How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

Key Takeaways:

• A dental bridge can cost from about $2,000 (with insurance) to $5,000+
• Dental insurance may cover bridges, but insurance’s annual spending limits are typically $1,000-$1,500.
• You can reduce the cost of bridges substantially with a dental savings plan (and you’ll have no annual spending limit to worry about either).
• You can also save by choosing a less expensive type of bridge, if your dentist approves.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can be an excellent way to improve your smile and oral health. But the cost of a bridge – $2,000 to $5,000+ to replace one missing tooth – may exceed your budget, even if you do have dental insurance.

Dental insurance is great at saving you money on preventive procedures such as basic checkups and cleanings. Regular dental care is the best way to reduce your dental treatment needs over the long run. But when you do need an expensive restorative treatment – such as dental bridges, implants, crowns or dentures – dental insurance may not be your best choice, especially if you pay for it yourself.

If you’re uninsured, underinsured, on Medicare or self-employed, you’ll want to investigate dental savings plans. With no annual spending limit, these plans are often the best option for people who need more than preventive dental care. Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care. And having a dental savings plan means you don’t have to compromise on the type of dental bridge that you get either.

What do the different types of dental bridges cost?

The cost of your bridge depends on the type of bridge and the materials used to construct it, as well as the number of teeth that need to be replaced and their position in your mouth.

There are four basic types of dental bridges. According to the American Dental Association, the cost of a traditional dental bridge can range from $500 to $1,200 per tooth. This does not include the cost of the crowns for the supporting teeth, those will cost an additional $500 – $2,500 per tooth.

Traditional bridges: A traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap to hold the replacement tooth (called a “pontic”) or teeth in position. A traditional bridge is usually made of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, making it strong enough to replace molars. Typical cost: $2000-$5000+ for a bridge that replaces one tooth.

Cantilever bridges: A cantilever bridge is like a traditional bridge, but it only needs one natural tooth to anchor the bridge. This option is often used to replace a missing front tooth. Cantilever bridges cost slightly more than traditional bridges. $2500-$6000.

Maryland bridges: A Maryland bridge is typically used to replace a tooth in the front of your mouth. Instead of crowns, the bridge is kept in place by thin metal “wings” that attach to healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth. This option is usually only recommended for people who have great oral health (the missing tooth may have been knocked out) as teeth need to be strong and healthy to support the bridge. Maryland bridges cost around $1500 to $2500.

Implant-supported bridges: An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants set into your gums instead of dental crowns to anchor the bridge. Generally, this type of bridge is considered the strongest, most stable option available. It’s also the most expensive, costing from $4000-$10,000+, depending on how many implants are needed.

Dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials, from a metal such as a gold alloy covered by porcelain to an all-porcelain bridge. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of strength, durability, and aesthetics. Ceramic crowns tend to be less expensive than metal ones because they are easier for dental labs to produce. However, metal alloys tend to be stronger and more durable than ceramics and are often used to replace teeth in the back of your mouth.

The final cost of your bridge will also be determined by whether your dentist needs to fully remove a broken tooth before replacing it, sedation, and any other procedures – such as x-rays and cleaning – that may be required.

Are dental bridges covered by insurance?

If you have a preventive care only insurance plan, then bridges will not be covered. If your insurance includes restorative treatment, it likely does include bridges.

Remember that your insurance probably has an annual spending limit, typically $1,000 to $1,500. The cost of a bridge is likely to exceed that limit so you will need to pay the rest out of your own pocket until your plan resets at the end of the plan year. And it’s always a good idea to check the details of your plan to see if the type of bridge your dentist recommends is covered by your insurance policy.

Affordable dental bridges without insurance.

Consider joining a dental savings plan to reduce dental care costs.

Dental savings plans are a trusted alternative to dental insurance. They activate quickly, within 72 hours of purchase, with emergency same-day activation available on many plans. They do not have annual limits on how much you can save, and even offer savings on procedures to treat longstanding dental problems.

You can easily explore your savings options at DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. As noted above, plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care.

Want to find out right now how much you can save on a dental bridge with a dental savings plan? Use the calculator below.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.