Costs, price factors and 2026 schemes
Implant vs bridge vs denture: comparing the cost of replacing a missing tooth
How the up-front and long-term costs of an implant, a fixed bridge and a partial denture compare in Australia, with item numbers, fund benefits and an illustrative 15-year view.
When one tooth is missing, the three common replacements are an implant with a crown, a fixed bridge anchored to the neighbouring teeth, and a removable partial denture. On up-front cost, a partial denture is usually the cheapest and an implant the most expensive, with a bridge often in between, though a bridge can exceed an implant when it spans several teeth. Long-term cost depends on maintenance, repairs and replacement, and on how your extras policy treats each item. This guide compares the three on cost only, using item numbers and illustrative fees. Which option is clinically suitable for you is a decision for you and your dental practitioner. It is part of the implant cost overview.
What each option is made of
| Option | Typical ADA items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Implant and crown | 026 scan, 684 or 688 implant, 691 if two-stage, 661 abutment, 671–673 crown, sometimes 243 graft | Several stages over months |
| Three-unit fixed bridge | Two crowns on the neighbouring teeth (613 or 615) plus one pontic (643) | Neighbouring teeth are prepared for crowns |
| Resin-bonded bridge | 649 bonded retainer plus 643 pontic | Less tooth preparation; suitability limited |
| Partial denture, resin base | 721 (upper) or 722 (lower) | Removable; may be relined (744) over time |
| Partial denture, metal frame | 727 (upper) or 728 (lower) | Removable; usually more durable than resin |
Illustrative up-front costs
Fees below are illustrative only, chosen for arithmetic. Your quote will differ.
| Option | Illustrative fee | Fund benefit example | Your share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implant and crown (688, 661, 671 plus scan) | $5,800 | 60% capped at $1,500 major dental limit = $1,500 | $4,300 |
| Three-unit bridge (2 × 615 + 643) | $4,800 | 60% capped at $1,500 = $1,500 | $3,300 |
| Partial denture, metal frame (727) | $2,000 | 60% = $1,200 | $800 |
| Partial denture, resin (721) | $1,000 | 60% = $600 | $400 |
Notice that the annual limit, not the percentage, determines the benefit on the larger items. With a $1,500 limit, the implant and the bridge earn the same benefit even though the implant costs more. If a policy excludes implants, the implant row would earn no benefit on those items at all.
The long-term view
An honest cost comparison includes what each option might need over time. The intervals below are assumptions for the example, not predictions for any patient; durability varies widely.
Illustrative 15-year assumptions
| Option | Assumed later costs within 15 years | Assumed later cost |
|---|---|---|
| Implant and crown | Crown replaced once ($1,900), routine implant maintenance cleaning (695) at check-ups, about $600 in total | $2,500 |
| Three-unit bridge | Bridge replaced once ($4,800); a root canal on an anchor tooth would add more but is not counted here | $4,800 |
| Metal partial denture | Relines and adjustments ($600), one replacement ($2,000) | $2,600 |
| Resin partial denture | Relines and adjustments ($600), two replacements ($2,000) | $2,600 |
Total fee over 15 years in this example (before fund benefits):
- Implant: $5,800 + $2,500 = $8,300
- Bridge: $4,800 + $4,800 = $9,600
- Metal partial denture: $2,000 + $2,600 = $4,600
- Resin partial denture: $1,000 + $2,600 = $3,600
Change any assumption and the order can change. The point of the exercise is to ask each practitioner what maintenance and replacement typically involve for your case, and to price those too.
Factors that change the comparison
- Bone grafting or sinus augmentation can add substantially to the implant figure. See bone grafts, sinus lifts and CBCT costs.
- Condition of neighbouring teeth. If the neighbouring teeth already need crowns, a bridge uses work that might be needed anyway; if they are healthy, preparing them is a consideration your dentist will discuss.
- Several missing teeth. For multiple gaps, implant bridges, implant-retained dentures (665) or fixed full-arch prostheses (666) come into the picture. See the full-arch worked example.
- Public dental eligibility. Concession card holders may get dentures through public dental at low or no cost, though often after a wait. See public dental by state.
- Timing of fund limits. Spreading stages across two limit periods can roughly double the benefit available. See timing treatment around extras limits.
Questions to ask each provider
- What are all the item numbers and fees for this option, including temporary teeth?
- What maintenance does it usually need, and what does that cost?
- What is the likely cost if it needs repair or replacement?
- What happens to the fee if the plan changes during treatment?
- Can you give me a written estimate for each alternative so I can compare?
Frequently asked questions
Is an implant always the most expensive option?
Usually up front, for a single tooth. Over many years the gap can narrow, depending on maintenance and replacement assumptions, which differ between patients.
Do health funds pay more for dentures than implants?
Funds set their own benefits per item. Dentures are commonly covered under major dental, while implants may be covered, capped or excluded. Ask for item-by-item benefits.
Can I have a denture first and an implant later?
Many people do, sometimes for budget reasons. Ask your dentist whether that affects the later options and costs.
Does the CDBS help with these options for teenagers?
The CDBS covers general dental services, which can include partial dentures, but not implants or crowns and bridges in the same way. See the CDBS guide.
Sources
- Australian Dental Association — item descriptions for crowns, bridges, dentures and implants
- privatehealth.gov.au — how extras limits and benefits work
- Dental Board of Australia — practitioner registration and standards
