How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?

Dental bridge cost by type

A traditional bridge replaces one missing tooth with three units: two crowns on the neighboring teeth and one false tooth (pontic) between them.^[1] The per-type averages in the table above are CareCredit’s 2023 to 2024 figures for a single missing tooth.^[2] Pearl’s ADA-based figure is filed under code D6240, and Pearl does not say whether it is per unit or per bridge.^[1] A 4-unit bridge, which spans a longer gap, costs more than a 3-unit bridge.^[1]

What makes a bridge cost more

• Number of units: each extra tooth adds a unit.^[1]
• Material: all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal and gold bridges are priced differently.^[1]
• Lab fees: high-end labs charge more.^[1]
• Build-ups: if the supporting teeth need build-ups first, that is a separate fee.^[1]

Dental bridge cost with insurance

Traditional bridges are major restorations, covered at 50% per unit after the deductible at most PPO plans.^[1] Watch for:

• Missing tooth clause: the tooth may need to have been lost while you were on the current plan.^[1]
• Waiting period: 6 to 12 months for major benefits if you are newly enrolled.^[1]
• Annual maximum: the cap often leaves a large out-of-pocket balance on a multi-unit bridge.^[1]

Dental bridge vs implant cost

Up front, a traditional bridge and a single implant with crown cost about the same (both are in the table above).^[2][3] The difference is lifespan: Pearl says a bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years and an implant 20 years or more.^[1] Bridges are faster and avoid surgery, but require reshaping the neighboring teeth; implants leave those teeth alone.^[1] See dental implant cost.

What is the downside of a dental bridge?

• Neighboring teeth are reshaped. A traditional bridge needs crowns on the teeth on each side of the gap; an implant leaves those teeth alone.^[1]
• It depends on the supporting teeth. If a supporting tooth fails, the whole bridge usually has to come off.^[1]
• Shorter lifespan than an implant: 10 to 15 years for a well-maintained bridge.^[1]

What is a cheaper alternative to a dental bridge?

Smaller bridge designs and removable options cost a fraction of a traditional bridge in CareCredit’s study: a cantilever bridge, a removable acrylic bridge or a Maryland bridge, which is bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth.^[2] Their averages are in the table above. Your dentist decides which type can hold in your gap. If you are missing several teeth, compare partial denture cost.

How do people afford All-on-4 implants?

All-on-4 replaces a whole arch on four implants and costs about $18,000 to $35,000 per arch, per Real Dental Costs.^[3] People usually combine several of these:

• Itemized quotes from more than one office, so the implants, teeth, imaging and any graft are all listed.^[3]
• Staging work across two calendar years, if insurance covers part of it, to use two annual maximums.^[3]
• HSA or FSA funds for the out-of-pocket share.^[6]
• A snap-in implant denture instead of fixed teeth, which costs less per arch.^[3]

See full mouth dental implants cost for All-on-4, All-on-6 and full mouth prices.

Dental bridge cost by state

Pearl’s state averages for code D6240 run from $4,015 in Oklahoma and $4,070 in Louisiana to $5,645 in New York and $5,850 in Hawaii.^[1]

How to pay less for a dental bridge

1. Ask which bridge types fit your gap. Maryland and cantilever bridges average far less than a traditional bridge.^[2]
2. Confirm insurance rules first. Ask about the missing tooth clause and get pre-authorization for multi-unit bridges.^[1]
3. Compare savings plans. Aspen Dental’s $49-a-year savings plan lists 20% off crowns and bridges at participating Aspen Dental offices.^[4]
4. Use a dental discount plan. Care Anytime’s dental benefit lists 20% to 50% savings on most dental procedures, including crowns, and a 20% reduction on prosthodontists’ normal fees where available.^[5] See how dental discount plans work.