28 May How much does dental insurance cover for a dental bridge?
Replacing a missing tooth is important for more than just aesthetics. Leaving a space between teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, leading to more serious oral health issues down the line. There are many options available to replace missing teeth, and dental bridges are a reliable option. Although relatively affordable, dental bridges are still an investment. Fortunately, most dental insurance policies cover some portion of the cost for dental bridges. Here’s what you need to know:
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge uses a prosthetic tooth to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The prosthetic tooth is secured to the adjacent teeth, forming a “bridge.” The bridge is typically made from color-matched porcelain for the most natural look possible. There are different types of bridges with various methods of attaching the prosthetic tooth to the adjacent teeth:
- Traditional bridge: Consists of a prosthetic tooth held in place by crowns cemented on the adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever bridge: Similar to a traditional bridge, but with a crown on one adjacent tooth instead of two.
- Maryland bridge: Instead of using crowns on the adjacent teeth, the prosthetic tooth is attached with a framework of metal or porcelain bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge: Used for multiple missing teeth in a row, with the bridge of prosthetic teeth anchored in place with a dental implant surgically placed under the gumline.
What are the advantages of dental bridges?
In addition to filling the space of a missing tooth, dental bridges offer many other aesthetic and oral health advantages. Bridges restore your ability to properly chew and speak, and they readjust your bite to properly distribute chewing forces. Bridges also help to maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper positions.
What is the cost for a dental bridge?
There are many variables that go into the cost of a dental bridge, including the number of teeth needed to fill the gap, the materials used (porcelain, composite resin, zirconia, or metal alloy covered in resin), and the complexity of the placement. The type of dental bridge is also a major factor in the price, with implant-supported bridges reflecting the high end of the cost range. In general, the full cost for a traditional or cantilever bridge is about $2,000-$5,000 for a single missing tooth. Maryland bridges are closer to $1,500-$2,500 per missing tooth, and an implant-supported bridge is anywhere from $5,000-$15,000, depending on how many implants are placed.
How much of the cost is covered by insurance?
While dental bridges offer cosmetic benefits, they are not considered a purely cosmetic treatment and as such, most dental insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost. Each dental policy varies, so it’s important to check your own coverage before setting up a dental consultation, but in general most insurance policies will cover 40%-50% of the cost for a dental bridge.
Dental bridges in San Diego
If you have a missing tooth due to injury or decay, it’s important to fill the space as soon as possible to restore your full smile and prevent future oral health issues. For more information about dental bridges or other tooth replacement options, call University Dental in San Diego at (619) 582-4224 to schedule a consultation today.