- 223 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8XH
- 020 7928 5844
- 223 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8XH
Patient guide · Missing teeth · Waterloo, SE1
There are three established ways to replace a missing tooth, and each has real trade-offs in time, cost and day-to-day care. Here is a straightforward comparison, with our Waterloo prices, so you can choose what fits your life.
A missing tooth can be replaced with an implant and crown, a fixed bridge or a removable partial denture. None of them is right for everyone. The choice usually comes down to four things: whether you want something fixed, how healthy the teeth next to the gap are, the state of the bone underneath, and how much time and budget you have.
1. An implant replaces the root and carries its own crown. 2. A bridge is fixed to the shaped teeth either side, with the false tooth resting on the gum. 3. A partial denture sits on the gum and hooks onto nearby teeth with clasps. Illustration only.
A titanium post is placed in the jawbone and left to bond with it, then a crown is fitted to it. It stands on its own, so the teeth either side are left alone.
The teeth either side of the gap are shaped and crowned, and a false tooth is joined between them. It is cemented in place, so it does not come out.
A false tooth on a plastic or metal base, held in place by small clasps around nearby teeth. You take it out to clean it and usually overnight.
| Implant | Bridge | Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed or removable | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
| Neighbouring teeth | Left untouched | Shaped to carry crowns | Clasps rest on them |
| Bone support | Helps keep the bone in use | Does not replace the root | Does not replace the root |
| Cleaning | Brush and clean between, like a natural tooth | Thread floss or a small brush under the false tooth | Take out and clean daily, plus brush your own teeth |
| Time to finish | Usually a few months, for bone healing | Often a few weeks | Often a few weeks |
| Cost level | Highest – from £2,250 | Middle – from £725 per unit | Lowest – from £350 (acrylic), £1,000 (chrome) |
A bridge for one gap usually involves two or three units. "From" prices are a starting point – your written quote lists every item before you decide.
An implant suits people who prefer not to rely on other teeth, and who can allow a few months and a short surgical step.
If they would benefit from crowns anyway, a bridge can make sense, because shaping them serves two purposes.
A partial denture is quicker and costs less upfront. It can also be a stepping stone while you save or plan for an implant.
Tell us at the start. We set out how many visits each option needs, so you can compare the time as well as the price.
At an implant consultation, Dr Anti examines the gap, looks at your scan with you and talks through every option, not just implants. You leave with a written quote, so you can think it over on the train home. You can read more about dental implants or our crowns, bridges and dentures.
See Dr Anti's profile, our dental implants page and all fees.
Often, yes. Many people wear a partial denture while they plan or save for an implant. The sooner we check the bone, the clearer your options will be.
Fitting a conventional bridge means removing some of the outer surface of the neighbouring teeth so crowns can sit on them. We explain exactly what is involved for your teeth before you decide.
All three need good care and regular check-ups. With good care an implant can last many years; bridges and dentures may need remaking at some point. We will talk about what to expect in your case.
Two implants can support a bridge of several teeth. Read about implant bridges.
On the NHS, implants are very rarely an option. Bridges and dentures may be, depending on clinical need, and we can explain the NHS and private routes at your appointment.
Related: Single implants · Implant bridges · Implant-retained dentures · Crowns, bridges and dentures · Implant costs · All fees
Book a £75 implant consultation at 223 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8XH, near Waterloo station. We go through implants, bridges and dentures and give you a written quote.