Comparing a dental implant with a dental bridge? Here is how they differ on cost, neighbouring teeth, jawbone health and lifespan — and how to choose. Every option starts with a £40 consultation.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth on its own titanium root without touching the neighbouring teeth, and helps preserve the jawbone. A bridge is usually quicker and lower-cost but relies on filing down the adjacent teeth for support and does not protect the bone beneath the gap.
| Dental implants | Dental bridges | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher — from £2,800 per implant | Lower than a single implant |
| Neighbouring teeth | Left untouched | Adjacent teeth are filed down for support |
| Jawbone health | Helps preserve bone | Does not preserve bone under the gap |
| Lifespan | Can last many years with good care | Often needs replacing after several years |
| Treatment time | Usually 3–6 months | A few weeks |
| Best suited to | A long-term, standalone replacement | A quicker, lower-cost fixed option |
Most people can narrow it down from the table but not settle it — because the right answer depends on your bite, your bone and what you actually want to change. That's what the consultation is for. A £40 Smile Consultation gives you a written plan and an itemised quote, and it's redeemable against the cost of your treatment. No obligation.
An implant is often preferred when you want to avoid altering healthy neighbouring teeth, protect the jawbone, and have a long-term result that functions like a natural tooth.
A bridge can make sense when you prefer a quicker, lower-cost fixed option, or when the teeth either side of the gap already need crowns. You can see the full cost breakdown on our dental implants page and fees page, and spread the cost with 0% interest-free finance over 6 or 10 months via V12 Finance, subject to status. Tower Dental is a credit broker, not a lender.
Book a £40 consultation for a clear, written plan — no obligation.
Our GDC-registered clinical team publish in-depth dental guides — fully referenced with the latest academic research. From treatment guides to patient advice, our blog covers every aspect of dental health for patients across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.
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