Dental bridges represent a significant advancement in restorative dentistry, offering individuals an effective solution to missing teeth. SkyRise Dental in Thornhill, Ontario, takes pride in providing personalized dental care that fits each patient’s unique needs.
This guide aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of Cost of dental bridges, their purpose, the different types available, factors affecting their cost, insurance coverage, and eligibility criteria for patients.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are more than just a cosmetic solution; they are also essential for oral health. Let’s dig more into what they are and the various types available.
A dental bridge is a custom-made replacement for one or more missing teeth that literally “bridges” the gap. A dental bridge’s primary goals are to restore the appearance of your smile, enhance your ability to chew and speak, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting, which could lead to bite or jaw problems. Additionally, by restoring your smile, dental bridges can significantly improve your self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Understanding the various types of dental bridges will help you and your dentist decide which is ideal for your situation.
- Traditional Bridges: These involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. This is the most popular type of bridge for those with natural teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when adjacent teeth are only on one side of a lost tooth or teeth. It’s uncommon but useful in certain situations.
- Maryland Bridges: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, this type involves a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded onto the back of the adjacent teeth. It’s less invasive than traditional bridges.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges, supported by dental implants rather than crowns or frameworks, are the most solid and long-lasting choice. They necessitate two surgeries: one to embed the implants and another to place the bridge.
Factors Influencing Dental Bridges Cost
When planning for this treatment, it’s vital to consider the various essential factors that can affect the cost of a dental bridge.
- Material Choices: The materials used for the bridge have an impact on both its appearance and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges, which resemble natural teeth, are usually more expensive than metal or composite bridges.
- Number of Pontics Involved: The more teeth your bridge needs to replace, the higher the cost. This is due to the increased materials and labour required.
- Location of the Dental Practice: Geographic location plays a role in the cost of dental care, with urban areas often seeing higher fees than rural ones due to higher operational costs.
- Dentist Experience and Expertise: Dentists with more experience or specialized training in restorative or cosmetic dentistry may charge a higher fee for their services.
- Additional procedures: Additional dental procedures, such as extractions or bone grafting, might raise the overall cost of a dental bridge.
How Much Does a Bridge Cost?
The cost of dental bridges is an essential consideration for patients considering this treatment option. Let’s dig deeper into the financial considerations.
In Canada, the cost of dental bridges varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s case complexity and the type of bridge chosen. For example, patients in Thornhill, Ontario, may discover that prices vary from those in other parts of the country due to local economic factors and the cost of living. Depending on the individual’s specifics and the type of bridge chosen, the average price of a dental bridge in Canada can vary from CAD 1,000 to CAD 5,000 or more per tooth.
- Traditional Bridges: These typically cost between CAD 2,000 and CAD 5,000 for a three-unit bridge. This range covers the cost of two crowns and a pontic.
- Cantilever Bridges: The cost for cantilever bridges is similar to traditional bridges. This depends on the materials used and the complexity of the placement.
- Maryland bridges are often less expensive, ranging from CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,500, because they require less preparation and material.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These are the most expensive option, ranging from CAD 5,000 to CAD 15,000 or more. Moreover, this depends on the number of implants required and the procedure’s intricacy.
It’s crucial to remember that these figures are approximate and can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier. Furthermore, the cost of any preparatory or additional treatments, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting, would increase the overall cost.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Bridges?
Patients considering dental bridges must first understand their insurance coverage. Many dental insurance plans include dental bridges as a critical procedure for restoring oral health. However, the extent of coverage varies significantly among policies, with some covering a considerable portion of the cost and others having limitations or exclusions. To understand your coverage, consult your policy or contact your insurance provider.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Bridges?
Determining candidacy for bridges is an essential stage in the procedure. SkyRise Dental’s initial appointment includes a thorough dental examination. It also includes a discussion of your dental history, concerns, and goals. This appointment is necessary to assess your candidacy for a dental bridge.
Dental bridges are often appropriate for those who have one or more missing teeth but have healthy surrounding teeth or sufficient bone structure for implants. Candidates must also commit to proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to ensure the longevity of their dental bridge.
At SkyRise Dental in Thornhill, Ontario, we recognize that deciding to have a dental bridge is an important decision. Our specialized team will walk you through every stage of the process, from the initial consultation to the final placement of your bridge.
We strive to provide care that not only improves your smile but also your overall health. Contact us today to find out more about how dental bridges may improve your smile and your life.
