You’ve lost a tooth — or several — and your dentist has mentioned three different ways to replace them: dental implants, a dental bridge, or dentures. Each option works, each has trade-offs, and each costs a different amount.
This guide walks through all three in plain English, with transparent Dublin pricing from Empire Clinic, so you can decide which is right for your mouth, your timeline, and your budget.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
Before we dive into details, here’s the short version:
- Dental implant — the gold-standard. Looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth. Lasts 20+ years. From €1,500 per tooth at Empire Clinic.
- Dental bridge — fixed solution that uses neighbouring teeth as anchors. Faster than an implant. Lasts 7–15 years. From €1,200.
- Dentures — removable replacement teeth. Cheapest and quickest option. Lasts 5–10 years before reline/replacement. From €450.
Now let’s look at each in detail.
Option 1: Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root, topped with a custom crown. It’s the only option that replaces both the root and the visible tooth — which is why it’s considered the gold standard for permanent tooth replacement.
How it works
- The implant (a small titanium screw) is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic.
- Over 3–6 months, the bone fuses to the implant (osseointegration).
- A custom zirconia crown is then fitted on top.
Pros
- Looks and feels exactly like a natural tooth
- Doesn’t damage or rely on neighbouring teeth
- Prevents jawbone loss (the implant stimulates the bone like a real root)
- Lasts 20+ years, often a lifetime
- You eat, smile, and brush normally
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires surgery and 3–6 months of healing
- Needs adequate jawbone — sometimes a bone graft is required first
Cost at Empire Clinic
- Implant (titanium screw): €650
- Crown on implant: €650
- Implant with crown (limited offer): €1,500
- All-on-4 (full arch): €6,500
- All-on-6 (full arch): €8,000
Option 2: Dental Bridge
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Those healthy teeth are shaped into “abutments” that hold crowns, with the replacement tooth fixed in between.
How it works
- The dentist files down the two neighbouring teeth on either side of the gap.
- Impressions are taken and a custom 3-unit bridge is made.
- The bridge is permanently cemented in place — usually within 2–3 weeks.
Pros
- Faster than implants — done in 2–3 weeks, no surgery
- Lower upfront cost than implants
- Fixed in place — you don’t remove it
- Looks natural when made in zirconia or porcelain
Cons
- Requires grinding down healthy teeth (irreversible)
- Doesn’t prevent jawbone loss in the gap area — bone shrinks over time
- Anchor teeth are now at higher risk of decay underneath
- Lifespan: 7–15 years, then needs replacement
- Harder to clean — flossing requires a special threader
Cost at Empire Clinic
- 3-unit bridge (metalo-ceramic / zirconium): from €1,200
For replacing 3+ teeth, an implant bridge combines the strengths of both — bridge spans supported by implants instead of natural teeth.
Option 3: Dentures
Dentures are removable replacement teeth that sit on the gum. They’ve come a long way from the clunky options of decades past — modern dentures are slim, comfortable, and natural-looking. They can replace a few teeth (partial denture) or a whole arch (full denture).
How they work
- Impressions of your mouth are taken.
- The denture is fabricated in a dental lab — usually within 2–4 weeks.
- You take them in and out for cleaning, and overnight.
Pros
- Cheapest option by far
- No surgery, no drilling of healthy teeth
- Can replace any number of missing teeth in one go
- Reversible — you can switch to bridge or implants later
- Good temporary option while saving for implants
Cons
- Removable — must be taken out for cleaning and at night
- Less stable than fixed options — can slip while eating tough foods
- Don’t prevent jawbone loss; over time your face may look more “sunken”
- Need adjustments or relining every 2–5 years as your gums change shape
- Lifespan: 5–10 years for the denture itself
Cost at Empire Clinic
- Acrylic dentures: from €450
- Metallic (chrome-cobalt) dentures: from €800
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Implant | Bridge | Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (per tooth/unit) | From €1,500 | From €1,200 | From €450 |
| Lifespan | 20+ years | 7–15 years | 5–10 years |
| Surgery required | Yes | No | No |
| Treatment time | 3–6 months | 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Damages neighbouring teeth | No | Yes | No |
| Prevents bone loss | Yes | No | No |
| Feels like natural tooth | Yes | Mostly | No (removable) |
| Cleaning | Brush + floss normally | Floss threader needed | Soak overnight |
| 20% tax relief eligible | Yes | Yes (non-routine) | Yes (non-routine) |
Which Option Is Right for You?
