Implants, Dentures or a Bridge? Replacing Missing Teeth Explained

There are three main ways to replace a missing tooth, and the right one is different for every patient. Implants, bridges, and dentures all work, and each has real advantages depending on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the surrounding teeth and bone, your budget, and whether you want something fixed in place or removable.

This guide goes through each option honestly, compares them side by side, and explains how the team at Somerhill Smiles in Hove helps patients make the right decision for their specific situation.

Dental implants

An implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone over a period of months. A crown, bridge, or denture is then attached to the top. The result is a fixed, stable restoration that does not rely on adjacent teeth for support and preserves the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth, which no other option does.

Implants are the longest-lasting option and the one that feels most like a natural tooth. They involve a surgical procedure, a longer treatment timeline, and a higher upfront cost. Our dental implants page and dental implants Hove page cover the full range of implant options and what treatment involves. For cost information, see our dental implant cost guide.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. Full dentures replace an entire arch. Partial dentures fill a gap while the remaining natural teeth stay in place. Modern dentures are considerably more comfortable and natural-looking than their reputation suggests, and they do not require surgery.

They are the most accessible option in terms of cost and treatment time. The trade-off is that they are removable, require some adjustment period, and do not preserve the jawbone the way an implant does.

Our dentures and dental bridges page covers the full range of denture options available at Somerhill Smiles, along with pricing. Our guide to denture costs and types goes through the differences between acrylic, flexible, and implant-retained dentures in more detail.

Dental bridges

A dental bridge fills a gap by suspending a false tooth between two crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side. Once fitted, a bridge is fixed in place. It does not shift when eating or speaking, and it functions much like a natural tooth. It is suitable when the anchor teeth are healthy and when one to three consecutive teeth need replacing.

Bridges do not require surgery, but they do require some preparation of the anchor teeth. They last ten to fifteen years with good care. They do not preserve the jawbone at the gap site, so some bone loss over time is expected.

For pricing and further detail, see the dentures and dental bridges page.

A side-by-side comparison

This table covers the main factors most patients weigh when deciding. Costs shown are typical starting figures and vary depending on case complexity.

	Implant	Bridge	Denture
Fixed or removable	Fixed	Fixed	Removable
Typical cost	From £2,242	£800 per unit	From £650
Longevity	20+ years	10 to 15 years	5 to 10 years
Surgery needed	Yes	No	No
Preserves jawbone	Yes	No	No
Best for	Single tooth or arch	One to three teeth	Multiple or all teeth

Implant prices at Somerhill Smiles start from £2,242.50. Bridge work is priced at £800 per unit. Acrylic dentures from £650, flexible dentures from £1,200.

How we help you decide at Somerhill Smiles

There is no single correct answer that applies to every patient. The right option depends on clinical factors your dentist assesses at the consultation: the condition of the surrounding teeth and bone, whether adjacent teeth already need crowns, your general health, and your preferences about treatment length, cost, and maintenance.

At Somerhill Smiles on Church Road, Hove, consultations for missing-tooth treatment are unhurried. Your dentist explains what each option involves, what it costs, how long it takes, and what the result will be, then gives you a recommendation based on your specific situation. Nothing is decided without your agreement.

To book a consultation, contact us or call 01273 059670. Full pricing for all options is on the plans and fees page.

Not sure which option is right for you? Book a consultation at Somerhill Smiles on Church Road, Hove. Your dentist will assess your teeth, explain your options, and give you an honest recommendation with no pressure to commit. Contact us or call 01273 059670.

Frequently asked questions about replacing missing teeth

What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?

For a single missing tooth with healthy surrounding bone and teeth, an implant is the most stable, longest-lasting solution. A bridge is a strong fixed option if the adjacent teeth already need crowns. A partial denture works well where several teeth are missing or implants are not appropriate. Your dentist will advise which suits your specific clinical situation at the consultation.

Can you replace teeth in a day?

Immediate or same-day solutions are possible in some cases, particularly with implant treatment where a temporary crown can sometimes be placed at the same appointment as the implant. Standard dentures and bridges typically require several appointments over a few weeks, as laboratory work is involved. Ask at your consultation whether immediate options are appropriate for your case.

Which option is cheapest for replacing missing teeth?

Dentures have the lowest starting cost: acrylic dentures from £650 at Somerhill Smiles. Bridges are priced at £800 per unit. Implants start from £2,242.50. Cost should be weighed alongside longevity: an implant lasting 20 years represents a different cost-per-year picture from a denture that may need replacing after five to ten. The denture cost guide and the implant cost guide both give full breakdowns.