Crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays
Dental bridges: treatment options and what affects the cost
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with false teeth held by crowns on the teeth next to the gap. It is priced per unit, so a three-unit bridge has three fees.
No public price is listed for this treatment. Fees depend on your exam, and offices confirm whether they provide it.
What the treatment is
A traditional fixed bridge uses the teeth on either side of a gap as anchors (abutments). Those teeth are shaped for crowns, and the false tooth (pontic) is attached between them. The whole bridge is cemented and is not removed at home.
Insurance and fee schedules count each piece as a unit: a bridge replacing one tooth with a crown on each side is three units, and each unit has its own code and fee.
Why it may be recommended
- Replacing one or a few missing teeth when the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge.
- When the neighboring teeth already need crowns.
- When an implant is not possible or not preferred.
Treatment types and variations
Tap a type to see when it is used and what to weigh. Your dentist recommends options after examining you.
Types of bridges
Traditional fixed bridgeCrowns on the teeth on both sides support one or more false teeth.
- Codes to ask about
- D6740, D6245
Cantilever bridgeThe false tooth is supported from one side only. Used in limited situations.
- Things to weigh
- Puts more force on the single supporting tooth.
Resin-bonded (Maryland) bridgeA false tooth with wings bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth, with little or no shaping of those teeth.
- Often used for
- Front teeth, younger patients, or as a long-term temporary.
- Things to weigh
- Can debond and need re-bonding.
- Codes to ask about
- D6545, D6548
Implant-supported bridgeDental implants, rather than natural teeth, hold the bridge. See the implant guide.
- Codes to ask about
- D6068, D6075
Materials
Zirconia or other ceramicTooth-colored and strong. Zirconia is often used for longer bridges.
- Codes to ask about
- D6245, D6740
Porcelain fused to metalA metal frame with porcelain on top.
- Codes to ask about
- D6240, D6750
Full-cast metalStrong and conservative, but not tooth-colored.
- Codes to ask about
- D6210
Materials and techniques
- Number of units
- Longer bridges place more stress on the supporting teeth and the material; stronger materials are usually chosen as spans get longer.
- Connector size
- The joints between units need enough height to be strong, which can limit material choices in tight spaces.
Benefits, limitations and possible risks
Benefits
- Fixed in place; no removing at night.
- Usually completed in a few weeks without surgery.
- Can restore chewing and appearance and help keep neighboring teeth from drifting.
Limitations
- Healthy neighboring teeth may need to be shaped for crowns.
- Cleaning under the false tooth takes floss threaders, special floss or a water flosser.
- If one supporting tooth develops decay or fails, the whole bridge may need to be replaced.
- Does not replace the root, so the bone under the gap can shrink over time.
Possible risks
- Sensitivity of the supporting teeth after preparation.
- Decay or gum disease around the supporting crowns if cleaning is difficult.
- Need for a root canal in a supporting tooth.
- Chipping or debonding.
What happens during treatment
- 1
Evaluation
Exam and X-rays check the supporting teeth and gums.
- 2
Preparation
The supporting teeth are shaped and a scan or impression is taken.
- 3
Temporary bridge
Worn while the lab makes the final bridge.
- 4
Fitting
The bridge is tried in, adjusted and cemented.
Recovery and maintenance
- Some sensitivity and gum soreness for a few days is common.
- Learn to clean under the bridge; your hygienist can show you.
- Regular checkups help catch problems at the supporting teeth early.
What affects the cost
- Number of units
- Each crown and each false tooth is a separate fee.
- Material
- Ceramic, zirconia, PFM and metal have different lab costs.
- Condition of supporting teeth
- Build-ups, root canals or gum treatment on the anchors add cost.
- Type of bridge
- Resin-bonded bridges usually cost less than full-coverage bridges.
Common additional charges
These are billed separately at many offices. Not every patient needs them.
| Extraction | If the tooth being replaced is still present. |
|---|---|
| Bone graft | Sometimes placed at extraction to preserve the shape of the gum under the false tooth. |
| Build-ups | On supporting teeth with large fillings. |
| Re-cementing or repair | If the bridge comes loose or chips later. |
Procedure fee or total case cost?
Quotes are often given per unit. Multiply by the number of units, then add any extraction, graft, build-ups or root canals for the full case cost.
Paying with insurance or without insurance
Many dental plans cover bridges as a major service after the deductible, up to the annual maximum. Some exclude teeth that were missing before coverage began. Without insurance, ask for the per-unit fee and the total for the whole bridge.
Alternative treatments
Alternatives depend on your teeth and health. Ask your dentist to explain the trade-offs of each option, including doing nothing.
- Single-tooth implant
- Replaces the root and does not involve the neighboring teeth, but needs surgery and healing time.
- Removable partial denture
- Lower cost and replaces several teeth, but is removable.
- Leaving the space
- Some gaps cause few problems; others lead to drifting teeth and bite changes. Ask what to expect.
Codes to ask your insurer about
Insurers price treatment by ADA CDT procedure code. The office confirms the exact code for your treatment; labels here are plain-English summaries.
| D6240 | Bridge pontic (false tooth), porcelain fused to high noble metal |
|---|---|
| D6245 | Bridge pontic, porcelain/ceramic |
| D6210 | Bridge pontic, cast high noble metal |
| D6740 | Bridge retainer crown, porcelain/ceramic |
| D6750 | Bridge retainer crown, porcelain fused to high noble metal |
| D6545 | Resin-bonded bridge retainer, cast metal |
| D6548 | Resin-bonded bridge retainer, porcelain/ceramic |
| D6930 | Re-cement or re-bond bridge |
| D6980 | Bridge repair |
Questions to ask your dentist
- How many units is my bridge, and what is the fee per unit?
- Are my supporting teeth healthy enough? Do they need anything first?
- How does a bridge compare with an implant for this space?
- Which material do you recommend for a bridge this long?
Frequently asked questions
Is a bridge cheaper than an implant?
A three-unit bridge is often less than or similar to a single implant with its crown, but it depends on materials, grafting and the office. The supporting teeth and long-term upkeep also matter.
Does insurance cover bridges?
Many plans cover bridges as a major service. Some have a missing-tooth clause that excludes teeth lost before coverage started. Ask for a pre-treatment estimate.
Related procedures
- Dental crownsA crown is a cap that covers a damaged, weak or root-canal-treated tooth to restore its shape and strength. The price depends on the material, the lab and whether the tooth needs a build-up or post first.
- Dental implantsAn implant replaces a missing tooth root with a post placed in the jawbone, topped with an abutment and a crown, bridge or denture. It is usually priced as several parts, which is why quotes vary so much.
- DenturesDentures replace missing teeth with a removable appliance. Complete dentures replace a whole arch; partial dentures fill gaps between natural teeth. Price depends on type, materials and whether extractions are needed.
- Tooth extractionAn extraction removes a tooth that cannot be saved or is causing problems. Simple, surgical and impacted (including most wisdom teeth) extractions are coded and priced differently.