There’s no single “best” answer — it depends on your mouth and your priorities. Use these guidelines:
Choose an implant if…
- You want the most durable, longest-lasting solution
- The teeth either side of your gap are healthy (you don’t want to grind them down)
- You want to preserve jawbone
- You can afford the higher upfront cost and 3–6 month timeline
Choose a bridge if…
- You need a fixed solution quickly (weeks, not months)
- The neighbouring teeth already have crowns or large fillings
- You don’t want surgery
- An implant isn’t possible due to medical conditions or insufficient bone
Choose dentures if…
- You’re replacing many teeth at once
- Cost is the primary concern
- You want a non-surgical option
- You’re not ready to commit to a permanent solution yet
The hybrid option: implant-supported dentures
If you need a full arch but find traditional dentures uncomfortable or unstable, All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants give you a fixed, denture-style full arch supported by just 4 or 6 implants. Best of both worlds — full arch replacement with implant stability.
20% Tax Relief — Available on All Three
One important thing: all three options qualify as non-routine dental treatment under Irish tax law, so you can claim a 20% refund through Revenue. Whatever you pay, you get one-fifth back.
We provide a completed Med 2 form after treatment which you submit with your annual tax return via Revenue’s myAccount portal. Refunds come back within weeks.
For the full breakdown of implant costs and tax relief, see our Dental Implants Cost in Dublin 2026 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a denture to an implant later?
Yes. Dentures are reversible — many patients use them as a temporary solution while saving for implants. Just be aware that the longer you wear a denture, the more jawbone you lose, which may require a bone graft before implants can be placed.
Are implants painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. Most patients report less discomfort than a tooth extraction. Mild soreness for 3–5 days is normal and managed with regular painkillers.
How long do implants take from start to finish?
Typically 3–6 months. The implant is placed in one visit (about an hour), then 3–4 months of healing for osseointegration, followed by 2–3 visits to fit the final crown. Same-day temporary crowns can be fitted in many cases so you’re never without a visible tooth.
What if I have no bone left for an implant?
Bone grafting can rebuild jaw volume in most cases. We confirm this during the CBCT scan at your consultation. If a graft is needed, healing takes an additional 3–4 months before the implant goes in.
Will bridges damage my healthy teeth?
The two teeth supporting the bridge must be filed down to make room for the crowns — this is irreversible. The teeth are also at higher risk of decay underneath the bridge, since the join can trap plaque. This is why we recommend implants when possible — they don’t touch the neighbouring teeth.
Do dentures hurt?
The first 1–2 weeks of wearing new dentures involve some adjustment — minor soreness and some practice eating. Most patients adapt within a month. If pain persists, we adjust the fit.
Can I get a payment plan?
Yes — we offer flexible payment plans for implants, bridges, and All-on-4 cases. Ask at your consultation.
Book Your Free Consultation in Dublin
The right choice for you depends on your mouth, your jawbone, your medical history, and your priorities. The only way to get a tailored recommendation is a proper consultation — which is free at Empire Clinic, with no obligation.
Trusted by Dublin patients — see Google reviews
A big thank you to Dr. Amar and every member of the team for their kindness and professionalism. If you want a healthy and beautiful smile, I highly recommend them!
My experience are absolutely brilliant
Doctor Ammar Mohamed is just amazing,he was super helpful and funny during my visits,as I was so stressed.
I would like to say big Thank you
Very reasonable and productive response. Very good service overall. Reasonable pricing and value for money . Highly recommend
Super doctor--GARDEN
I recommend this clinic. Excellent service and staff. Dr. Ayad is super, a professional.
