Missing a Tooth? Dental Implant vs Bridge vs Denture Compared

Clinically reviewed by Dr Shaheen Alghofari, GDC-registered dentist (GDC no. 318372) at Twilight Dental, Leeds. Thinking about replacing a tooth? See dental implants, dentures and crowns and bridges in Leeds.

Why replace a missing tooth at all?

A gap is not only about appearance. Over time, neighbouring teeth can drift or tip into the space, the opposing tooth can over-erupt, and your bite can change. Losing back teeth puts more load on the ones that remain. Where a tooth has gone, the jawbone underneath also gradually shrinks. Replacing the tooth helps protect the rest of your mouth.

Dental implants

An implant is a small titanium (or occasionally ceramic) post placed into the jawbone. Over a few months the bone bonds to it, and a crown is then fitted on top. It is the closest thing to a natural tooth.

• Pros: does not involve the teeth either side; feels and functions like a natural tooth; helps preserve bone; with good care can last for decades.
• Cons: needs enough healthy bone (bone grafting may be needed first); involves minor surgery; usually takes three to six months from start to finish; the highest upfront cost of the three options.
• Best for: healthy adults with good gum health who want a long-term, fixed result, especially where the neighbouring teeth are healthy.

Bridges

A conventional bridge is a false tooth attached to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. An adhesive (Maryland) bridge is bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth with little or no drilling, and suits some front-tooth gaps.

• Pros: fixed in place; no surgery; usually completed in two or three visits.
• Cons: a conventional bridge means reshaping the teeth either side, which is a good trade-off if they already have large fillings but not if they are untouched; cleaning underneath needs special floss or brushes; does not stop bone loss under the gap.
• Best for: people who want a fixed tooth quickly, or whose neighbouring teeth would benefit from crowns anyway.

Dentures

A denture is a removable plate carrying one or more false teeth. Partial dentures clip onto your remaining teeth; full dentures replace a whole arch. Dentures can also be clipped onto implants for much better stability.

• Pros: no surgery or drilling; can replace several teeth at once; the most affordable option; easy to add teeth to later.
• Cons: removable, so less stable than fixed options; takes some getting used to; needs relining or replacing as your gums change.
• Best for: replacing several teeth, people who want to avoid surgery, or as a stepping stone while you plan an implant.

Which one is right for me?

There is no single best answer. The questions we work through with you are: how healthy are your gums and the neighbouring teeth? Is there enough bone for an implant? Do you want something fixed or are you happy with removable? How quickly do you need the gap filled? And what fits your budget? Some patients start with a denture and move to an implant later. Others choose a bridge because the neighbouring teeth already need crowns.

Whatever you choose, keeping your gums healthy is what makes it last. Regular hygiene visits and check-ups matter even more once you have a replacement tooth.

Getting advice in Leeds

At Twilight Dental in Woodhouse, LS6, a £24 new patient consultation (until 10pm) includes an examination, the X-rays needed and a written plan that sets out the suitable options and their costs side by side. Evening appointments are available seven days a week, so you do not need to take time off work. Our price list is published online.