Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of a Dental Bridge?

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic or artificial tooth that dentists use to replace a missing tooth.1 It literally bridges the gap between teeth by connecting them and filling in the gap. A bridge can close a gap in your smile and help protect other teeth from damage. Because of their oral health benefits, the dental bridge cost is often at least partially covered by dental insurance. However, there may be limitations, and plans may cover different amounts. Here’s what to know about dental insurance when it comes to getting dental bridges.

How much do dental bridges cost without insurance?

There are several different types of dental bridges, each of which vary in cost. Regardless of type, you will typically have to pay the full cost out-of-pocket if you don’t have dental insurance. Without insurance, the average cost by type is:1

• Traditional bridge: The most common types of bridges cost an average of $5,197. This bridge works by placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, which hold the false tooth (pontic) in place.
• Cantilever bridge: A bridge with a crown on just one side of the gap rather than both costs an average of $1,041. It anchors the pontic to only one neighboring tooth, which supports the replacement tooth on its own.
• Maryland bridge: Also called a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bridge uses porcelain wings instead of crowns to connect to the abutment teeth and costs an average of $1,569. This bridge bonds a metal or porcelain framework to the back of the adjacent teeth, avoiding the need for crowns.
• Implant-supported bridge: Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to support the bridge and cost an average of $5,195. This type secures the bridge directly onto surgically placed implants, providing stability without relying on natural teeth.

Factors that impact the cost of dental bridges

There are several factors that can cause a dental bridge procedure to be more or less expensive. These may include:

• Type of bridge: Different types of bridges are more expensive than others, as we broke down above.
• Material used: Bridges may be made of materials like porcelain, zirconia, or gold alloy. Porcelain and gold alloy tend to be more expensive, while zirconia is slightly more affordable.2
• Number of missing teeth: Gaps that are larger may require additional bridges to replace missing teeth, increasing the cost.
• Required work on supporting teeth: Dental work required to repair teeth around the bridges will increase the cost of the procedure.

Does dental insurance cover dental bridges?

If dental bridges are considered medically necessary by your dentist, the procedure is usually covered by dental insurance. You can get affordable dental insurance that covers preventative care, basic services, and major procedures. Dental insurance plans often have a 100/80/50 model, meaning they cover 100% of the costs for preventative care, 80% of basic services, and 50% of major procedures.3 Depending on the insurer and the extent of the procedure, dental bridges will typically be considered a basic service or a major procedure. 

For example, let’s use the average cost of a traditional bridge: $5,197. If your provider covers 50% of the procedure, you will owe $2,598.50 out of pocket. If they cover 80%, you will owe $1,039.40. In either case, it’s significantly less than what you would pay without dental insurance. It’s important to remember, however, that plans usually have a deductible that you will have to pay before insurance kicks in. Likewise, some plans may be subject to annual coverage limits that may prevent an insurer from covering the full cost.

The bottom line

Dental procedures can be significantly expensive and put a strain on your finances. A dental insurance policy may reduce your out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary procedures like dental bridges. Moreover, with dental insurance coverage, you may be more motivated to go to the dentist and maintain better oral health since preventative care and basic services like cavities are covered by your plan. Preventative care could help you avoid needing a major procedure like dental bridges down the line. But if you do need to get bridges, make sure you review your policy to understand deductibles, coverage limits, and any other factors that could impact your out-of-pocket costs.

Sources:

1 CareCredit – What Is a Dental Bridge? Types, Benefits and Costs. Updated September 27, 2024. https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/dental-bridges/. Accessed September 18, 2025.

2 Riverside Center for Esthetic Dentistry – Cost Considerations: Understanding the Financial Aspects of Dental Bridges. https://www.riversidecenterforestheticdentistry.com/dental-services/blog/cost-considerations-understanding-financial-aspects-dental-bridges. Accessed September 18, 2025.

3 Investopedia – How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated December 15, 2023. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/how-does-dental-insurance-work.asp. Accessed September 18, 2025.

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