How much do dental bridges cost?

If you have 1 or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can “bridge the gap” in your smile. There are many types of dental bridges, so it can help to know which option is best for your needs and your budget.

Here’s a look at the types of dental bridges, how much they can cost and more.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is a false tooth (or teeth) attached to a tooth on both sides of the gap. The false tooth, called a pontic, can be made of ceramic, porcelain, resin, gold or other materials. There are different types of bridges that use dental crowns, metal wings or dental implants to hold the false teeth in place.

Types of dental bridges

4 common types of dental bridges include:

Traditional: A traditional bridge uses dental crowns to hold the false teeth in place. The crowns are cemented to the natural teeth, known as abutment teeth. Traditional bridges are a popular choice if you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever: Cantilever bridges are like traditional bridges, but only use 1 crown cemented to 1 natural tooth.
Maryland: Maryland bridges are also like traditional bridges because they use natural teeth on both sides of the gap. However, instead of crowns, Maryland bridges use metal wings to secure your bridge.
Implant-supported: Instead of crowns or metal wings, implant-supported bridges are held in place by dental implants. These types of bridges are typically used to replace several missing teeth and are the strongest and most durable option.

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How much does a dental bridge cost?

Like most dental procedures, there isn’t 1 set price for dental bridges. The cost can depend on many factors like:

How many teeth are missing
Type of bridge used
Type of material used for false teeth (ceramic, porcelain, resin, gold, etc.)
Care needed before procedure (dental cleaning, gum disease treatment, etc.)
Where you live

To get an accurate estimate of what you might pay, talk to a local dentist. Here are some average costs for dental bridges.1

Traditional and cantilever bridges—$2,000–$5,000 for 1 pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.
Maryland bridges—$1,500–$2,500 for 1 pontic with the framework, or wings, attached to the abutment teeth.
Implant-supported bridge—$5,000–$15,000 for a bridge with 2 dental implants spanning 3 or 4 teeth.

Does dental insurance cover dental bridges?

Insurance coverage may depend on why you need a dental bridge. If your bridge is medically necessary and recommended by a dentist, your insurance may cover some of the costs. If you’re getting a dental bridge for cosmetic reasons only, you’ll pay for everything out-of-pocket.

Pros and cons of dental bridges

Here are some pros and cons to consider before getting a dental bridge:


Pros of dental bridges	Cons of dental bridges
Natural-looking solution for tooth loss	Supporting teeth can become weakened
Chew and speak normally again	Bridge can loosen over time and need replacement
Improve appearance of your smile	Bacteria and plaque can get inside a bridge or crown and cause tooth decay
Can replace multiple teeth	May lose natural-looking appearance over time

Dental insurance may help cover costs for dental bridges

The cost of dental bridges can be different for many reasons, but the goal is the same—to help fix your smile. Some dental insurance plans offer coverage for dental bridges, which can help you pay less out-of-pocket. To learn about dental insurance with Humana, check out our individual and family dental insurance plans.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is a dental bridge less expensive than dental implants?

Traditional, cantilever and Maryland bridges typically have lower upfront costs than dental implants. However, dental implants can last longer and have fewer long-term costs.