Introduction to Dental Bridges
Have you ever smiled at your reflection and wondered where your missing tooth went? Losing a tooth often impacts your smile, but it can also impact your speech, eating habits, and even the structure of your jaw over the years. Dental bridges can provide you with assistance where needed.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is as the name suggests: it is a bridge that closes the gap left by missing teeth. It is secured by the adjacent teeth to the gap, called abutment teeth, and it has an artificial tooth or teeth in the center which is referred to as pontic.
Understanding the Uses for a Dental Bridge
You may require a dental bridge if you lost a tooth from a sports injury, tooth decay, or it simply never developed. In these cases, a bridge can:
- Restore the function of your smile
- Help you to chew, speak, and function, properly
- Prevent your other teeth from shifting to the open spaces
Things That Affect the Price of a Dental Bridge
As with other dental appliances, dental bridges have a unique set of causes for differences. Here are the outlines:
Classification of Bridge
There are identifiable differences with dental bridges and your selection will play a deciding factor in pricing.
Traditional Bridge
As the name suggests, this is the most common type of dental bridge and has been in use for ages. It involves making crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and placing a pontic in the center. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000 for a 3-unit bridge.
Cantilever Bridge
Only one supporting tooth can be next to the gap for this type of tooth to be placed. Less common, but can be cheaper–around $2,000–$4,000.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
This type utilizes a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. This is a more budget option compared to the other bridges with a price in the range of $1,500–$2,500.
Implant-Supported Bridge
This type is unique in the fact that it is anchored to dental implants as opposed to crowns. This is the priciest option sitting at $5,000–$15,000 depending on how many implants are needed.
Materials Used
Porcelain
Porcelain is the most natural-looking material for bridges, although it is on the pricier side.
Metal Alloys
Metal Alloys are not as attractive but are more economical and durable.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
A good compromise of beauty and strength.
Geographical Location
A dental bridge in Los Angeles might cost twice as much as one in a small Midwest town. Big cities = big bills.
Additional Factors Impacting Price
A clinic’s reputation and the dentist’s experience impact the charge. More skilled or experienced dentists often command a higher fee, but the results are often worth it.
Bridges With Extractions
Getting a dental bridge is more expensive when other additional extractions, gum treatment, or bone grafting are required.
Average Cost of a Dental Bridge in the U.S.
Cost per Type of Bridge
- Traditional: $2,000–$5,000
- Cantilever: $2,000–$4,000
- Maryland Bonded: $1,500–$2,500
- Implant Supported: $5,000–$15,000
Price Summary
The American average for dental bridges sits between $2,000 and $8,000, based on the factors discussed above.
Pricing for Bridges Abroad
United Kingdom
The price for private bridges ranges from £500–£2,500 and NHS bridges can be as low as £300.
Canada
Standard bridge pricing is CAD 2,000–5,500.
Australia
Pricing varies between 2,500–6,000 AUD.
India
India offers the most competitive pricing at roughly $200–$750 or ₹15,000–₹60,000, depending on the material used.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of a Bridge?
What Percentage of the Total Cost is Covered by Insurance?
Most policies reimburse 40-50% of a bridge’s cost after the deductible is paid.
What is Covered and the Waiting Periods?
Some policies impose a waiting period of 6-12 months before subsequent major treatments are eligible for coverage. Always read the fine print.
Cutting Costs on A Dental Bridge
Low-Cost Dental Programs
Offer reduced prices for supervised dental work.
Paying in Instalments
Most practices let you pay in monthly or quarterly instalments.
Discount Dental Plans
These are not insurance and can reduce fees from 10% up to 60%.
Medical Tourism
For example, Mexico, Thailand, or India can reduce fees by over 50% – even when travel costs are considered.
Comparing Dental Bridges with Other Tooth Replacement Alternatives
How do Bridges Compare with Dentures?
While dentures are cheaper, they are not as stable. Bridges do not slip and feel more natural.
How do Bridges Compare with Dental Implants?
While more expensive, implants provide a longer-lasting solution. Bridges are a cheaper and quicker solution.
Ongoing Cost of Maintenance
Cost of Repair and Replacement
Bridges have a longevity of 5-15 years and are replaced at a cost similar to the initial investment.
Routine Dental Maintenance
Just like servicing a car, routine maintenance helps prolong the lifespan of a bridge.
Conclusion
The overall price of dental bridges varies by region, materials used, and even your dentist, ranging between $2,000 and $8,000. With proper insurance or even medical tourism, the price can be reduced. Regardless of price, dental bridges are an investment towards your confidence and health.
While exploring dental bridge costs, you might also be curious about how much are X-rays without insurance, as they’re often part of the treatment process. Additionally, understanding does renters insurance cover personal injury can help you learn more about insurance coverage beyond dental care.
FAQs About Dental Bridge Cost
How long do dental bridges last?
The lifespan of dental bridges is between 5-15 years, depending on maintenance and care.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
A dental bridge can cause some discomfort before and after, though the pain is manageable due to the local anaesthesia used.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Once you adapt, eating most foods is possible.
What’s the cheapest type of dental bridge?
Maryland bonded bridges are the most affordable.
How soon after extraction can you get a dental bridge?
Dental bridges can be placed a few weeks to a few months after extraction, once gums are healed.
