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Dental bridge cost is a key consideration for those looking to restore their smile in 2024. These custom-fit appliances are a highly effective solution to 'bridging' the gap left by missing teeth, enhancing both the function and aesthetics of your smile. Dental bridges are anchored on either side of the gap by your natural teeth or implants, supporting artificial teeth that seamlessly fill the void.
While dental bridges restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile, the cost can be a significant concern, especially for those without insurance. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This article will dive into the costs associated with dental bridges.
So, whether you're from Phoenix, AZ, Philadelphia, PA, or anywhere else in the US, you’ll have strategies for making this crucial dental care more affordable.
On average, the cost of dental bridges can be a significant investment, with patients paying around $4,313.
However, you can finally access financial assistance options for uninsured patients in need of dental bridges such as dental clinics, dental schools, or discount networks.
Having all of your teeth isn’t just important for being able to look your very best. It’s also essential for being able to speak and eat properly. For that reason, when you lose a tooth, it’s usually a good idea to try to get it replaced.
Dental bridges fill the gap with one or more artificial teeth that look and feel just like your natural teeth. Bridges are usually made of dental crowns that fit on either side of the missing tooth, and then the pontic (false) tooth is cemented in place.
You can think of these like a real bridge. The anchor points are stuck to existing teeth on the sides, and then a false tooth lays in the middle, physically connecting the gaps.
Four types of dental bridges are available. Which one you end up with will likely depend on your specific situation and the dentist’s recommendations.
This is the most common type of bridge that uses two or more crowns and a filler tooth in the middle. All adjacent teeth are connected to one another. These traditional dental bridges can be made of metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramics.
Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, Maryland bridges are common in people who are missing their front teeth. It sort of looks like a flying bat, with a false tooth in the center and wing-like supports jutting out from the sides. These supports are attached to the backside of the supporting teeth.
With a cantilever bridge, the prosthetic tooth only connects to one abutment tooth (real tooth). This is a handy option for people who only have teeth on one side of wherever the gap lies, often in the back of the mouth near the back molars.
This is similar to a traditional bridge, but it is held in place by implants rather than being cemented to existing teeth.
Determining the need for a dental bridge involves assessing whether you're missing one or more teeth, experiencing bite issues, or seeking to enhance your smile's aesthetics and functionality. Dental bridges offer a solution by filling gaps, which helps prevent the shifting of nearby teeth that could lead to bite problems, jaw pain, and further dental issues.
For anyone seeking to improve their dental health and aesthetics, a dental bridge might be the answer. A consultation with a dental professional can provide a personalized evaluation to decide if a bridge is suitable for your dental health needs.
Dental bridges and dental implants both serve as solutions for missing teeth, yet they differ significantly in aspects like cost, durability, and treatment approach. Bridges offer a less costly initial investment and are typically faster to implement, making them accessible for many.
In contrast, dental implants, which involve a surgical process and offer bone structure benefits, represent a higher upfront cost but may be more cost-effective in the long run due to their longevity.
Deciding between the two involves considering factors such as budget, treatment timeline, and long-term oral health goals.
The cost of a dental bridge can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the type you choose. For instance, a traditional bridge typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000 for a pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.
Maryland bridges tend to be a bit less, ranging between $1,500 and $2,500 for one pontic. These costs can vary based on the materials chosen and any additional dental needs.
The cost of dental bridges can be influenced by several key factors such as:
The average cost of a dental bridge is reliant on a large number of factors. Mainly, the material used to make the bridge can affect its cost, but so can the health of the surrounding teeth.
Metals are a popular choice for dental crowns and bridges because they are extremely chip-resistant. While they’re long-lasting, they don’t look like the surrounding natural teeth, which can make them look a little unsightly. Gold dental bridges tend to be the most expensive, ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.
On the other hand, composite/resin bridges can blend in with surrounding teeth very well, and they are extremely natural-looking. The issue with them is that they are not as durable and will likely need to be replaced more frequently. These are usually anywhere from $500 to $1,500 out of pocket.
The number of teeth in the dental bridge can also contribute to the tooth bridge cost. You can expect to pay anywhere between $500 to a few thousand dollars per unit.
