Average Cost of Dental Bridge

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 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 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, such as bridges or dental implants to restore missing teeth. Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care.

What do the different types of dental bridges cost?

The cost of your dental 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.

What are the different types of dental bridges?

Traditional Dental Bridges: These are the most common type, consisting of one or more pontics permanently held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth (abutments). They are typically made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

Maryland Dental Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges): These bridges use a metal or porcelain framework with “wings” that are bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. They are often used to replace front teeth and require minimal alteration to the adjacent teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridges: Instead of being supported by crowns on natural teeth, these bridges are supported by dental implants.

What do dental bridges cost?

The cost of dental bridges varies based on the type, materials used, number of teeth involved, and geographic location.

Traditional bridges: Approximately $2,000 to $6,000 for a pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.

Maryland Bridges: Around $1,500 to $2,500 for one pontic with the framework attached to the abutment teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridges: Between $5,000 and $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth.

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances and regional pricing differences. 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 that may be required. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, check with a dentist.

Importance of Post-Treatment Care

After your dental bridge procedure, it’s crucial to follow proper care instructions to ensure the longevity of your new bridge and avoid issues with your dental insurance plan. The dental bridge treatment typically involves some follow-up appointments to check the fit and functionality of the bridge. Here are some tips for taking care of your dental bridges post-treatment:

• Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Proper dental care is essential for preventing gum disease or decay around your bridge. Brush and floss regularly, being gentle around the anchor tooth and abutment tooth. Special floss designed for bridges can help you clean the area thoroughly.
• Regular Checkups: Dental insurance plans may cover some post-treatment visits, but even if you’re paying out of pocket, regular checkups are necessary to ensure the dental bridge remains in good condition. Your dentist will monitor for any issues with existing teeth or the dental crown surrounding the bridge.
• Handling Sensitivity: After your dental treatment, you may experience some tooth sensitivity around the area where the bridge was placed. This is normal and typically subsides over time. If discomfort persists, consult your dental practice.

By taking good care of your dental bridge, you can enjoy improved oral function and aesthetics. If you experience issues such as loosening or discomfort, contact your dental office immediately to address the situation. The dental lab that creates your bridge will work with your dentist to ensure a proper fit if any adjustments are necessary.

Are dental bridges covered by insurance?

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

Remember that your dental 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.

Affordable dental bridges without insurance

Consider joining a dental savings plan to reduce dental care costs for procedures such as dental bridges.

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. Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans do not have annual limits on how much you can save, and even offer savings on procedures to treat long standing 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.