Dental Bridges: Costs and What to Know

Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile — they can affect your ability to chew, speak and maintain proper oral health. 

Dental bridges offer a reliable solution to replace missing teeth. This blog is your guide to dental 2bridges, including the different types of bridges, how they compare to dental implants and what to expect in terms of cost. Understanding your options helps to make an informed decision about the best way to restore your smile and oral health.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a common dental prosthesis device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the gap left by the missing teeth, using the surrounding teeth or dental implants as anchors.

Dental bridges not only restore your smile but also help maintain the structure of your face, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position and improve your ability to chew and speak.

Types of dental bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges:

1. Traditional dental bridge: The most common type, a traditional bridge involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a false tooth — or pontic — in between. These are typically made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, and work best when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
2. Cantilever dental bridge: This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but is used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available to anchor the bridge. These are less common and usually placed in areas of the mouth that experience less pressure, such as the front teeth.
3. Maryland bonded bridge: Often used to replace missing front teeth, a Maryland bridge consists of a pontic supported by a metal or porcelain framework. This framework has wings on either side that are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is less invasive and preserves more of the natural tooth structure — but it may not be as strong as other types.
4. Implant-supported bridge: As the name suggests, this bridge is supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. It’s a more stable and secure option when multiple teeth are missing. The implants act as the roots of the teeth, providing a solid foundation for the bridge. While it’s the most durable and long-lasting method, it typically requires multiple appointments and a longer healing period.

Dental bridge vs. implant

Dental bridges and dental implants are both effective solutions for replacing missing teeth, but they serve different purposes and are suited to different situations.

Dental bridges are non-surgical and use adjacent teeth to support a pontic in the gap, and are typically made of porcelain or ceramic. The procedure is typically faster and more cost effective than dental implants, but may not last as long.

A dental implant involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. A crown is then attached to the post, creating a permanent and natural-looking replacement tooth. Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They come at a higher cost, but can last a lifetime for patients who practice proper oral care. 

Here’s a full breakdown of how dental bridges and dental implants compare:

Dental bridge cost

As with most dental treatments, the cost of a bridge varies based on several factors:

• Type of bridge: Traditional bridges will be the least expensive, while implant-supported bridges can reach five figures.
• Materials used: Porcelain and ceramic bridges tend to be more expensive than metal bridges.
• Number of teeth involved: The cost increases with the number of teeth being replaced, as well as the number of crowns required to anchor the bridge.
• Geographic location: Prices are generally higher in urban areas compared to rural locations, due to differences in the cost of living and overhead expenses for practices.

Dental bridge cost with insurance

The cost of a dental bridge can be reduced significantly with dental insurance, as many plans cover a percentage of the expenses, though the exact amount depends on the specific insurance plan and its terms. 

Most plans fall under one of the following categories:

• Basic insurance plans often provide limited coverage for restorative procedures but might cover a portion of the bridge cost.
• Mid-range plans typically cover close to 50% of the cost; however, this coverage usually only applies to the bridge itself, not preparatory procedures.
• Premium plans are more likely to cover a larger portion of the costs, sometimes up to 80 percent — but they come with higher premiums.



Be sure to look at the details of your plan to get a full understanding of how much coverage it will provide. Factors like the following will have an influence on costs:

• Annual maximums
• Waiting periods
• Pre-existing conditions
• In-network vs. out-of-network dentists



Navigating insurance claims can be complex, so work closely with your dentist’s office to develop a treatment plan with a cost breakdown and better understand your benefits.