How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost with Insurance?
When missing teeth are not replaced, it can have a negative impact on the alignment of the remaining teeth, causing bite problems and other dental issues. While dental implants are the sturdiest and longest lasting of the tooth replacement solutions, they’re not the best option for everyone. In many cases, dental bridges San Diego are the preferred option, partly because they’re more likely to be covered by insurance than dental implants. Here’s what you need to know.
A brief overview of dental bridges
A traditional dental bridge consists of crowns adhered to the two healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth, and one or more prosthetic teeth to fill the gap. Dental bridges help to keep the remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment, improve the ability to chew, and restore the appearance of a full, healthy smile.
There are four different types of dental bridges:
- Traditional dental bridges are anchored in place by two crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap
- Cantilever bridges are anchored in place by a single crown adjacent to the gap (often used in the back of the mouth, or whenever there is no second tooth to support the prosthetic)
- Implant supported bridges are anchored in place with implants (rather than crowns) on either side of the gap.
- Maryland bridges are secured in place by metal wings that attach to the backs of the teeth on either side of the gap (typically used on front teeth)
Although dental bridges do not last as long as dental implants or support jawbone health in the same way implants do, they do have their advantages. For one, most dental bridges do not require any surgical procedure. Additionally, dental bridges are typically more budget-friendly than implants. Still, at $2000 to $5000 per bridge (more for implant-supported bridges), they’re not cheap.
How much does a dental bridge cost with insurance in San Diego, CA?
The cost of dental bridges ranges widely depending on the type of bridge, the number of replacement teeth needed, the materials used, the scope of the treatment (whether additional work is needed), and the geographical location of the dental practice. Typically, dental plans that do cover bridges will cover 40% to 50% of the cost, although they may not cover every type of dental bridge.
The best way to determine how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your dental bridge is to contact your insurance company and get specific information about:
- Whether or not they cover dental bridges
- What types of dental bridges they’ll cover
- Copays, deductibles, and any other information regarding your coverage and expenses
You’ll also want to be sure you’re clear on the cost that your dentist quotes you. For traditional dental bridges, the price should include the two crowns, the prosthetic tooth or teeth, and dental care. If a dentist quotes you a rate that sounds too-good-to-be-true, it could be that they have only included certain elements of the procedure and will surprise you with the rest later.
If you want dental care with no surprises, come see us.
Looking for high-quality, affordable dental bridges? Call Smile Designers today.
At Smile Designers in San Diego, we’re committed to the comfort, safety, and satisfaction of every patient. From the moment you walk in our doors, you can expect the highest quality dental care and honest transparency about the cost and the scope of your dental care. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Hage will listen to your concerns, evaluate the condition of your teeth, and provide you with the best options for restoring your smile to full functionality and optimum radiance. For more information about dental bridges, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (619) 222-6000 today.