Dental Bridge Price

Not only are missing teeth unsightly but they can also cause problems when eating, drinking, or even speaking. Need a discreet and reliable way to replace a missing tooth? Dental bridges may be the right option for filling the gaps in your smile.

A dental bridge helps to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth and bridges the gap where one or more teeth used to be¹. Also known as a partial denture, dental bridges can be made from porcelain, alloys, gold, zirconia, or a combination of multiple materials². Permanent or fixed dental bridges are cemented in place, held by natural teeth on either side of the gap known as abutments. They can only be removed by a dentist. Removable dental bridges can be taken out and cleaned at any time.

Dental bridges are typically more than just a cosmetic fix. They can help you avoid bone loss around your missing teeth and prevent your natural teeth from drifting into the gap left by missing teeth, which can help keep your bite from becoming unbalanced and prevent uneven wear of your remaining teeth.

So how much does a dental bridge cost? The overall cost of a dental bridge depends on many factors, including but not limited to whether or not you have dental insurance that covers it. Guardian Direct® offers a large dental network of providers that accept Guardian Direct dental insurance to help you reduce the out-of-pocket cost of getting a dental bridge. Learn how much a dental bridge may cost you with or without dental insurance.

Affordable dental bridges near me

The cost of a dental bridge depends on a variety of factors, including how many abutments are involved in the bridge, how many missing teeth the bridge is replacing, where your dentist is located, and the type of dental bridge your dentist performs, among other factors.

There are four main types of fixed dental bridges: implant-supported dental bridges, traditional dental bridges, cantilever dental bridges, and Maryland dental bridges.

• Traditional dental bridges consist of one or more false teeth (or pontics) held in place with crowns over the abutments (or supporting teeth) on either side of the gap³.
  

• Cantilever bridges use just one crowned abutment (or supporting tooth) rather than two⁴. This type of bridge requires a very strong supporting tooth as it will bear all forces when chewing.
  

• Maryland bridges bond a metal bar or framework to adjacent teeth to hold a false tooth in place⁵. Since they do not require crowns, this is typically a less invasive type of bridge. It is typically more affordable than traditional or cantilever bridges.
  
  

• Implant-supported bridges attach false teeth directly to a dental implant⁶. While these bridges are typically more expensive, they may be ideal for patients who have three or more missing teeth in a row.

Depending on your budget, the health of your supporting teeth, and the number of missing teeth that must be replaced, your dentist can help you determine the best type of fixed dental bridge for your situation.

Temporary dental bridges can also help you restore your smile typically at an affordable price. Also known as removable partial dentures, they may be held in place with a cast metal framework, acrylic, or flexible plastic material, designed to blend in with your natural teeth and gum color⁷. Temporary dental bridges are often a very affordable option (especially acrylic partial dentures), but they may not be as comfortable, as sturdy, or as good of a fit as a permanent dental bridge⁸.

No matter which type of dental bridge you choose to go with, one good way of making the cost of dental bridges more affordable is by using dental insurance.

Guardian Direct top and mid-tier PPO plans cover up to 50% of the cost of dental bridges after a 12-month waiting period (waiting period varies by state), though exact coverage is subject to lifetime and annual maximums. Dental mid-tier plans have a lifetime maximum benefit on implants and bridges of $700, while Dental top-tier plans have a lifetime maximum benefit of $1,000.

Even if you have dental insurance, the total amount you’ll save on the cost of treatment may also depend on which dentist you visit. You’ll typically enjoy the most savings from your Guardian Direct Dental PPO plan if you visit an in-network dentist near you. Explore dentists that provide affordable dental bridges near you within the Guardian Direct network here.

How to compare prices for dental bridge work

Dental bridge prices vary greatly not only from type to type but also from dentist to dentist. They often vary depending on your location and your provider, among other factors.

The amount you pay out-of-pocket may vary depending on the dentist you visit and the dental insurance plan you have as well. For example, while Guardian Direct top and mid-tier PPO plans may cover up to 50% of dental bridges after a 12-month waiting period in most states, other dental insurance plans may not offer any benefits toward dental bridges at all.

When comparing prices for dental bridge work, consider your location, your dentist, and how much your insurance company may cover. You may want to call the dentist you’re considering visiting and see whether they are in your dental insurance provider’s network and how much they typically charge for dental bridges. If you don’t yet have dental insurance, be sure to compare quotes and review coverage amounts for dental bridge work as you shop around.

What are the average prices for dental bridge work?

The average prices for fixed dental bridges typically vary by type, among other factors.

• Traditional dental bridges with one pontic and two dental crowns may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000⁹.

• Cantilever bridges with one pontic and one dental crown may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000¹⁰.

• Maryland bridges with one pontic and the metal bar or framework may cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500¹¹.

• Implant-supported bridges may cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,500 per implant¹².

While these are the average ranges of dental bridge work nationwide, the average cost of dental bridges near you may fall anywhere within those estimates. Averages are affected by location (among other factors) – if you live in a city, dental bridge work may cost more, while if you visit a dentist in a rural area dental bridge work may cost significantly less. Competition can also be a factor in provider prices. To gauge the average price for dental bridge work near you, contact your dentist.

Do dental bridge problems affect the price if I have to replace them?

While dental bridges are a common, time-tested solution for missing teeth, they aren’t without complications and they don’t last forever. If your dental bridge comes loose but the supporting teeth are still healthy and intact, your dentist may be able to reattach it with cement¹³. However, if your dental bridge fails due to the decay or deterioration of surrounding teeth, you may have to replace the bridge.

Note that dental bridges typically last five to seven years, though with good oral hygiene and regular cleanings they can last over ten years¹⁴. Whether you experience dental bridge problems or not, you’ll typically need to prepare to replace them every seven years or so regardless. The price of dental bridges is typically the same whether it’s a first-time fit or a replacement.

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for missing teeth that may not have to be replaced as often, consider dental implants instead of dental bridges.

Prices for removable dental bridges & related insights

Removable dental bridges are one of the more affordable options, though they typically are not as sturdy or as comfortable as fixed dental bridges. Temporary or removable dental bridges may cost anywhere from $300 to $2,500¹⁵. Acrylic partial dentures or flippers are typically the most affordable type of removable dental bridges¹⁶.

If you’re looking to replace a missing tooth, you have options, whether you choose a removable dental bridge, a fixed dental bridge, or an implant.

We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you learn more about how to replace missing teeth and how to help pay for the cost of dental treatment.

• Dental insurance can help you pay for dental treatment, but it comes at a cost. Learn how much is dental insurance.

• Dental implants are another excellent way of filling in missing teeth. Learn how dental insurance covers dental implants.

• Visiting an in-network dentist could help you save on the cost of dental bridges. Learn more about visiting an in-network dentist.

• Looking for dental insurance to help you save on the cost of dental bridges? Learn where to buy dental insurance online.
  

This is not dental care advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your dentist. If you have any concerns about your dental health, please contact your dentist's office.