Quick answer: If you are missing one or a few teeth, the three common options are a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable denture. An implant replaces the root and does not involve the neighbouring teeth, but it needs surgery, healthy bone and the highest upfront cost. A bridge is fixed and usually faster, but it relies on filing down the teeth on either side. A denture is removable, usually the least expensive, and the only one of the three that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers. The right choice depends on your mouth, your health and your budget, which is what an assessment is for.
Implant vs Bridge vs Denture at a Glance
| Dental implant | Fixed bridge | Removable denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A post placed in the jawbone with a crown on top | A false tooth held by crowns on the teeth either side of the gap | Replacement teeth on a base you take in and out (partial or complete) |
| Neighbouring teeth | Not involved | Filed down to hold crowns | Partials may clip onto nearby teeth |
| Surgery | Yes | No | No (extractions may be needed first) |
| Bone needed | Enough healthy jawbone, or a bone graft | Not a requirement | Not a requirement |
| Typical timeline | Several months, including healing | Usually a few weeks | Usually a few weeks |
| Daily care | Brush and floss like a natural tooth | Clean under the false tooth with floss threaders or a water flosser | Remove and clean daily; relines over time |
| Upfront cost | Highest | Middle | Usually lowest |
| CDCP coverage | Not covered | Not covered | Complete dentures covered; partials need preauthorization |
Dental Implants: Who They Suit
Implants suit adults in good general health who have enough jawbone (or can have a bone graft), do not smoke or are willing to stop, and want a fixed tooth that does not depend on the teeth beside it. The implant itself can last many years with good care; the crown on top may need replacing over time. Uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking and some medications can affect healing, so your dentist will review your health first.
Read more about dental implants in Guelph and what a dental implant costs in Ontario.
Fixed Bridges: Who They Suit
A bridge can be a good fit when the teeth on either side of the gap already need crowns, or when an implant is not possible or not wanted. It is fixed in place and usually done in a few visits without surgery. The trade-off is that healthy tooth structure is removed from the supporting teeth, and those teeth must stay healthy for the bridge to last.
Learn more about crowns and bridges.
Removable Dentures: Who They Suit
Dentures suit people missing several or all teeth, those who want to avoid surgery, and those for whom cost or coverage is the deciding factor. Partial dentures fill gaps between remaining teeth; complete dentures replace a full arch. They take some getting used to, and the fit changes as the gums and bone change, so relines or replacement are normal over time.
See our dentures service in Guelph.
What Does CDCP Cover for Missing Teeth?
Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, implants and all implant-related procedures are excluded, including implant crowns and implant-supported dentures. Fixed bridges are also excluded. Complete removable dentures can be covered, and partial dentures can be covered with preauthorization. Your co-payment tier (0%, 40% or 60% of the CDCP established fee) applies, and you may also owe the difference if a clinic charges more than the CDCP established fee. See what CDCP covers for details.
Source: Government of Canada, CDCP coverage, checked October 29, 2026.
Questions to Ask at Your Assessment
- Is my jawbone healthy enough for an implant, or would I need a graft?
- Are the teeth beside the gap healthy, or do they already need crowns?
- How many visits and how much time will each option take?
- What is the total estimate for each option, and what will my insurance or CDCP pay?
- What care and follow-up will each option need over the years?
- What happens if I leave the gap for now?
Book an Assessment in Guelph
The best option is the one that fits your mouth, health and budget. At an assessment, your dentist examines the area, takes x-rays and explains which options are realistic for you, with an estimate for each. Call (226) 541-5050 or book online. We are at 380 Eramosa Rd, Unit 6, Guelph, open weekdays until 7 PM and Saturdays.
This article is general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist.