This typically involves one artificial tooth supported by one crown on either side. The cost would be the sum of the three components. On average, this cost ranges from $2000 and $4000.
This involves replacing one missing tooth and can vary greatly in cost depending on materials and location. The average cost is typically around $1500 to $5000.
This setup would include two supporting crowns with two pontics (artificial teeth) between them, increasing the total cost to around $3000 to $5000.
A more complex scenario involving four artificial teeth, possibly supported by two implants. This configuration would be at the higher end of the cost spectrum due to the use of implants. Consult with your dentist for accurate pricing.
When considering the cost of a dental bridge, several key factors influence the final price:
For a detailed breakdown of these factors, consult with a local dentist.
When planning for a dental bridge, consider additional costs like oral exams, X-rays, tooth extractions, anesthesia, and cleanings. These vary but are important to ensure the bridge fits perfectly and functions well. These services have a range of costs, reflecting factors like clinic location and specific patient needs.
Here are a few cost ranges to consider when booking your dental bridge procedure:
For specific cost details on these associated procedures, it's best to consult directly with a dental professional.
No matter how you swing it, it’s clear that dental bridges can cost a lot of money. While dental bridges offer cosmetic benefits, they are not considered a purely cosmetic dentistry treatment like dental bonding. For that reason, most dental insurance plans will cover most or all of the costs associated with a dental bridge.
Keep in mind that even with an insurance policy, you still need to meet your deductible and pay monthly premiums, as well as annual fees. If the only procedure you get in a given year is a dental bridge, you might not really be saving much money in the long haul.
Not to mention, over 33% of people do not have dental benefits at all. This leaves nearly three-quarters of the country without easy access to the care they need, especially since you’ll be stuck paying the entire out-of-pocket cost if you are uninsured.
The cost of dental bridges with insurance varies, hovering at about $1,500 per tooth. Costs can significantly vary as insurance plans typically cover a portion of the procedure, potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
The final cost with insurance will depend on the specifics of your dental plan, including deductibles, copays, and the percentage of coverage provided for dental prosthetics. It is best to check wit your provider to confirm your coverage.
Without insurance, the cost for a dental bridge can vary widely, ranging from $2500 to $5000, depending on factors such as the type of bridge, materials used, and the complexity of the treatment needed.
For accurate and detailed pricing, consulting with a dental professional is best.
Dental bridges aren’t the only way to improve the appearance of your mouth due to missing teeth. Several alternative tooth replacement options can help restore your smile.
Dental implants are small posts, usually made of titanium, and are implanted directly into the jawbone. This makes them necessary if the surrounding teeth near your gap are not strong enough to hold a bridge in place.
Implants are permanent and long-lasting, and they look just like your natural teeth. But they are a lot more expensive than bridges, usually starting at around $1,500 per tooth.
That doesn’t include the cost of extraction, which is often an extra $100 or more. Additionally, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to help support the implant, which can further raise the price.
Partial dentures are similar to bridges in that they are used to fill in the gaps where missing teeth once were. However, these differ in that they are removable, so you can take them out when you drink, eat, or sleep.
A dentist will help you decide if these might be better than bridges by examining the condition of your remaining teeth. Typically, these are used if your remaining teeth are not as structurally sound to hold onto a bridge.
Dental bridges effectively restore the appearance and function of your smile after tooth loss. With options like traditional and implant-supported bridges, costs typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the type and materials. Many insurance plans cover part of the cost, while those without insurance can explore alternative options, such as discount plans or dental schools, to make treatment more affordable. Consult with a dental professional to find the best solution for your needs and budget.
Sources:
Dental Bridges: Who Needs Them, Types, Costs, Procedure & Care Issues | Cleveland Clinic
Dental coverage, access & outcomes | ADA
Bridges and Partial Dentures | Oral Health Foundation
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost? | GoodRx Health
How much does a dental bridge cost in 2024? | Authority Dental
How Much Does a Bridge Cost with Dental Insurance? | Healthedly Insurance Services
Dental Bridge Cost with and without Insurance | Family Dentistry & Aesthetics inc.
