Dental Bridge Cost

A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth (called pontics) used to fill in an area left by a missing tooth or teeth.  Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants. Bridges are attached to supporting, or abutment, teeth by crowns. There are many reasons to get a dental bridge which will be discussed in detail later.

Dental bridges are fitted in 2-3 visits. This allows your dentist to make adjustment to alter the fit of your bridge, as well as to fit permanent crowns on your abutment teeth.

Pontics are available in a variety of colors. Your dentist will help you find the color that best matches your natural teeth. Often, your dentist will whiten your natural teeth before selecting a coordinating shade for false teeth.

What Kind of Bridges are Available?

There are three types of bridges:

• Traditional fixed bridges
• Resin bonded bridges (also called Maryland bridges)
• Cantilever bridges

Traditional fixed bridges are fused between two porcelain crowns that are anchored to two natural teeth. Fixed bridges are not removable as partial dentures are. These are the most common type of dental bridge. Fillings work well with this kind of bridge because the filling can act as a foundation for the crowns.

Resin bonded bridges, or Maryland bridges, are generally used for front teeth. These bridges are less expensive, but also not as strong as traditional bridges. Resin bonded bridges are best used when the abutment (supporting) teeth are healthy and don’t have large fillings. In these bridges, the false tooth (pontic) is fused to metal bands that are fused to the supporting teeth. This type of bridge requires less work on surrounding teeth.

Cantilever bridges are used where teeth are under less stress, as in front teeth. These kind of bridges only require teeth on one side of the open space. Cantilever bridges anchor the pontic to healthy teeth on one side of the false tooth.

Cost

The cost of a single fixed bridge varies based on factors such as

• Region/location of the dentist
• Extent of work involved and additional procedures needed
• How many bridges you need
• Which type of bridges you need
• Materials used in the bridge
• Dental insurance

Region is a factor in that rural areas tend to have lower costs than big cities. However, rural areas might have fewer options available for you.

Traditional bridges require the most amount of work. Supporting (abutment) teeth need to be shaped to a great extent before crowns are installed. Resin bonded bridges require less labor, but your teeth must be healthy and strong.

If you need additional procedures prior to getting a bridge, these procedures can cost you. Possible dental procedures include fillings and root canals. These help solidify your abutment teeth.

The more bridges you need, the more expensive. Dental bridges can range from 500 to 3,000 dollars per false tooth. There are three types of dental bridges: traditional, resin bonded (Maryland), Cantilever. Each bridge has different requirements and call for varying amounts of work.

Dental bridges can be made from several materials, including gold, porcelain, and other metals. Depending on your needs and preferences, your dentist will help you select the materials best suited to you.

Dental insurance can cover a portion of the cost for a new dental bridge. Some policies cover half the cost, but you will have to consult with your insurance company to find out how much they will pay.

Discounts might be available through a dental school. If there is one in the area, this might be an avenue worth pursuing. Dental students are supervised by more experienced dentists, so you aren’t left to amateurs.

If your dental office offers financing through payment plans, this might help you fund your dental bridge over time. There are varying plans, some requiring a large down payment, with others accepting smaller payments over a period of time. Talk to your dentist to see what is available in his office.

Discount dental plans are also available through various agencies. A discount dental plan can save you 50 percent of the total cost of your dental bridge.

Third party flexible spending accounts are another option. These accounts are specifically designed to cover bills from medical treatment.

Why Get a Dental bridge?

Dental bridges can

• Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
• Restore your smile
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly
• Maintain the shape of your face
• Allow you to properly chew and speak
• Last five to 20 years, giving you more than just a quick fix
• Ease your emotional distress over missing teeth

By getting a dental bridge, you can prevent your remaining teeth from shifing and requiring additional dental procedures. A dental bridge can restore your smile, and give you cause to smile more often.

By distributing the forces in your bite properly, a dental bridge can prevent dental damage, which will save you time and money in the future. A proper bite will also alleviate stress on your jaw.

A dental bridge can help you maintain the shape of your face, so when you look in the mirror you see you.

Dental bridges allow you to chew and speak in the manner you should. No more lisping with those missing teeth. And you’ll be able to continue crunching on your favorite snacks.

Lasting five to 20 years, dental bridges give you more than just a quick fix. You can have all the things you want for years to come. A dental bridge can ease the emotional distress that comes with missing teeth. You improve your appearance and your self confidence all at once.

Conclusion

Whether it is a single missing tooth, or several in a row, a dental bridge might be your solution. Dental bridges are fixed in your mouth, so they are easier to care for, with no risk of getting lost or falling out. Dental bridges give you the smile you’ve been missing.