Dental bridges are used to fill the gap that is created by one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is made of two or more crowns for those natural teeth that are on either side of a gap and these anchoring teeth are called “abutment teeth”. The false tooth/teeth that are in between these abutment teeth are called “pontics”. These pontics can be made from different materials such as porcelain, gold, alloys either separately or in a combination. Natural teeth or implants provide support to the dental bridges.
Dental bridges are becoming very popular in the United States as people are seeking to get dental restorations for a better, brighter smile. Every patient who is looking for a dental bridge treatment wants to know the most important point and that is the cost of the restoration. So, here is a detailed overview of the cost of dental bridges.
What factors affect the cost of dental bridges?
The dental bridge cost depends on different factors and these include:
- Materials used in making teeth bridges
- The manufacturing process of teeth bridges
- Placement complexity of teeth bridges
- Additional treatments
- Experience of dentist in placing the dental bridges
- Geographical location
Materials used in making dental bridges:
There are some advanced materials such as porcelain or zirconia that are more costly than other types of materials. Because these advanced materials are much durable and natural-looking, most of the patients choose them to enhance their dental health and smiles.
The manufacturing process of dental bridges:
Usually, teeth bridges are fabricated in dental labs. Though, some dentists offer same-day manufacturing of bridges in their clinics. The price of dental bridge is a bit more in this second option because restorations in a single-day appointment require advanced digital technology.
Placement complexity of dental bridges:
The cost is higher for those dental bridge procedures that are lengthy and more advanced. For instance, the cost of an implant-supported bridge is high than the cost of a traditional crown-supported bridge.
Additional treatments:
Sometimes, there is a need to perform other treatments while placing a bridge. These additional procedures are not included in the dental bridge cost.
Experience of dentist in placing the dental bridges:
Dentists, who are experienced and popular for their skills and natural-looking results, usually charge more than the other less-experienced dentists. Likewise, if a dentist works with a prominent implant specialist or ceramist, he or she may charge a higher cost. However, many patients are keen to pay a little higher fee to ensure the most favorable results.
Geographic location:
Like other things, dental care also costs more in various areas of the country. For example, the cost of restorative treatment is high for those patients who are living in major urban hubs.
What is the average cost of dental bridge in the USA?
Normally, the dental bridge price ranges from $500 per artificial tooth to $1200 per tooth. Therefore, the cost of a bridge with one pontic is higher than that with 2 or 3 pontics.
How much do different types of dental bridges cost?
Cost of 3 Unit Dental Bridge | |
Maryland/Resin-Bonded | $1000 to $2300 |
Traditional/Cantilever | $2250 to $4500 |
Implant Supported | $4000 to $16000 |
The prices are listed on the basis of “per unit” with each abutment or anchor tooth and each pontic or replacement tooth is calculated as a separate unit. For instance, a traditional 3 unit bridge consists of 2 abutment teeth on both the sides of a gap and a single pontic between them. The price of Maryland bridges is calculated on the basis of the number of wings and number of pontics.
For a Maryland/resin-bonded bridge, the cost of each wing is between $250 and $600 while the cost of each pontic ranges from $500 to $1100. So, the typical cost of a Maryland bridge having two metal wings and single pontic ranges from $1000 to $2300.
For a traditional/cantilever bridge, the average cost ranges from $750 to $1500 per unit. A three unit bridge will cost $2250 to $4500.
For implant supported bridge, the cost depends on different factors such as the size of the bridge, the types of materials used and the required number of implants. The typical cost of three or four unit implant supported bridge ranges from $4000 to $16000 or an average of $8500.
Is dental bridge treatment covered by insurance?
Yes, dental insurance may cover up to 50% of the total cost of a dental bridge, up to an annual maximum of $1000 to $2000. Unluckily, some insurance companies have such sections that state that the patient has to be on the plan for the least amount of time like 2 years before it will cover the treatment.
A missing tooth can significantly harm oral health and damage the dental function of an individual. That is why dental insurance either fully or partly covers the cost of a dental bridge. Some insurance companies, at times, only cover the cost of the basic dental bridge procedure and the patients have to pay any extra costs by themselves. For instance, insurance may cover only such a restoration that is porcelain or crown-supported and if zirconia bridge or implant-supported restoration is needed then the patient has to pay these additional costs out-of-pocket. At most of the dental clinics, the administrative staff completely helps the patients in filing their entitlements and also ensures that the patients get the complete coverage to which they are eligible.
Conclusion:
One of the best ways for the replacement of missing natural tooth/teeth is the dental bridge treatment that literally fills the gap that is left behind by the tooth/teeth loss. A dental bridge is a procedure that is common, effective, time-tested, low-risk, and affordable.
There is no fixed cost of a dental bridge procedure because it depends on a variety of factors and these factors vary the cost from one patient to another patient. So, the best way to determine the cost of dental bridge is to consult an experienced and qualified dentist. The team of experienced, qualified, skilled and American board-certified dentists at Aliso Niguel Dental Group provides a comprehensive procedure of a dental bridge that is customized according to the conditions and needs of each and every patient.
If you want an affordable, customized, safe and best dental bridge restoration treatment then book an appointment by visiting our website or by calling 949-643-7047