How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
When you’ve got a gap in your smile caused by missing teeth, dentists often recommend a dental bridge.
As a semi-permanent solution, they can take the place of several teeth. Using a few different processes, they can either be a cosmetic solution or one that’s more functional.
However, patients often wonder how much replacing their missing teeth with a dental bridge costs. Today, we’re looking at the different factors that impact how much you’ll pay to restore your million-dollar smile!
What is a dental bridge?
As the name suggests, practitioners use dental bridges to cover the gap between two healthy teeth. Unless the appliance connects to dental implants, you’ll need at least one viable tooth on either side. And while they’re often functional for biting and chewing, that’s not always the case.
A traditional appliance, or fixed bridge, uses crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap for support. Cantilever bridges use only one supporting tooth as the anchor point. Suitable for replacing one tooth, it’s a good option if that’s all you need.
Maryland bridges work best in the front of the mouth to replace teeth visible to others. Dentists use small metal wings and dental cement to bond them to surrounding dentition.
Implant-supported bridges are a more permanent solution for bridgework and can replace many missing teeth in a row. You’ll have pegs implanted in your jawbone that, once healed, are used to connect an appliance. They are designed to look and function like natural teeth and last the longest.
Who receives a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are indicated for patients with missing teeth but don’t need complete replacement. The surrounding teeth must be healthy, depending on the type of bridgework you’ll have installed. Additionally, you should have good oral hygiene and healthy habits to support your new dental work.
How do you qualify for a dental bridge?
As long as you’ve got healthy teeth aside from the gap, you’re likely a good candidate for a dental bridge. Your dentist will assess the state of your gums and surrounding teeth before recommending a bridge to resolve your issue. If you don’t qualify due to oral health, you could have a partial denture made instead, but they’re less effective than other options.
What factors affect the price of a dental bridge?
As with any medical appliance, costs vary depending on your situation. If you’re only replacing one tooth, costs aren’t terribly high. But if you have several in a row that need treatment, costs climb quickly. Choosing a less costly appliance can save money but may not be worth it in the long run.
Will insurance cover the procedure?
Depending on your level of coverage, dental insurance plans will often cover up to half the cost of major procedures. That said, some also have a maximum lifetime benefit in place. When your procedure costs exceed that amount, you’ll be responsible for the rest.
Medicaid coverage changes from state to state, and the program doesn’t cover bridges in Florida. The coverage includes dentures but not bridges. Some dentists provide payment plans to help offset the cost of dental work.
The type of bridge you want will affect cost
Different types of bridges are more costly than others. For some, the benefits outweigh the higher cost. Covering a single gap can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for traditional and cantilever bridges. Maryland bridges are more cost-effective at $1,500 to $2,500 per gap.
Implant-supported bridges are the most expensive option at $5,500 per gap. Depending on other factors, the cost could range up to $16,000. While they’re more expensive, the benefits of this type of appliance are worth it in most cases.
Materials are always factored in dental bridge costs
Different materials contribute to the overall cost of a dental bridge. Types that require support teeth include one or more crowns, usually made from porcelain, ceramics, zirconium, and composites. Your dentist will usually let you have some input into the material used for yours.
Pontics, or replacement teeth, are usually fabricated using similar materials in a lab. If you’re using implant-supported bridges, they’ll include metal posts rooted in your jaw.
How complex is the dental bridge placement?
Some types of dental appliances are more complex than others and take longer to implant. A single pontic might be a simple procedure, but implants replacing several teeth in a row takes time and multiple visits. Each procedure increases the cost of the treatment.
Any other treatment you receive will affect the price of a dental bridge
Adding tooth extractions, oral surgery, and capping teeth also add to the bill. While these steps are necessary, they are still costs to consider when choosing which type of dental bridge to use.
The experience of your dentist may impact cost
A highly experienced dentist with a long track record of excellence will generally cost more than an inexperienced one. In these cases, you’re paying for the years of work they’ve put into becoming highly skilled practitioners.
That’s not to say a younger dentist can’t do the work, but they will likely still be honing their craft. You may experience more complications than you would otherwise.
Where you live affects your dental bridge cost
Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay more for a dental bridge. This has to do with insurance coverage in your area, among other factors. If you’re in an affluent area with a higher cost of living, you’ll pay more for any procedure.
States with good Medicaid coverage will also reduce the cost of the procedure.
If you are looking for a dental bridge procedure, look no further than Coral Reef Dentistry!
Coral Reef Dentistry specializes in all types of dental bridges. With decades of experience, we’re ready to help you make the best choice for your situation! Our team is dedicated to helping restore full function to your mouth and help you regain confidence.
Don’t spend another day without a solution to your dental needs. Schedule an appointment on our website today!