Costs Associated with Dental Bridges

Cost is subjective and is often related to the options you consider replacing the gap in your smile. Let’s address why. You have a gap in your teeth. A gap that adversely affects the appearance of your smile and how you bite your food. You want to correct the gap for health reasons and let’s face it, quality of life. A dental bridge varies on cost by the style of bridge that you and your dentist decide is best for your situation.

The Biggest Factor

The bridge length and cost depend on the gap. Do you have one, two or three teeth missing? That would be the first and foremost factor on cost. A bridge can run between $700 and $1,500 per tooth. An artificial tooth is called a pontic. Your first multiplier then is the number of pontics going into your dental prosthesis.  You then have other factors such as the adjacent teeth that will anchor the bridge. These two teeth are called abutment teeth. Do they need any additional procedures? You need to factor in the artistic technique of both your dentist and the dental lab that is making your bridge. There are a variety of materials available to make your bridge from. The materials that the dentist and the lab choose will affect your appearance and durability. Is there any prep work prior to the bridge being ordered and how well does the bridge fit upon delivery? There are many variables on something so important to you and the functionality of your smile.

Types of Bridges

After we address all the factors and variables listed above we still need to determine which type of bridge will be best for you. A Traditional Bridge, the most popular, has the two abutment teeth being filed down to accept crowns. Once an impression is taken by the dentist and a mold made of your teeth, the final bridge is made at the lab. The dentist will cement the crowns in place over your natural teeth with the bridge affixed to both crowns. This has been proven to be reliable, durable and have an average life expectancy of 10 years. A second method is the Maryland Bridge. The abutment teeth do not receive crowns but instead a framework, like small wings, is used to anchor the bridge to the abutment teeth. This alternative is not as strong. There is also an Implant Supported Bridge in which you have lost three teeth. In this case two implants are placed and act like the abutment teeth and then a bridge is either screwed or cemented on the implant abutments replacing three or more teeth in an area. You can quickly see from these different types that the final cost is dependent on your situation and the final product. The lab can also use a porcelain or ceramic option such that when installed in your mouth you cannot tell the pontic from your natural teeth. So, the material used can certainly affect cost as well as your value you place on your smile. Think about your smile and you determine the value.

If you're ready to get started with a consultation about a dental bridge, learn more here now.

Just interested in learning more about dental bridges themselves? Here's more information about the different types of dental bridges that are available.