How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?

How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?

The cost of dental bridges – which replace one or more missing teeth – varies based on the type of bridge, the number of teeth that need replacing, and other factors.²

Without dental insurance, the average cost of a dental bridge is more than $5,000, but ranges from as low as about $1,000 to nearly $10,000, depending  on several factors.³

On average, most people pay between $1,500 and $5,600 per tooth, and where the cost falls depends largely on the type of bridge your dentist recommends.⁴

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is defined as a fixed dental prosthesis or fixed partial denture.⁵  This type of dental restoration bridges the gap between two teeth where one or more teeth are missing.²

There are four main types of dental bridges:²

• A traditional bridge uses crowns on both sides of the gap to secure the replacement tooth (pontic). This is the most frequently used option.
• A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but the crown is placed on only one adjacent tooth.
• With a Maryland bridge, a metal or porcelain framework is bonded to the backs of nearby teeth, rather than full crowns.
• Dentists use implant-supported dental bridges when several consecutive teeth are missing. This type of bridge uses one or more implants instead of natural teeth for support.

Dentists generally evaluate the number of missing teeth, the health of nearby teeth, and patients’ long-term treatment goals when determining which type of bridge is appropriate.

Can I get a dental bridge with no insurance?

Yes. You can get a dental bridge without insurance. You’d simply pay for the procedure out of pocket. Many dental practices offer payment plans or third-party financing options.

That said, dental insurance can be helpful when planning for a dental bridge. Many dental plans offer benefits for major restorative work, including dental bridges, which can lower your out-of-pocket costs.⁶

Does dental insurance cover dental bridges?

Full-coverage dental plans (meaning a plan that includes coverage for preventive, basic, and major services)⁷ typically cover at least some of the cost of dental bridges when they’re deemed medically necessary, such as to restore chewing function, improve speech, and prevent nearby teeth from shifting.⁸² Bridges are categorized as a major service, and most dental plans that cover major services will often cover 50% of the cost of those services after the deductible,⁹ with some plans covering up to 80%,¹⁰ until you reach the plan’s annual benefit cap.

Related services, such as oral exams and X-rays, are often covered as preventive care.¹¹ Tooth extractions needed before the bridge placement are commonly partially covered as well.¹¹ Because these associated services generally count toward your plan’s annual maximum (the amount your plan will pay for covered dental services during the plan year), you may reach your limit before the bridge is even placed. Many plans also have waiting periods for major services so it is important to review your plan’s details for coverage specifics.¹²

If I have dental insurance, what might I pay for a bridge?

Here’s how the numbers might work: Say your bridge costs $4,000 and your plan covers 50%. You’d expect $2,000 in coverage. But if your plan’s annual maximum is $1,500, that’s all the insurer will pay. (This is quite common; most plans have annual benefit caps in the range of $1,000 to $2,000.)¹³

In this example, you’d cover the remaining $2,500 out of pocket.

What factors can impact the cost of a dental bridge?

Aside from the type of dental bridge, other factors that can impact the cost include:³¹⁴

Materials used

Bridges can be made from porcelain fused to metal, porcelain combined with gold, or entirely from metal-free materials, such as zirconia or alumina.⁴ Materials that blend in better with your natural teeth typically cost more.⁴ Your dentist can help you weigh appearance against budget when choosing.

Number of teeth being replaced

A bridge replacing several teeth will likely cost more than one replacing a single tooth.

Where you’re receiving services

Dental costs vary widely by region, and because dentists set their own fees, prices can differ significantly even within the same city.

Dentist’s experience

Dentists with extensive experience or advanced training often charge higher fees.

Preparatory work needed

Before a bridge can be placed, you may need other treatments and services, and those costs are added to your total bill. Common examples include:¹⁵

• Oral exam: about $100
• Dental X-rays: about $35
• Professional cleaning: about $100
• Tooth extraction: about $200 per tooth
• Local anesthesia: about $90

Ongoing maintenance

Dental bridges require ongoing follow-up care to make sure they stay in good condition.⁸ If your bridge needs an adjustment or repair later on, those visits are billed separately from the original procedure.

What can you do if you can’t get coverage and can’t afford a dental bridge?

If you’re unable to get dental insurance or the out-of-pocket cost of a dental bridge is too high, there are ways to lower your expenses or get help managing them:¹⁶

• Consider a dental discount plan. These programs, which are different from dental insurance, work with a network of dentists who agree to offer reduced fees, so it’s helpful to check which providers accept the plan before signing up. You pay a monthly or yearly membership fee to access the savings, and there are no deductibles or waiting periods, and no annual maximums.¹⁷ If you already have insurance, a discount plan can be useful once you’ve hit your yearly benefit maximum.¹⁸
• Ask if your dentist offers an in-office membership program. Some dental practices offer membership plans that work differently from discount networks. You pay a monthly or annual fee directly to the dental office and receive complimentary services like cleanings and exams, plus discounts on other services the practice offers, which may include major work like bridges. Not every office offers these programs, but it’s worth asking.
• Look into community health centers. Federally qualified health centers may offer services on a sliding fee scale based on your income.¹⁹ Use the finder tool to locate health centers in your area.¹⁹ These centers often focus on preventive care and basic treatment, and not all offer dental bridge placement. Your best bet is to call and ask what services they offer. If the center you contact doesn’t place dental bridges, they may be able to refer you to another location that does.
• See if you qualify for charitable or assistance programs. Nonprofit organizations like Give Back a Smile, Donated Dental Services, and the Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program connect eligible patients with dentists who provide care at reduced or no cost. These programs focus on specific needs or have waitlists, but they’re worth exploring.
• Check with local dental schools. Accredited dental schools offer some services at reduced rates to the general public. It may take some legwork to find programs that offer dental bridge placement as part of their reduced services, but it’s worth asking.
• Ask about payment plans. While not a savings option, many dental offices offer in-house or third-party financing, which can make paying for a dental bridge more manageable.