How much does a dental bridge cost with insurance?

More than 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth.¹ Are you one of them? While many people live normal, healthy lives with missing teeth, there can be serious consequences for others, including nutritional changes, obesity, diabetes, and, in extreme cases, even coronary artery disease. But dental bridges can be a popular — and cost-effective — solution for replacing your missing teeth. This article will help you learn about:

• What is a dental bridge

• The four main types of bridges

• The process of getting a dental bridge

• How bridges compare to other options, including implants

• What it can cost – and how dental insurance can help

What is a dental bridge?

A permanent dental bridge is one of the most common and effective solutions for missing teeth. Also called a “fixed bridge” because it is cemented permanently in place, it consists of a false tooth that is permanently attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Replacing your missing tooth or teeth with a bridge can help keep your surrounding teeth from drifting into the gap, help you to properly chew and speak clearly, and support your cheek and lip muscles — preventing your jaw and lips from sagging. Since the bridge is permanently cemented in your mouth, it will not move or slip when you eat or speak.

These devices can be made from several materials, including gold, alloys, porcelain, and zirconia.² And there are several types of bridges that your dentist may discuss before making a recommendation about which to use for your situation.

The four main types of dental bridges

There are different kinds of bridges designed to address the wide variety of issues that can occur when teeth are missing. The type your dentist recommends for you will depend on factors such as the health of your other teeth, the number of missing teeth, cost, and insurance coverage.

1. Traditional dental bridge

Traditional bridges consist of one or more false teeth (pontics) that are supported by the two healthy teeth (abutments) on either side of the gap.³ The pontic bridges the gap and supplies a stable, solid surface for chewing. They are reliable and long-lasting, but have one key drawback: the need to place dental crowns on the support teeth. Even if those teeth are healthy, crowning them is necessary to provide stability for the bridge.⁴ Traditional bridges typically cost $2,000 – $5,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.⁵

2. Cantilever bridge

Unlike traditional bridges, cantilever bridges use one abutment rather than two.⁶ This means that a single abutment tooth bears all the forces during chewing.⁷ That means the abutment tooth must be healthy and strong enough to bear uneven stress. The downside of cantilever bridges is that the abutments can fracture or loosen due to the high stress they endure during chewing. Cantilever bridges typically cost $2,000–$5,000 per pontic and crown for the abutment tooth.⁵

3. Maryland bridge

A less invasive type of bridge is the Maryland dental bridge (also known as a resin-bonded bridge), which uses a metal bar or framework to hold the artificial tooth in place. The framework has metal wings that bond to the adjacent teeth, so your dentist won’t have to crown the adjacent teeth, as they do with traditional and cantilever bridges.

A key drawback is that Maryland bridges can come uncemented, and they don’t function well in areas (such as the molars) that receive a lot of force during eating. Some patients may also find the bar or framework uncomfortable and get in the way of the gums and tongue. The upside? Maryland bridges tend to be more affordable, typically costing $1,500 – $2,500 for one pontic and the bar or framework.⁵

4. Implant-supported bridges

Implant-supported bridges attach directly to a dental implant, a post that is securely embedded in the jawbone where a tooth is missing.⁹ While many consider them to be the best solution for missing teeth — especially for patients who have three or more missing teeth in a row¹⁰ — there are also a few drawbacks.

First, installation requires surgery to place the implant, and several weeks or even months of healing. Sometimes, several implants are required to support a bridge that replaces multiple teeth. And lastly, implant-supported bridges are also the most expensive, typically costing $5,000 – $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth.⁵

The procedure for getting a dental bridge

If you’re thinking about getting a bridge, you should know what’s involved in the process. Here’s a step-by-step summary of the general process for creating and placing a traditional bridge – but note that things may well vary depending on your specific situation and the type of bridge you choose.

• Step 1: Initial consultation. Your dentist evaluates your oral health, discusses options, and takes X-rays to assess surrounding teeth and bone structure. If a bridge is suitable, a treatment plan is created.

• Step 2: Preparing the abutment teeth. The anchoring teeth next to the gap are reshaped by removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for crowns that will support the bridge.

• Step 3: Taking dental impressions. Your dentist takes detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth. These serve as molds for creating a custom-fit bridge.

• Step 4: Temporary bridge placement. While your permanent bridge is being crafted in a laboratory, a temporary bridge is fitted to protect your prepared teeth and maintain the natural spacing.

• Step 5: Fabrication of the permanent bridge. In a dental lab, technicians create your permanent bridge to match your bite and the color of your natural teeth.

• Step 6: Fitting and adjustments. Once the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed. The dentist places the permanent one and checks its fit, bite, and comfort. Adjustments are made as needed.

• Step 7: Cementing the bridge. When the fit and appearance are ideal, the bridge is permanently cemented into place. Excess cement is cleaned, and your dentist ensures proper alignment.

