Since there is a clear link between your oral and mental health, your dentist may recommend getting a dental bridge to bridge the gap in your teeth and give you an aesthetic smile.
Getting a dental bridge is all you need for a picture perfect smile. But before going for the dental procedure and getting a dental implant, you might want to know the dental bridge cost. So, let’s get into it, along with explaining its types, procedures, and advantages.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
A dental bridge can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000. The main deciding factor for bridge tooth cost will be your dental insurance. You should be well aware of your insurance plan and choose the one that could cover your dental treatments.
Insurances mostly do not fully cover the expense, and coverage varies for different treatments. At some workplaces, dental insurance is offered, and you end up spending only a fraction of the cost from your end.
You should be thorough with your documentation before visiting a dentist to know how much your insurance can pay.
Now, you should know roughly how much dental bridges cost to make an informed decision.
| Type of Dental Bridge | Average dental bridge cost | Price range |
| Traditional | $2,500 | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Cantilever | $2,500 | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Maryland | $1,750 | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Implant-supported | $5,500 | $4,000-$16,000 |
What Are the Factors That Determine Dental Bridge Cost?
Knowing the financials is crucial to making the final decision. Multiple factors come into play and decide the pricing. Analyzing the cost can help you decide which one suits your budget.
Here are the key elements that influence the cost of a dental bridge:
- Material – The material of a dental bridge is a critical component that determines the cost. A dental bridge can be made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, and other alloys or tooth-colored materials. Mostly the metal ones are cheaper, and the cost increases for natural-looking materials.
- Type – The type of dental bridge you choose impacts the final cost. A dentist will discuss and chart out options, informing you about the longevity and appearance of a dental bridge that can meet your expectations.
Implant-supported ones, for example, would need implant placement that increases the dental bridge cost multifold.
- Location – Of course, where you get it done will change the cost of the dental bridge. In bigger cities, you can expect higher costs due to additional living and rental expenses. So, deciding where you want to get it done will also affect the final price tag.
- Number of Pontics – The number of crowns required in a dental bridge would change the cost. It would basically depend on whether you want to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, which would alter the complexity, hence the cost.
- Additional Procedures – How much is a dental bridge for teeth will depend on the additional steps involved. If you want to get temporary crowns until the final unit is placed, the cost will increase. Similarly, if a tooth needs a root canal or extraction, the final price will be higher.
- Expertise – We often overlook the dentist’s expertise, and understandably, the more experienced the dentist is, the higher the cost of a dental bridge will be. It is better to do your detailed research and go through the reviews to decide whom you want to get it from.
So, how much does a bridge cost dental will be decided by the aforementioned factors, and you will have to focus on each one to come up with something that would work for you.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a prosthesis used to replace the missing teeth and consists of crowns covering the space between the teeth.
The bridges have two parts:
- Pontic – These are artificial teeth placed over the space between natural teeth.
- Abutment – An abutment is a natural tooth that provides support to the artificial teeth placed.
There are four major types of dental bridges, and the one you select can determine the cost of a bridge. Various types can be enumerated as:
Traditional Bridges
This is the conventional form of the bridge, where an artificial tooth takes the support of an abutment from both sides.
It is the most conventional and time-tested approach. Given the ample support it receives, it remains a sturdy option.
- How is it done?
The adjacent teeth are shaped to fit in crowns, and an impression with a suitable material is recorded. After that, a bridge is fabricated in the lab and cemented to the site in the following sitting.
- Pros and Cons
Pros Cons It is viable for most cases of bridges owing to the excellent support it provides. Needs to reshape adjacent healthy teeth, which may not be the best route. Long-lasting solution.
Cantilever Bridges
These bridges have only one abutment adjacent to the missing teeth. Therefore, a bridge is placed with one artificial and one real tooth. It is a great option when we do not have a sandwich of two healthy teeth.
- How is it done?
Usually, during a single visit, tooth preparation is done by removing a thin layer to accommodate the crown on top. After which, an impression is taken and a temporary crown is adjusted. In the next visit, the prosthesis is cemented with suitable dental material.
- Pros and Cons
Pros Cons A preferred option in cases where only a single tooth is present adjacent to the missing one. Provides less support than its counterpart (Traditional bridges) and might bear extra pressure. Does not need multiple tooth reductions, thus saving on healthy enamel.
