Dental Bridges: Types, Costs, and Comparison with Implants

Updated April 2026 · By the DentalCalcs Team

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring prosthetic teeth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges cost $1,500-5,000 for a three-unit span, making them the mid-price option between partial dentures (less expensive) and implants (more expensive). They restore chewing function, prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, and maintain facial structure. Understanding the different bridge types, their costs, and how they compare to alternatives helps you make an informed decision about replacing missing teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges are the most common type. Two crowns placed on the teeth flanking the gap (abutment teeth) support one or more prosthetic teeth (pontics) between them. A three-unit bridge (two crowns plus one pontic) costs $2,000-5,000. The abutment teeth must be healthy enough to support the bridge and are permanently altered by crown preparation — 60-70% of their enamel is removed.

Maryland bridges (resin-bonded) use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth without full crown preparation. They cost $1,500-2,500 and preserve more natural tooth structure. However, they are weaker than traditional bridges and work best for replacing front teeth with minimal bite force. Cantilever bridges attach to teeth on only one side of the gap and cost $2,000-4,000 — they are used when teeth exist on only one side.

• Traditional bridge (3-unit): $2,000-5,000
• Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge: $1,500-2,500
• Cantilever bridge: $2,000-4,000
• Implant-supported bridge: $5,000-15,000 (2+ implants)
• Each additional pontic adds $500-1,500 to the total

Bridge vs Implant: Making the Decision

A single implant ($3,000-5,000) costs slightly more than a three-unit bridge ($2,000-5,000) but lasts 20-30+ years versus 10-15 years for a bridge. Over a 30-year period, the bridge will likely need replacement once ($2,000-5,000 additional), making the lifetime cost comparable. The implant also preserves bone in the missing tooth area and does not require altering healthy adjacent teeth.

Bridges win on speed and simplicity. A bridge is completed in 2-3 weeks with two dental visits. An implant requires 4-6 months from placement to final crown, including a healing period during which the implant integrates with the jawbone. For patients who cannot undergo implant surgery (insufficient bone, medical conditions, age-related factors) or need a faster solution, bridges are an excellent and well-proven option.

The Bridge Procedure

At the first appointment, the abutment teeth are prepared by removing enamel to create space for the crowns. Impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab. Temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics during the 1-2 week laboratory fabrication period.

At the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is tried in. The dentist checks fit, bite alignment, and color match before permanently cementing the bridge. Minor adjustments are common and are made at the same visit. The entire process from first appointment to permanent placement takes 2-3 weeks with two visits.

Lifespan and Maintenance

Dental bridges last 10-15 years on average, with some lasting 20+ years with excellent care. The primary failure modes are decay on the abutment teeth (under the crowns), cement washout, and fracture of the porcelain. Daily flossing under the bridge using floss threaders or water flossers is essential — bacteria accumulation under the pontic causes gum disease and decay on the abutment teeth.

Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to detect early problems with the bridge — cement failure, marginal decay, gum recession around abutment teeth. Early detection means repair rather than replacement. If an abutment tooth develops serious decay, the entire bridge must be removed, the tooth treated, and a new bridge fabricated — an expensive proposition that reinforces the importance of preventive care.

Insurance Coverage for Bridges

Dental insurance typically covers bridges at 50% as a major procedure. On a $3,500 three-unit bridge, insurance pays approximately $1,750 after the deductible, leaving $1,750 out of pocket. Most plans have a replacement frequency limitation — they will cover a new bridge only once every 5-10 years. If a bridge fails within the frequency period, you pay the full replacement cost.

Some plans have a missing tooth clause that excludes coverage for replacing teeth lost before the insurance policy was in effect. If you lost a tooth two years ago and just obtained dental insurance, the plan may not cover a bridge for that tooth. Check your policy for this exclusion before selecting a plan specifically to cover bridge work.