New messages from Aflac |
View Notifications opens a dialog
Close X dismisses the notification alert
Protecting your oral health goes beyond brushing, flossing, and rinsing. If issues arise, such as weak or missing teeth, fixing this issue is crucial to preventing more problems from developing. Dental bridges are among the most common ways dentists replace teeth. However, bridges can be expensive since they are generally considered a major procedure. Therefore, many patients rely on dental insurance coverage to help reduce the cost. Below, we'll explain how dental bridges work and how much they cost with and without insurance.
A dental bridge is an oral device that replaces a missing tooth. It bridges the gap between teeth by connecting to them and filling in the gap, hence the name. It consists of several pieces:1
Bridges may consist of one or more abutments and pontics, depending on your situation.
Several types of dental bridges exist to suit different patients and specific situations:1
A traditional bridge consists of crowns on the abutment teeth on both ends of the pontics. The dentist bonds the crown to the abutment teeth to support the pontic. Traditional bridges are the most common types used for dental bridge procedures. They are used when teeth on both sides of a tooth gap are healthy since both can support the pontic.
A cantilever bridge is like a traditional bridge, but it only places a crown on one side of the gap. The pontic is bonded to this tooth, while the tooth on the other side remains unchanged.
A cantilever bridge is less strong than a traditional bridge since only one abutment tooth supports it. However, it may be necessary if there are not enough surrounding abutment tooth candidates. Plus, the procedure may be slightly quicker and cheaper since fewer parts are needed.
A Maryland bridge, also called a resin-bonded bridge, uses metal or porcelain wings instead of crowns to connect the pontic to the abutment teeth. These wings are bonded to the back of the abutment teeth, minimizing their visibility, preserving more of the natural teeth, and reducing invasiveness. At the same time, they tend to be weaker than traditional bridges. As a result, they may be used for front teeth since these are more visible and aren't subject to the same biting forces as rear teeth.
An implant-supported is similar to a traditional bridge, but it uses dental implants to support the pontic instead of surrounding abutment teeth. Other forms of bridges tend not to be strong enough to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. This is where implant-supported bridges often help. Since they fuse to the jawbone, they are much stronger and minimize bone loss. They also maximize your smile's appearance.
However, implant-supported bridges can cost the most since dental implants are one of the most expensive procedures.2 Plus, the process can take several months since the dental provider must wait for the implant to fuse to the jawbone.1
Don't wait until it's too late. Help cover yourself and your family with affordable coverage from Aflac.
Each bridge type we discussed may cost a different amount. Here are some average costs and ranges for each type without insurance:3
| Bridge Type | Average Price Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bridge | $2,000 to $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Cantilever Bridge | $2,000 to $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Maryland Bridge | $1,500 to $2,500 | $1,750 |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | $4,000 - $16,000 | $5,500 |
Several factors impact the cost of your dental bridges:3
As laid out above, bridge types vary in cost. Maryland bridges may typically cost the least because they use wings, reducing the need for crowns and simplifying the procedure. Cantilever and traditional bridges are similar and tend to be close to equal in cost, although cantilever bridges may cost slightly less. Implant-supported bridges are the least cost-conscious since they use dental implants.
The materials used to make the bridge can significantly impact the cost. Many patients may prefer porcelain since it mimics the look of natural teeth. However, porcelain tends to be more expensive than other materials.3 Meanwhile, metal alloys tend to be more budget friendly, but they also don't mimic the natural look of teeth as much.
A larger number of missing teeth can increase the cost of dental bridge procedures. You'll need more bridges to fill in more missing teeth, which costs more. Plus, it can make the procedure more complex, increasing costs. This is especially true for multiple teeth in a row. In that case, you may need an implant-supported bridge.
The work required to prepare the surrounding teeth for the bridge can impact costs. For instance, if surrounding teeth need significant preparation, such as root canals, or they need to be extracted and replaced with bridges, you'll pay more. Here are some other services you may need for a dental bridge procedure:3
| Service | Average Price Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oral exam | $50 to $200 | $100 |
| Dental X-rays | $25 to $50 | $35 |
| Tooth extraction | $50 to $500 | $200 |
| Local anesthesia | $40 to $150 | $90 |
| Professional cleaning | $70 to $250 | $100 |
Dental insurance helps cover the cost of dental bridges since these are considered medically necessary. Many dental plans help cover major services such as bridges. However, some plans, like Aflac dental insurance, can offer more coverage after being a policyholder for a few years.
Here are some examples of estimated costs with and without insurance for the four types of dental bridges, assuming no deductible or annual maximum:
| Bridge Type | Average Cost Without Insurance | Estimated Cost With 50% Insurance Coverage | Estimated Cost With 70% Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bridge | $2,500 | $1,250 | $750 |
| Cantilever Bridge | $2,500 | $1,250 | $750 |
| Maryland Bridge | $1,750 | $875 | $525 |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | $5,500 | $2,750 | $1,650 |
Keep in mind your insurance plan may have deductibles and annual maximums. This table does not account for these items.
Missing teeth can cause your teeth to shift, increase your risk of gum infection, and even lead to bone loss. Therefore, although bridges can be costly, they prevent more expensive and complex problems from arising. That said, dental insurance from Aflac can help reduce the cost of dental bridges to put the care you need within reach. Speak with an agent today to learn more and get a quote.
1Cleveland Clinic - Dental Bridges. Updated May 24, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges. Accessed June 4, 2024.
2GoodRX - How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? Published July 19, 2022. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/procedures/dental-implant-cost. Accessed June 4, 2024.
3GoodRX - How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost. Published September 26, 2022. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/procedures/dental-bridge-cost. Accessed June 4, 2024
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Arkansas, Policies A81100AR–A81400AR. Policies A82100RAR–A82400RAR. In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In New York, Policies NY81100–NY81400. Policies NY82100–NY82400. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Oregon, Policies A81100OR–A81400OR. Policies A82100ROR–A82400ROR. In Pennsylvania, Policies A81100PA–A81400PA. Policies A82100RPA–A82400RPAR. In Texas, Policies A81100TX–A81400TX. Policies A82100RTX–A82400RTX. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. In Oregon, Policy T80000OR. In Texas, Policy T80000TX. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing.
NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2400580
EXP 8/25
