)
✅ Most natural-looking tooth replacement
✅ Does not rely on the support or damage of adjacent teeth
✅ Has a high success rate (97% successful after 10 years)
✅ Can be more cost-effective long-term compared to bridges
❌ Less likely to be covered by insurance, but possible
❌ Longer process (around 3 months for the implant to fuse with the bone)
❌ Requires a higher upfront cost
❌ More invasive surgical procedure
Comparing the cost (Weybridge)
- Dental bridges cost from £850
- Dental implants cost from £2,150
- Dental implant bridges cost from £3,600 (2-5 teeth)
Dental bridges offer a lower upfront cost than implants. The price of £850 is often per pontic and typically does not cover the cost of the crown, which could be an additional £850.
However, dental insurance is more likely to cover some portion of the cost. Want to book an appointment? Call MyoDental on 01932 989785.
That said, the cost of bridges can depend on the number of teeth that need replacing, the type of bridge, dental crowns and the materials used. Over time, you’ll also likely spend more money on repairs and renewals.
Dental implants might feel like a higher initial investment, but your £2,150 fee covers the cost of the implant, abutment and crown.
Plus, dental implants tend to age better than bridges and do not require as frequent replacement, if at all. Dental implants for multiple teeth cost from £3,600.
Both treatments are available on finance. See dental implant finance examples.
Comparing the procedure
The procedures are very different because dental implants use a small titanium screw that acts as an artificial tooth root and is placed into your jawbone.
Dental bridges sit on top of the gums and use adjacent teeth for support, which means they can be placed more quickly but are not as stable.
The dental implant procedure will take 1 appointment to place your implant, another for the abutment, and a final one to fit your final tooth.
The entire process can take up to 3 months to allow the implant to fuse with the bone in your jaw. Temporary teeth can be placed in the meantime.
Comparing stability and longevity
Because dental implants are anchored directly into the bone in your jaw, they provide the best stability and strength compared to any other existing tooth replacement method.
The implant itself can last a lifetime, but the dental crowns may show signs of wear over time, and typically might need replacing between 10 and 20 years.
Dental bridges rely on the strength of your supporting teeth as they are adhered to them, so their durability and stability depend on the health of these adjacent teeth.
Dental bridges do not provide the same level of stability and support as implants, but you can expect them to last between 5 and 15 years.
