A dental bridge can be a costly necessity. A dental bridge is a procedure that can be necessary to replace missing teeth and prevent issues with chewing, speaking or shifting teeth. This dental procedure can cost more than $1,500 without insurance. With insurance, your copay could be up to 80%, depending on your policy and provider. Total costs are also affected by the type of bridge, complexity and number of teeth affected. Read on to answer, "How much does a dental bridge cost with insurance?" for your situation.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a type of fixed dental restoration used when a patient loses one or more teeth. It joins the teeth on either side with an artificial tooth or teeth. In some cases, a dental bridge can be used between implants. The procedure's complexity depends on the location of the missing teeth in the mouth, the condition of the other teeth, the materials used and even the dentist's experience with dental bridges.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Bridges?
Yes, dental insurance may cover dental bridges. However, that depends on the type of dental insurance you have and its specific coverage. Dental bridges are often considered restorative procedures that may be categorized as major dental services. It may not be covered in plans that cover only basic or preventative procedures.
If you recently signed up for dental insurance, you may have to wait six months to one year before you get coverage for major procedures. Likewise, dental insurance plans usually have an annual maximum benefit. If you need a dental bridge that exceeds your maximum benefit, you'll need to pay the difference out of pocket.
Types of Dental Bridges and Their Costs
The type of dental bridge will also affect costs and potential coverage.
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is created when a false tooth or teeth held in place by dental crowns are cemented to the adjacent teeth. This is the most common type of dental bridge. It works best when you have natural teeth on both sides of the space where the false tooth will be placed.
Cost with insurance: $0 to $5,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth, depending on coverage limits and deductibles.
Cost without insurance: $2,000 to $5,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth. If you need multiple traditional bridges, you can expect to pay this amount for each tooth or bridge.
Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is placed, cemented to an adjacent tooth and held in place by a dental crown. In that case, only one natural tooth is needed to build the dental bridge.
Cost with insurance: $500 to $6,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth, depending on coverage limits and deductibles.
Cost without insurance: $2,500 to $6,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.
Maryland Bridges
A Maryland dental bridge is similar to a traditional one, with one key difference. Instead of using crowns to connect the bridge to adjacent teeth, a Maryland dental bridge uses either metal or porcelain that is bonded onto the backs of the abutment teeth. To make a Maryland dental bridge, a dentist needs a natural tooth on either side of the gap or missing teeth to build the bridge.
Cost with insurance: $0 to $2,500 per bridge, depending on coverage limits and deductibles.
Cost without insurance: $1,500 to $2,500 for one pontic, including a framework or wings attached to the abutment teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
The most complex form of dental bridge, an implant-supported bridge uses dental implants to build the bridge. In that case, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth. The implants hold the bridge in place. If the dentist can't place an implant for each missing tooth, the bridge may be suspended between two implant-supported crowns.
While implant-supported bridges are the strongest form of dental bridge, they're also the most costly as they require two surgeries. In the first surgery, the dentist embeds implants in the jawbone. In the second surgery, the bridge is placed.
Cost with insurance: $0 to $15,000 or more per bridge, depending on coverage type and limits. Many dental plans have restrictive rules about implants.
Cost without insurance: $5,000 to $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants. An implant-supported bridge typically spans three or four teeth.
Factors That Affect the Dental Bridge Cost
Beyond the type of dental bridge, numerous other factors can affect the cost. These include:
Number of Teeth
A bridge will replace one to a maximum of four teeth. If you need multiple bridges, or to cover more teeth, you can expect to pay more for a dental bridge.
Complexity of Placement
Some mouth positions, as well as the condition of the abutting teeth, can affect the complexity of the procedure, the time required and the total costs.
Material Used
Dental bridges may be built from various materials. Porcelain fused to zirconia and pure porcelain are common materials, but the type of material and the amount used will affect the final costs.
Dentist's Experience
While the dentist's experience may not affect the cost directly, dentists with extensive experience in dental bridges or a reputation for exceptional bridgework may mean higher costs. Remember that an experienced dentist can ensure that the bridge is successful and comfortable.
Location
Costs vary from region to region. You can expect to pay more in areas with a high cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas and California.
Insurance coverage
Some insurance providers have a low annual limit, a deductible or limitations on the types of dental bridges covered.
Other Supplementary Expenses
Other common expenses that can be added to a supplemental insurance plan or may be covered with your dental insurance plan include:
- Oral exam: $98 to $225+
- Dental X-rays: $300 to $900+
- Professional cleaning: $110 to $250+
- Local anesthesia: $50 to $250+
- Tooth extraction: $75 to $250 per tooth
Get the Best Insurance for Your Dental Bridge from Benzinga’s Top Providers
Are you considering a new dental insurance provider? Benzinga's top providers give you better coverage at competitive monthly prices.
- Best For:No annual maximumsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Careington Dental's website
- Best For:Young adults and families with children and teensVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Guardian Dental Insurance's website
Should You Get Dental Insurance Before a Dental Bridge?
As the cost estimates above show, a dental bridge could cost $1,500 to over $15,000 out of pocket without insurance. To ensure you have the coverage you need, it's worth securing a reliable insurance plan with a high annual limit that covers various types of dental bridges.
Need extra coverage? You can also consider a dental savings plan to pay for costs not covered by your insurance. Or better, find affordable full dental coverage or the best dental insurance with no annual maximum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative treatments that may be covered by insurance instead of a dental bridge?
Alternatives to a dental bridge that may be covered by your insurance include partial dentures, false teeth or cast partial dentures with removable plastic or metal frameworks.
Is there a waiting period before insurance coverage kicks in for a dental bridge?
Yes, there is often a waiting period for a dental bridge if you’ve recently switched to a new dental insurance provider. Speak with your insurance provider to understand the waiting period for your situation.
Are there any limitations on the number of dental bridges that can be covered by insurance within a certain time frame?
Limits vary by plan. Many dental plans have a maximum coverage limit. Some plans also limit the number of bridges it will cover for a particular dental gap within a set period.
Dental Insurance Methodology
To determine the best dental insurance providers, we pored through all United States carriers. We winnowed the list by only including companies that have a wide coverage area and product offering. To further break down the list to the true best dental insurance providers, we gave weight to carriers that offer discounts, are available in all states and have multiple payment plan options.
Dental Plans Promo
Get 10% off any dental savings plan at DentalPlans.com. You can reduce your dental care costs by saving 10-60% off at the dentist!
About Alison Plaut
Alison Kimberly is a freelance content writer with a Sustainable MBA, uniquely qualified to help individuals and businesses achieve the triple bottom line of environmental, social, and financial profitability. She has been writing for various non-profit organizations for 15+ years. When not writing, you will find her promoting education and meditation in the developing world, or hiking and enjoying nature.