The full bridge treatment procedure generally takes two to three weeks to complete from start to finish, depending on the type of bridge and your oral condition.¹¹

Dental bridge costs and coverage

If you think a bridge could be a solution for your missing or damaged teeth, you probably want to know how much you can expect to pay without insurance — and whether or not dental insurance could help lower the cost. Here are some average costs you can expect to pay:

• Traditional bridges typically cost $2,000–$5,000 per pontic and crown for each abutment tooth.⁵

• Cantilever bridges typically cost $2,000–$5,000 per pontic, with a crown on each abutment tooth.⁵

• Maryland bridges typically cost $1,500 – $2,500 for one pontic and the bar or framework.⁵

• Implant-supported bridges, the most expensive, typically cost $5,000 – $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth.⁵

Importantly, the actual cost depends on several factors, including the type of bridge, the materials used, the dental provider, and the location of the dental practice.

Dental insurance can help

If you want to use dental insurance to help cover the cost, here’s what you should know:

• The type of plan matters: Lower-cost basic plans typically cover only routine treatment, such as exams, cleanings, and (potentially) basic fillings. However, more comprehensive full coverage dental insurance is available that may cover at least a portion of the cost for a bridge. Also, you’ll likely have lower out-of-pocket costs with an HMO plan (which limits the number of dentists you can see) than with a PPO plan, which lets you see virtually any dentist. Finally, since bridges are often considered ‘major care,’ it’s important that you compare levels of major care coverage when choosing a dental plan.

• Medical necessity is an issue: Many dental insurance plans (and even medical insurance plans) are more likely to cover procedures deemed medically necessary, rather than just cosmetic. Dental bridges are considered medically necessary in many situations, such as if the tooth was lost due to traumatic injury, treatment for other medical conditions (including chemotherapy), or if the patient is suffering from secondary health impacts like GERD or loss of function.

• Coverage levels impact your cost: Many full-coverage dental plans may cover 40-50% of bridge costs, after deductibles and up to the annual plan maximum. However, if you’re signing up for a plan and already have some symptoms, make sure the plan doesn’t have a ‘missing tooth clause’ which treats pre-existing tooth loss as a non-covered condition, and allows insurers to deny claims for bridges, implants, dentures, or crowns needed to replace such teeth. limit coverage for a pre-existing condition.

• Waiting periods affect timing: All types of dental insurance plans typically include a waiting period to receive non-preventative treatment. For example, you can usually have an oral exam and cleaning as soon as coverage starts, but you may have to wait a few months until procedures like cavity fillings are covered. If covered, major dental work, including bridges, may require longer waiting periods of up to 12 months. So it’s important to sign up for coverage before you actually need it.

• Getting an estimate of your expense: The actual out-of-pocket cost for bridges can vary dramatically based on the extent of work needed, type of insurance, and even factors like geography, because treatment costs more in some parts of the country than others. Be sure to look at:

  • Estimated out-of-pocket costs for different procedures in your zip code.

  • Waiting periods for both minor and major restorative care.

  • The percentage of coverage for specific conditions, procedures, and treatments.

  • Policy factors like deductibles, co-pays, and annual maximums can impact how much you spend.

  • Whether preexisting conditions would disqualify you from coverage for certain conditions.

Finally, you may want to ask your dental provider to submit the proposed treatment plan to your insurer to obtain a pre-determination of benefits. Pre-determinations provide the most accurate estimate of coverage and patient responsibility before the service is performed.

Aftercare is important

Without proper oral hygiene, a dental bridge may increase the chances of tooth decay or gum disease. Lack of proper oral hygiene or regular dental care may also shorten the lifespan of the bridge itself. So patients are strongly advised to:

• Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean the bridge and surrounding teeth.

• Floss daily with floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to remove food particles and plaque from under and around the bridge.

• Use a fluoride rinse to strengthen the gums and teeth, and reduce bacteria around the bridge.

• Avoid hard or sticky foods like ice, nuts, caramel or gum that can damage or dislodge the bridge.

• Visit your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups at least twice a year.

• Report any discomfort, looseness, bad breath, or swelling to your dentist promptly to avoid complications.

How long do they last?

Dental bridges typically last between 5 and 15 years. With proper care, some bridges can last even longer, potentially over 20 years. Implant-supported bridges tend to have a longer lifespan, often over 30 years. The actual longevity depends on factors such as the type of bridge, the quality of the materials, oral hygiene, diet, and habits such as teeth grinding. Regular dental checkups and good maintenance can help extend the life of a bridge.¹²

Dental bridges vs. dental implants

Bridges and implants both offer proven, safe solutions for missing teeth. That said, many patients and dental professionals consider implants to be the superior choice because they are sturdier, more like natural teeth, better suited for patients missing multiple teeth, and longer lasting than bridges. The downside? Implants are generally much more expensive than bridges, and always require oral surgery as part of the installation process.

Bottom line: Both bridges and implants have advantages and drawbacks. Choosing the best option depends on your oral health, budget, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. To determine the most appropriate solution for you, talk with a trusted dental professional.