Dental Bridge
Expect to pay $525-$2,000 for dental bridge at a typical dental office, or $460-$525 through discount programs and dental schools.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using crowns on adjacent teeth to anchor an artificial tooth (pontic).
Sources: CDT benchmark database, state Medicaid fee schedules, and providers’ published rates. Re-verified monthly. Nothing on this page is a quote.
Typical Price Range
$525-$2,000
Based on CDT code database
Discount Programs & Dental Schools
$460-$525
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated ranges based on dental_cdt_prices database (127 CDT codes), ADA fee surveys, FAIR Health. Actual prices vary by location, dentist, and complexity. Always verify pricing before scheduling.
Detailed Price Comparison by CDT Code
Prices from 3 related CDT codes in our database.
| CDT Code | Procedure | Cash Price | Insurer Allowed* | Dental School | FQHC Range | Medicaid (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D6245 | Pontic - Porcelain Fused to Metal | $525-$1,750 | $818-$1,280 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D6240 | Pontic - Porcelain/Ceramic | $550-$1,850 | $855-$1,340 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D6750 | Crown - Porcelain/Ceramic (Bridge Retainer) | $600-$2,000 | $935-$1,460 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
*Estimated range insurers typically allow for this procedure (50th-80th percentile), modeled from published fee-survey data. Individual plan rates vary. Medicaid rates come from published state fee schedules and generally apply only to enrolled Medicaid members at participating providers.
Paying With Insurance vs. Paying Cash
Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Knowing how plans actually pay for dental bridge helps you pick the cheaper route.
If you have insurance
Insurer-allowed amount*
Your plan negotiates the fee down to the allowed amount, then typically pays 50-80% of basic work and 50% of major work, until you hit your annual maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000). You pay the rest.
If you pay cash
Negotiable cash price
Many offices discount 10-30% for payment in full at time of service, but you have to ask. Dental schools and FQHC clinics go lower. No waiting periods, no annual maximum.
Third option
Dental savings plan
Not insurance: an annual fee ($80-$200) buys access to pre-negotiated discounts of 15-40% at network dentists. No waiting periods or maximums, often the best fit for major work.
Rule of thumb: for cleanings and checkups, cash is often cheaper than carrying a plan. For a single big procedure, a plan’s $1,000-$2,000 annual maximum usually covers only part of the bill. Compare the insurer-allowed column against a negotiated cash or dental-school price before assuming insurance wins. Watch for 6-12 month waiting periods on new plans.
What's Included
- Tooth Preparation
- Impressions
- Pontic + Retainer Crowns
- Fitting & Cementing
Recovery Time
1-2 days sensitivity
Dental Bridge FAQs
How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?
A traditional 3-unit bridge (one artificial tooth anchored by two crowns) costs $1,500-$5,800 depending on materials. Each unit runs $525-$2,000: porcelain pontics cost $550-$1,850 and retainer crowns $600-$2,000. Dental schools offer bridges at 40-60% below private-practice rates.
Is a bridge cheaper than an implant?
Upfront, yes: a 3-unit bridge ($1,500-$5,800) usually costs less than a single implant with crown ($3,000-$6,000). But bridges last 10-15 years and require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, while implants can last 20+ years. Long-term cost is often similar.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Dental bridges last 10-15 years on average with good oral hygiene. Cleaning under the pontic with floss threaders or a water flosser prevents decay on the anchor teeth, the most common reason bridges fail.
Where to Get Dental Bridge for Less
Dental Schools
50-70% savings at 66 accredited schools
Community Clinics
Sliding-scale fees at FQHCs
Compare All Prices
CDT codes, Medicaid, discount plans
Plain-English answer: how to negotiate a dental bill
Step-by-step playbook with JAMA 2023 success rates and IRS 501(r) charity-care rules.