If you've lost one or more teeth, you've probably been told you have two main choices: a dental bridge or a dental implant. Both restore the visible smile, both let you eat normally, but the long-term picture is very different. Here's what we tell our international patients during free consultations.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a row of artificial teeth (called pontics) attached to crowns that are cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The neighbouring teeth — the "abutments" — are filed down to make room for the crowns. The bridge is then bonded in place as a single piece.
What is a dental implant?
An implant is a titanium screw placed surgically into the jawbone where the missing tooth was. After 3–6 months of healing (osseointegration), a custom crown is fixed on top. The implant replaces the entire tooth — root and all.
Where they differ
- Bone preservation: implants stimulate the jawbone like a natural tooth root. Bridges don't — the bone under the gap continues to shrink over time.
- Neighbouring teeth: bridges require filing down healthy adjacent teeth. Implants don't touch them at all.
- Longevity: a well-placed implant typically lasts 20+ years (often a lifetime). Bridges average 10–15 years before they need replacing.
- Cost: bridges are cheaper upfront (€600–€900 for a 3-unit bridge at Swedish Clinic). Implants start at €299 per implant, plus crown (around €180–€220) — a higher first investment that pays back in longevity.
- Treatment time: bridges can be completed in 1 week. Implants take 5 days for the surgery, then a return visit 3–6 months later for the crown.
Which is right for you?
For most adults with healthy bone and one or two missing teeth, implants are the modern gold standard — they preserve the jawbone, don't damage neighbours, and last decades. Bridges still make sense in three situations: when the neighbouring teeth already need crowns anyway, when bone loss makes implants impractical (and grafting isn't an option), or when budget is the deciding factor.
The honest answer comes from your specific case — bone density, gap size, age, budget, and timeline. Share your X-rays via WhatsApp and we'll send you both quotes within 24 hours, with a clear recommendation.
