How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The average cost of a dental bridge is $4,775, according to 14 reviews from RealSelf members.
You can expect to pay somewhere between $1,500 and $16,000 for a dental bridge, a permanent appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth.
Read on to learn which factors will impact the cost of a dental bridge and whether actual patients think their procedure was worth the money.
Is a dental bridge worth the money?
Dental bridges have an 83% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members, many of whom are very pleased with how a dental bridge restored their smile.
But dental bridges have more than a cosmetic benefit. Indeed, while they may seem expensive if you’re paying out-of-pocket, getting a dental bridge can prevent more serious (and costly) oral health problems from occurring down the road. Missing teeth should be treated immediately to prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position, to stop the development of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or speech impediments, and to make sure there isn’t a change in occlusion (bite).
When you’re missing a tooth, you’re also more at risk for periodontal disease and a greater chance of tooth decay. For this reason, a missing tooth can also lead to more lost teeth if it isn’t treated.
What affects dental bridge costs?
A dental bridge literally fills in the gap when you have missing teeth. It’s usually created by placing dental crowns on the natural teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) and cementing prosthetic teeth in between, to keep them in place.
The cost for this dental work varies widely, depending on these factors.
1) The number of teeth needed to fill the gap
When paying for dental bridges, you’re largely paying for the cost of the material for the false teeth (known as pontics). The more pontics you need (anywhere from one to four teeth are usually replaced), the more expensive your dental bridge will be.
2) The type of bridge you select
There are several types of dental bridges, each with their own cost. Your dentist or prosthodontist (who specializes in the replacement of missing teeth) will recommend one of these types of bridges, depending on the location of your missing teeth and whether the adjacent teeth are structurally sound.
- Traditional or cantilever dental bridges typically cost $2,000-5,000 for one pontic (artificial tooth) and a crown for each abutment tooth.
- Maryland bridges typically cost $1,500-2,500 for one pontic with framework (or wings) attached to the abutment teeth (the support teeth for the dental bridge).
- An implant-supported dental bridge could cost $5,000-15,000 for a bridge, with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth. The strongest type of bridge, these require fusion to the jawbone with surgery.
3) The material of the dental bridge
The type of dental bridge you get may determine the dental bridge material, but it’s possible that you may be able to choose what your dental bridge and its framework is made of.
Porcelain is the most expensive material, while other ceramics, such as composite resin and zirconia, are more budget-friendly.
Ceramics have the advantage of looking exactly like natural teeth, so they’re often worth the higher cost if the bridge will be visible when you smile—for instance, if you’re getting a front tooth bridge.
Metal and metal alloys (such as gold, chromium, and nickel) are the least expensive option, but they have the disadvantage of looking nothing like natural teeth.
4) The location of the dental bridge placement
Cost will be higher for dental bridge procedures that are lengthy and more advanced. For instance, if the location of your missing teeth requires an implant-supported bridge, you will pay more than you would for a crown-supported bridge.
5) Additional dental issues that need addressing
To be a good candidate for a dental bridge, you’ll need to have healthy gums and teeth. If the support teeth for the dental bridges are decayed or badly broken down, for instance, they may require fillings or root canals and/or your dentist may have to build them back up.
6) Your provider’s experience and credentials
A dental bridge can be made and placed by a general dentist or by a prothodontist, a dentist who specializes in the repair and replacement of damaged or missing teeth. (The term “prostho” means replacement and “dontist” means dealing with teeth.)
A prothodontist has trained in the specialty for two or three years after dental school. A provider with this type of additional training, especially when coupled with years of experience, will likely charge more for their services.
Whatever provider you choose, be sure they’re board-certified. This distinction ensures that your provider is up to date on the latest treatment and technologies, and that they’re exceptionally qualified to take care of your teeth—a plus at any price point.
7) Your provider’s practice location and size
There can be a wide variation in cost for the same dental procedures from different providers, depending on their geographical location. Providers based in major metro cities likely have a higher cost of doing business—including rent, salaries, insurance, supplies, and more—compared to those in smaller or more rural areas.
The size of a provider’s practice can also influence cost: Larger dental practices are often able to offer more affordable dental procedures compared to independent providers, because they benefit from economies of scale when it comes to purchasing supplies.
These groups are also more likely to offer special promotions or financing that can help keep prices affordable.
8) Pre- and post-procedure care costs
While getting a dental bridge is common and relatively easy, it still requires a fair amount of care before and after the procedure.
In addition to anesthesia, your dentist’s fees, and the materials, you can expect to pay for a consultation, dental X-rays, pain medication, and follow-up exams.
Are dental bridges covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for dental bridges. How much you’ll pay out-of-pocket will depend on your individual plan’s copays and deductible, as well as the type of treatment you opt to have.
For example, if you select an all-porcelain dental bridge, a more expensive option than a metal or porcelain-infused device, your insurance plan may cover only part of the bridge itself. Before committing, check with your dental insurance policy to see what it covers.
Medicare doesn’t generally cover a dental bridge, and Medicaid isn’t required to provide any kind of dental care coverage for adults.
If cost is an issue, ask your dentist if they offer a discount plan or monthly payment plan, or if they accept financing options like CareCredit, to help make your out-of-pocket expenses more manageable.
What does a dental bridge vs implant cost?
Like dental bridges, dental implants and dentures or partial dentures are tooth replacement options.
The upfront cost for a tooth bridge is significantly lower, but the lifetime cost will likely turn out to be much higher. That’s because dental implants, which have an average cost of $7,375, are a permanent solution. A dental bridge may need to be replaced every 5-15 years, depending on its material and how well you care for it, so this solution becomes more expensive over time.