How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

This article will talk about the costs of dental bridges. It will also discuss the dental bridge procedure itself, the factors that go into determining its cost, and the amount of time that a dental bridge will be expected to last.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

A dental bridge replaces missing teeth. This is done by attaching a permanent prosthesis to your natural teeth. It is called a dental bridge because the false teeth “bridge” the gap between your missing tooth and your natural remaining teeth.

Your cosmetic dentist will first prepare the adjacent teeth by filing them down to size. This is done to make room for the false tooth. The dentist will then make a scan of the shape of the new teeth, after which the bridge will be made in a laboratory. You will be given a temporary bridge to wear until the permanent one is ready.

Once your permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and install the new one. If adjustments need to be made, your dentist will make them at that time. After all adjustments are made, your new bridge will be bonded to your natural teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges: These are most common types of bridges. With this bridge, your dentist will make crowns for the teeth located on either side of the missing tooth.

Maryland bonded bridges: These bridges are comprised of plastic teeth and gums with a metal framework that attaches to the teeth surrounding the gap.

Cantilever bridges: This type of bridge will be used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap.

Dental Bridges vs. Implants

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, dental implants are the better value. This may be because of the fact that dental implants last longer than most dental bridges. However, the downsides include the higher costs involved with implant surgery (average cost: $4,263), and the fact that not all patients can be suitable candidates for dental implants. The main downside of dental bridges is that they are not meant to last forever. The average bridge lasts between 5 to 15 years.

Dental Bridge Cost (1 tooth)

Maryland bridges: $1,100 to $2,300. The average cost for one missing tooth in a Maryland bridge is $1,700.

Costs With and Without Insurance

While insurance can defray the costs of a dental bridge, there are limits to this coverage. For example, many insurance plans will not pay to replace a tooth that was missing before the coverage started. Other plans require that coverage be in place for a certain time (ex. 2 years) before you can get the cost of the procedure reduced.

You can get up to half of the costs of a dental bridge covered by insurance. However, most people do not have this type of generous coverage. Many plans have an annual limit that can range from $1,000 to $2,000. Even if you do have dental insurance, expect to pay most of the expenses out of pocket.

The costs for a dental bridge can vary widely, ranging from $1,100 for a simple 3-unit Maryland bridge to $30,000 for a full mouth bridge. Costs for this procedure also varies by the part of the country where you will get the procedure done. In Texas, costs usually range between $1,100 to $1,500 a tooth. Costs may be higher in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles and New York City.