SW3 Dental · King's Road, Chelsea
When a tooth is lost, the right way to replace it is rarely obvious. We set out how each option works, what it asks of the neighbouring teeth and bone, and how they differ in care, time and investment.
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Each way of replacing a tooth asks something different of you. An implant asks for time and a minor surgical step. A bridge asks something of the teeth beside the gap. A partial denture asks for a little daily handling. Understanding those trade-offs, rather than simply comparing prices, tends to lead to a decision you remain comfortable with.
(1) The implant replaces the root and supports its own crown. (2) The bridge is anchored to the two prepared neighbouring teeth, its central tooth resting on the gum. (3) The partial denture rests on the gum and is retained by clasps. Illustration only.
A titanium fixture is placed in the jawbone and allowed to integrate before a crown is attached. It is entirely self-supporting.
From £2,750The adjacent teeth are prepared to receive crowns, which carry a replacement tooth spanning the gap. It is cemented and not removable.
Quoted individuallyA replacement tooth on a slim base, retained by clasps. It involves little or no alteration to your own teeth and can be removed at will.
Quoted individually| Implant | Bridge | Partial denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed or removable | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
| Effect on adjacent teeth | None | Prepared for crowns | Clasps rest against them |
| Support for the jawbone | Transmits biting forces to the bone | None beneath the gap | None beneath the gap |
| Daily care | As for a natural tooth | Cleaning beneath the false tooth | Removed and cleaned separately |
| Typical timescale | Several months | A few weeks | A few weeks |
| Investment | Highest initial cost – from £2,750 | Quoted individually | Usually the lowest – quoted individually |
All three can be made to look natural. An implant crown emerges from the gum much as a tooth does. A bridge looks similar from the front, although its central tooth sits on the gum rather than in it. With a partial denture, the clasps may be visible on some teeth; where possible they are positioned to be less noticeable, and this is discussed during design.
"A bridge is just a cheaper implant." Myth. They work in different ways: a bridge borrows support from neighbouring teeth, whereas an implant draws support from the bone.
"Dentures are only for older people." Myth. A partial denture is a sensible option at any adult age, sometimes as an interim step.
"Choosing a bridge rules out an implant later." Not necessarily. It depends on the bone and the teeth involved at the time.
"An implant suits everyone with a gap." Myth. Gum health, smoking, diabetes and bone can all affect healing and suitability, and each person is assessed individually.
Dr Antikleia Nalmpanti (GDC No. 200008) has 16 years of experience in private practice, with a special interest in dental implants, full-arch rehabilitation, aesthetic dentistry and prosthetics. Meet the team.
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0% finance on orthodontics, implants and cosmetic treatment through Tabeo, subject to status.
An implant crown and a well-made bridge are usually indistinguishable from natural teeth in conversation. A partial denture can be very discreet too, depending on where the clasps sit.
An implant is cleaned like a natural tooth. A bridge needs cleaning beneath the false tooth. A denture is removed and cleaned separately, and your own teeth brushed as usual. All three need regular examinations.
There is no fixed deadline, but over time neighbouring teeth can drift, the opposing tooth can over-erupt and the bone can shrink. Discussing options sooner keeps more of them open.
Yes. Implants can secure a denture or support a full arch with All-on-4, from £6,495 per arch.
The implant consultation is £75. A single implant and crown starts from £2,750; bridges and dentures are quoted individually after examination. 0% finance through Tabeo is available, subject to status. See our fees.
Related: Dental implants · Single tooth implants · Implant-retained dentures · General dentistry · Implant costs · Fees
At 295 King's Road, Chelsea. Read more about dental implants, single tooth implants and our general dentistry.
SW3 Dental is part of a group of three practices with Waterloo Dental & Orthodontics (SE1) and Croydon Dental Practice & Addiscombe Orthodontics (CR0).
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