Missing teeth treatment UK 2026: implants, bridges, dentures, and abroad options

Losing a tooth — or multiple teeth — is one of the most common dental problems adults face. The good news is that replacement options are well established and range from the straightforward to the highly sophisticated. The challenge for most UK patients is understanding which option suits their situation and what it will actually cost.

This page covers every main replacement route — implants, bridges, and dentures — and explains NHS eligibility, UK private costs, and how Vietnam compares for patients considering dental tourism.

Treatment options at a glance

Three categories of treatment replace missing teeth. Each involves a different physical approach, longevity, and cost level.

Dental implants

An implant is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone. Once it fuses with bone (usually 3–6 months), a ceramic crown is attached. The result looks and functions like a natural tooth and, critically, it replaces the root — stimulating the jawbone to prevent the gradual bone loss that follows extraction.

Pros: Natural look and feel, preserves bone, does not involve adjacent teeth, longest lifespan.

Cons: Highest upfront cost, requires a minor surgical procedure, two appointments if two-trip protocol, not suitable when bone volume is severely insufficient without grafting first.

Dental bridges

A bridge suspends an artificial tooth between two crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap. It is fixed (not removable) and looks natural. No surgery is required.

Pros: Fixed solution, faster treatment than implants, available on NHS.

Cons: The adjacent teeth must be ground down to accommodate the crowns even if they are otherwise healthy. If those supporting teeth later fail, the bridge fails too. Does not prevent bone loss under the gap.

Removable dentures

A denture is a plate of replacement teeth made from acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal (cobalt chrome). It clips onto or rests against existing teeth and gums.

Pros: Least expensive, available on NHS, no surgery, easy to adjust as the mouth changes.

Cons: Removable (must come out for cleaning), can move during eating, feels less natural, does not prevent bone resorption, may need relining over time as the jaw changes shape.

NHS coverage for missing teeth

NHS dental treatment in England is charged in Bands. Band 3 (GBP 332.10) covers bridges, crowns, and dentures in a single course of treatment — meaning you pay GBP 332.10 regardless of how many units are fitted in that course.

Dental implants are not covered by NHS England for routine tooth replacement. Patients in Scotland receive most NHS dentistry free; Wales and Northern Ireland have their own charge structures.

Key NHS point: If your dentist believes a bridge or denture is clinically appropriate, you can access that treatment at Band 3 rates. If you want an implant, you will pay privately.

UK private cost comparison

Prices vary considerably by region, with London and the South East at the higher end.

When to choose each option

Single missing tooth — implant is usually best. If you have adequate bone and the adjacent teeth are healthy, there is no clinical reason to grind them down for a bridge. A single implant preserves the surrounding teeth and lasts longest.

Multiple adjacent missing teeth — bridge or implant-supported bridge. Three or four consecutive missing teeth can sometimes be bridged with fewer implant fixtures using an implant-supported bridge. Your clinician reviews the bone density and gap pattern.

Many missing teeth or tight budget — denture first. An NHS or low-cost private denture can restore function and appearance while you decide on more permanent solutions. Many patients use a denture as a transitional option.

All teeth missing — All-on-4 or All-on-6. See section below.

Missing all teeth: All-on-4 and All-on-6

All-on-4 is a surgical technique where a full arch of fixed ceramic teeth is anchored to just four implants. All-on-6 uses six implants for additional stability and load distribution — preferred when bone allows it. Both techniques typically provide same-day temporary teeth.

In the UK, All-on-4 per arch costs GBP 12,000–18,000 privately. Traditional full dentures under NHS Band 3 cost GBP 332.10 per course of treatment but do not restore the fixed, bone-preserving benefits of implants.

Picasso Vietnam — All-on-4 and All-on-6 pricing

Vietnam as a cost-effective option

For patients who want implants but cannot afford UK private prices, dental tourism to Vietnam is one of the most cost-effective routes available. Picasso Dental Clinic is based in Hanoi and uses internationally recognised implant brands — Nobel Biocare, Osstem, Straumann — with CBCT scanning and itemised written quotes in GBP.

Single implant savings

Flight and accommodation for a Hanoi trip typically adds GBP 700–1,200. For patients needing two or more implants, the savings exceed travel costs by a significant margin.

Full pricing detail at /pricing/.

Stay local if…

• You need a single implant and have a trusted local dentist offering competitive pricing — the savings may not justify travel.
• You have an active infection or medical condition that requires close monitoring by your own GP and dental team.
• You are unable to travel comfortably due to health or mobility restrictions.
• You want the simplicity of NHS dentures or a bridge and have no preference for implants.
• You have severe bone loss requiring staged grafting procedures across many months — this is manageable abroad but complex in scheduling.

Next steps

• Read about dental implants — brands, pricing, and what the procedure involves
• Explore All-on-4 and All-on-6 for full-arch replacement
• Learn about bridges if you prefer a non-surgical fixed option
• Read about dentures for the most accessible replacement route
• Request a free quote — describe your missing teeth and Picasso will send a written treatment plan with GBP prices before you decide anything