A dental bridge fills any gaps in your smile by replacing one or more missing teeth with artificial ones. If your dentist recommends this procedure to you, one question you may have is, “What is the cost for dental bridges?” A bridge can range in price from $1,500 to $16,000, depending on type you need, the material it’s made of, and your insurance
Read on to learn more about the cost for dental bridges, factors that can impact the overall price, and ways to pay for the procedure whether or not you have insurance.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent fixture of a false tooth or teeth — also called pontics — that are held up by your existing teeth and placed on an empty socket. Existing teeth serve as an anchor to keep your bridge in place. In many cases, the false teeth blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and may be made of ceramic, porcelain, zirconium, or composites.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.
• Traditional: A traditional dental bridge includes false teeth held in place by dental crowns cemented to two “support” teeth, also called “abutment” teeth.
• Cantilever: In a cantilever dental bridge, a dental crown cements the pontic to just one abutment tooth.
• Maryland: Like a traditional dental bridge, a Maryland dental bridge requires two abutment teeth. In this case, a metal or porcelain framework bonds to the backs of those two abutment teeth.
• Implant-supported: Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to replace missing teeth and hold the bridge in position. Dentists install a titanium post in your jawbone to form a “root” of a new tooth, which anchors a crown on top of the implant post. Implants last longer than dental bridges because bridges can loosen over time. They don’t require support from adjacent teeth. Note that implants require two surgeries — one for the small titanium jawbone implants and one to place the bridge.
Your dentist can recommend the dental bridge type that’s right for you.
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What Are the Requirements for Getting a Dental Bridge?
Good candidates for dental bridges include individuals who have one or more missing teeth and two strong, healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges can replace up to four consecutive teeth, but longer bridges usually need more support.
You must also have good oral hygiene habits and good overall health. People with certain diseases, including cancer and diabetes, may not be a good candidate for a dental bridge.
How Much Does A Dental Bridge Cost?
A dental bridge typically costs between $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the number of false teeth you need, the type of bridge, the material it’s made of, how difficult the bridge is to place, the dental procedures required, and insurance.
How Much Does A Dental Bridge Cost Without Insurance?
Some dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the costs associated with dental bridges. But how much should you expect to pay if you don’t have insurance? As the list below shows, prices can vary based on the type of dental bridge you receive:
• Traditional bridges: Costs can range between $2,000 and $5,000, but the average price of a traditional bridge is $2,500.
• Cantilever bridges: Costs can range between $2,000 and $5,000, but the average price of a cantilever bridge is $2,500.
• Maryland bridges: Costs can range between $1,500 and $2,500, but the average price of a Maryland bridge is $1,750.
• Implant-supported bridges: Costs can range between $4,000 and $16,000, but the average price of an implant-supported bridge is $5,500.
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What Impacts the Cost of a Dental Bridge?
The type of dental bridge you receive isn’t the only thing that can influence cost. Other factors that may impact your total bill include materials, dental fees, and even where you live. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Materials
Dental bridges usually are often made of porcelain, ceramics, zirconium, and composites, and these materials can affect price. For instance, you may pay more for an all-porcelain bridge compared to a metal or one that is porcelain fused.
Dental Fees
Dental fees will vary depending on the dentist. It’s a good idea to get a full list of dental fees before you agree to the procedure so you know how much you’ll pay and when payments are due.
Location
The price of a dental bridge will likely vary based on where you’re having it installed. For example, you may end up paying more for the procedure if your dentist is in a big city compared to a rural area.
What Other Costs Accompany a Dental Bridge?
Getting a dental bridge doesn’t happen in just one visit — you’ll likely have to visit the dentist multiple times. The dentist will make imprints of the teeth. Once a lab creates the bridge, you’ll need a second appointment with the dentist so he or she can put crowns on your abutment teeth and link them. You’ll also want to factor in the cost of other dental services and treatments.
