Dental Bridge Cost

• A Maryland (or resin-bonded) bridge typically costs about $250 -$550 for each wing and $600 -$1,200 per false tooth, or a $1,100 -$2,300 for one false tooth with two metal wings and $1,700 -$3,500 with two false teeth. Maryland bridges require less shaving of the anchor teeth and with care typically last four to eight years.
• Traditional or cantilever bridges are usually priced based on the number of teeth (units) involved; a three-unit bridge to fill the gap created by a single missing tooth uses one false tooth and two anchoring crowns. Depending on the materials used (porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-metal or all-ceramic), traditional or cantilever bridges can cost $500 -$3,000 or more per unit, or $1,500 -$6,000 or more total for a three-unit bridge; but they average about $700 -$1,500 per unit or $2,100 -$4,500 for a three-unit bridge. A four-unit bridge (two false teeth, two anchor crowns) can cost $2,000 -$12,000 or more. Traditional or cantilever bridges typically last five to 15 years.
• Two to six dental implants topped with a partial or full-mouth bridge can cost $3,500 -$30,000 or more, depending on number of implants, bridge size and materials, and any other needed procedures (like extractions, bone grafts or tissue grafts). CostHelper readers report paying $4,000 -$16,000 for a three- or four-unit bridge attached to two implants, at an average cost of $8,486.
• Dental insurance might cover up to 50% of the cost of a dental bridge, but many dental plans have an annual limit (typically $1,000 -$2,000). For example, the University of Iowa offers its employees a Delta Dental plan with a $25 -$75 deductible and 50% coinsurance rate for dental bridges, with up to $1,000 covered per calendar year. However, most dental insurance policies either have a clause that specifically says the company will not pay for replacing a tooth that was missing before the coverage started or a clause saying the policy has to be in effect for a specific period of time (such as two years) before it covers these replacement procedures.

• A traditional or cantilever bridge typically requires two appointments, plus follow-up visits to check bite and fit. At the first appointment, the dentist typically removes some of the enamel from the anchor teeth to make room for the crowns, makes an impression of the patient's teeth and then installs a temporary bridge. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which manufacturers the bridge. At the second appointment the dentist removes the temporary bridge and installs and adjusts the permanent bridge. WebMD.com provides an overview of dental bridges.
• A Maryland bridge also typically requires two appointments, plus any follow-up visits. In the first appointment the dentist prepares the area (including slightly grinding the back of the anchor teeth), makes an impression of the patient's teeth and installs a temporary bridge. At the second appointment the dentist installs the permanent bridge. An implant-supported bridge has several phases, starting with the installation of the implants. The process can take three months to a year or more, including healing time.

• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has tips for finding low-cost dental care.
• Dental school clinics offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.

• WedMD lists things to consider when choosing a dentist.
• If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists. Or search for local members of the American Dental Association, the American College of Prosthodontists (specialists in restoration work) or the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

More Articles in Dentistry & Orthodontics