Maryland Bridge
This type of dental bridge uses one adjacent tooth as an abutment and a single pontic attached with the help of a framework. This connection can be made out of resin or metal, depending on the requirements.
- How is it done?
It usually requires less tooth reduction and is done for front teeth. After minimal tooth preparation, an impression is made with highly flexible material that can fetch the minute details.
- Pros and Cons
Pros Cons Treatment of choice for visible teeth in the mouth. Lesser support Minimal changes to adjacent teeth. Maryland bridges are a treatment of choice for visible teeth in the mouth and are sturdy due to minimal changes to adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
This type of bridge uses an implant for support instead and therefore remains the most durable option. The implant secured into the jaw bone acts as an abutment, with the crowns placed on top.
- How is it done?
It needs a surgical procedure to put an implant into the bone. After which, a waiting period is mandatory to help bone integrate with the implant placed. In a few months, an impression is made, and the bridge is fabricated.
- Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellently bears the load and remains the best choice as far as strength is concerned. | It takes a longer time due to the implant placement, which is also an invasive procedure. |
| High durability |
Implant-supported bridge can excellently bear the load and remains the best choice as far as strength is concerned.
However, it takes longer due to the implant placement, which is also an invasive procedure.
So, how much does a bridge cost? It depends on the type of bridge that is selected according to your requirements, suitability, and budget.
Why Do You Need a Dental Bridge?
The prime objective is to fill the gap, as missing teeth can have various deleterious effects, including:
- Causing difficulty in chewing
- Speech impediment
- Malaligning the surrounding teeth
Therefore, missing teeth need replacement to avoid disturbing the functionality of the oral cavity.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Worth It?
Let’s see if getting one is worth it. There are a few things that you should weigh well before taking the final call.
- The Alternatives – Dental bridges are not the only way to fill up the missing space, and you can do it with other options. What are those and how well they can serve the purpose, Let’s find out.
- Removable dentures – Made of acrylic, removable dentures cost less when compared to dental bridges. As the name suggests, they can be removed and put back together again with some practice.
It provides more longevity and durability, but it would still not be a perfect choice due to its visual appearance. Additionally, it needs frequent adjustments and replacements while giving the feeling of a foreign object in the mouth.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, can mimic the natural tooth, unlike removable dentures, are easier to maintain, and bring more sturdiness into the picture.
- Implants – Although we have implant-supported bridges, getting only implants altogether is a different scenario. A dental implant is closest to the natural tooth but remains an invasive and time-consuming process. Moreover, implants are heavy on the pocket, and might not be the best fit for everyone. The best thing to do is consult with an expert who can recommend a hybrid option depending on your bone health, missing teeth, and budget.
Benefits of Getting Dental Bridge
Dental bridge costs are justified by their multiple benefits, like:
- It fills gaps in your teeth and helps you flash those pearly whites with confidence
- Preventing teeth from migrating towards empty spaces and causing bite issues
- Stabilizing the condition by giving support and maintaining bone density
- Long-term solution and can last for decades
- Aids proper chewing in case of molar bridges
- Aids in speaking clearly with bridges in front teeth
- Lesser chances of replacements
Therefore, an improved smile can elevate your self-confidence which further enhances your overall quality of life.
Suggested Read: How to Choose the Best Clear Teeth Aligners
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge, if taken properly care of, can last you for 5–15 years or even longer. Hence, it is rightfully a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. Only a dentist can remove them, and once you get them done, you are most likely sorted for years.
However, they might need replacement if they break or wear with time.
How to Take Care of the Dental Bridge?
Following simple instructions will help you prolong the life of dental bridges. You should:
- Maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Clean in between bridges using interproximal brushes.
- Avoid biting on hard objects.
- Avoid chewing on ice or pens along with very dense foods.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
Taking proper care will extend the life and be worth the money spent.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, the information given via blog will answer your question about how much do bridges cost dentally in reality. Multiple key elements come into play, but dental bridges remain a preferred choice due to the several advantages they offer.
If you want to get a perfect smile, you also need to get the perfect orthodontist for yourself. You should consult your dentist to know about the final dental bridge cost and if it is the most suitable option for you.
Dental Health and Bridges – WebMD