Common fees may include:
• Oral exam: $100 on average but costs can run between $50 and $200
• Dental X-rays: $35 on average but costs can run between $25 and $80
• Tooth extraction: $200 on average but costs can run between $50 and $500
• Local anesthesia: $90 on average but costs can run between $40 and $150
• Professional cleaning: $100 on average but costs can run between $70 and $250
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Does Insurance Cover a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are not considered a wholly cosmetic treatment, so dental insurance policies usually cover a portion of the cost. Dental coverage varies, so it’s important to find out what your insurance will cover. In general, most insurance policies take care of 40% to 50% of the dental bridge costs.
How Can You Pay for A Dental Bridge Without Insurance?
If you know you’re going to have the procedure in advance and don’t have insurance, you’ll likely want to look for ways to keep costs in check. Consider finding out if there are discounts for paying in cash or asking your dentist whether some parts of the procedure (such as pricier materials) are really necessary.
If you don’t have enough money up front, your dentist may allow you to set up a payment plan to break up the cost of your dental bridge. However, note that you may be charged interest.
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Dental Bridge Alternatives
Not sure a dental bridge is right for you? There are alternatives you can consider, such as partial dentures or removable false teeth.
Dentures are held in place by a metal framework attached to plastic that’s the color of your gums. Partial dentures fasten to teeth in the jaw. However, they may not be as structurally sound as bridges, and you must remove and soak them nightly.
Financing Options If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance
What are your options for paying for a dental bridge if you don’t have dental insurance? You can look into using a credit card, getting approved for a personal loan, or tapping into a health savings account (HSA).
• Credit card: You can consider paying for your dental bridge with a credit card, but keep in mind that the interest rate for a credit card tends to be high. For best results, you’ll want to pay off your balance as quickly as possible.
• Personal loan: Personal loans likely won’t carry as high of an interest rate as a credit card, especially if you have decent credit. Have a low credit score? There are also personal loans for low-credit borrowers. You can use personal loan funds for a wide variety of purposes, and you can pay back what you owe in fixed payments over a few years.
• Health savings account: Consider using an HSA or if you’re on a high-deductible health plan. You can save for a wide variety of health care needs and pay for them tax-free with a health savings account. If you no longer have a high deductible plan, you can still use up the money you have in your health savings account. Learn more about FSA vs. HSA.
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The Takeaway
Dental bridges aren’t cheap. They run anywhere from $1,500 to $16,000, depending on the type of bridge you need, its material, and other factors. While a bill that size can put a dent in your budget, it’s possible to put together a plan to refurbish your smile. Talk to your dentist about the costs involved, what the procedure will entail, and any follow-up visits or services that will be needed.
Consider all your financing options as well. You can also mix and match various financing methods, such as a combination of paying cash, using a health savings account, and taking out a personal loan or dental loan to cover the rest.
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FAQ
Can the cost of a dental bridge vary between dental providers?
Yes, the cost of a dental bridge can vary between dental providers. The costs may vary depending on your dentist’s experience level. Experienced dentists cost more than dentists fresh out of dental school.
Are there additional costs associated with getting a dental bridge, such as consultations or follow-up visits?
It will take more than one visit to the dentist to get a bridge, and services will likely include an oral exam and X-rays. You may need one or more follow-up visits to ensure the bridge fits in your mouth properly and isn’t causing irritation or other problems. Check with your dentist to learn more about the costs of these follow-up visits.
Are there any long-term costs associated with maintaining a dental bridge?
Dental bridges typically last five to 15 years, though some can last longer with proper care and maintenance. You’ll eventually need to replace the bridge when it shows signs of damage.
Should I consult with multiple dental providers to compare costs before getting a dental bridge without insurance?
Whether or not you have insurance, you can consult dental providers to compare the cost for a dental bridge. (Remember, even if you have insurance, it probably won’t cover the full cost of the procedure.)
Ask each provider for the full set of fees and the average cost for dental bridges at their location. Be specific about asking for tooth bridge costs. Ask about the cost for a dental bridge for one tooth, if that’s what you need, and be sure to include the cost of visits to the dentist before and after the procedure.
Photo credit: iStock/Cesare Ferrari
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