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A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. The bridge 'bridges' the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your ability to chew properly, preventing remaining teeth from drifting, and maintaining your facial structure.
Typical range: $2,000–$5,000 3-unit bridge
Getting a traditional bridge takes 2–3 visits. First visit: the adjacent anchor teeth are prepared (shaped) to receive crowns, impressions are taken, and a temporary bridge is placed. Second visit (1–2 weeks later): the custom bridge is checked for fit and cemented permanently. Implant-supported bridges follow the implant timeline (3–6 months healing before bridge placement). Bridges function like natural teeth and require careful flossing underneath using threaders or water flossers.
National range: $2,000–$5,000 3-unit bridge. 3-unit (replaces one tooth): $2,000–$5,000. Implant bridge: $5,000–$15,000. Insurance covers ~50%.
See the full bridge placementcost guide →Traditional bridges cost $2,000–$5,000 for a 3-unit bridge (replacing one tooth, anchored by two crowns). Implant-supported bridges cost more: $5,000–$15,000 for a 3-unit implant bridge. Most dental insurance covers 50% of bridge work up to the annual maximum.
With proper care, dental bridges last 10–15 years on average. Implant-supported bridges can last 20+ years. Longevity depends on the health of the anchor teeth (or implants), your oral hygiene, and regular professional maintenance.
Bridges are faster (weeks vs. months for implants) and cost less initially. But they require altering healthy adjacent teeth and don't prevent jawbone loss. Implants preserve bone, don't affect neighboring teeth, and last longer. For a single missing tooth with healthy adjacent teeth, an implant is often the better long-term investment.
Bridges are meant to be permanent. If a bridge becomes loose due to decay under the crowns or cement failure, a dentist may be able to remove and recement it if the underlying teeth are healthy. However, if decay has compromised the anchor teeth, a new bridge (or alternative restoration) is needed.
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