How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost in Canada?

Dental bridges are vital in restorative dentistry, designed to replace missing teeth and restore your smile's functionality and aesthetics. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the types of dental bridges available in Canada, their costs, and the factors influencing these costs.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, using adjacent teeth or implants as anchors. It's essential for maintaining the alignment of remaining teeth, proper chewing and speech function, and a confident smile. There are several types of dental bridges, each suitable for different dental scenarios.

There are four types of bridges typically used in Canada:

1. Traditional bridges hold the artificial tooth in place using crowns on either side of the gap. This means the two healthy teeth must be filed down for the crowns.¹ Traditional bridges are strong, but they're a commitment. Crowns have their own maintenance and lifespan that needs to be considered, even if you switch to another type of bridge.²
2. Cantilever bridges come into play when healthy teeth are only on one side of the missing tooth. The bridge is anchored to the healthy tooth or teeth as with a traditional bridge, but only on one side.¹ This can make them less secure and more prone to complications.²

3. Dentists use Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, when the gap to be filled is in the front of the mouth. The artificial teeth are attached to the back of the healthy teeth with a type of cement.¹ This has the advantage of maintaining the structure of adjoining teeth (as opposed to filing them down for crowns), but Maryland bridges tend to be less durable.²

4. If you don't have enough healthy teeth to support other bridges or have many missing teeth, you might receive an implant bridge, which is held in place via implants placed into the jawbone.¹ Implant bridges can take a while to complete, as two separate surgeries are required, one for the implants and one for the bridge itself.²

Your dentist will discuss the recommended options for your situation during your clinic visit.

How much do dental bridges cost?

Dental bridges vary in size, materials used, and the amount of prep work involved. Because of this, costs vary as well. Each province has a fee guide with recommended costs for each type of procedure, and we can estimate the cost of a basic traditional bridge—two crowns and one artificial tooth—based on these guides.

In addition to the cost of the bridge itself, you might have to pay a dental lab fee, which can range from $100-$900 or other costs related to your treatment. Check with your dentist for a cost estimate tailored to your situation, and with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

Factors that impact dental bridge cost

Many factors impact how much your dental bridge will cost. Some of these include:

• Choice of Provider: For example, prosthodontists who specialize in replacing missing teeth may charge more than general dentists.
• Material Choices: Options include porcelain, zirconia, metal, or combinations, impacting both cost and appearance.
• Location: Dental practices in urban centers tend to charge more than those in rural areas.
• Case Complexity: The number of teeth missing, and the condition of adjacent teeth can alter costs.
• Care and Device Lifespan: While there are many factors that can impact the lifespan of a device, understanding those factors and the estimated lifespan before replacement can help you plan financially, and reduce surprises.
• Additional Procedures: Needs such as bone grafting or tooth extraction will affect the final price. ¹⁰

Before committing to a dental bridge procedure, discuss these factors and costs with your dentist so you're clear on what you're paying and why.

How to pay for dental bridges and other dental work

Dental care is an important component of healthcare, but it can get expensive. It's important to understand the costs of any procedure and how you will pay for it before you move ahead.

First, confirm whether you have dental insurance. This is usually a workplace plan. Find out how much your plan will cover for a treatment like a bridge. Usually, dental insurance pays a portion of the overall fee for dental care. That portion varies depending on the treatment in question and your plan, so check with your plan administrator for details.

If you don't have dental insurance and meet certain eligibility conditions, you might be able to receive assistance from provincial programs or, if you qualify, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Learn more about the CDCP in this article. Learn more about the CDCP in this article.

If none of the above options work for you, you might be able to receive financing or pay in installments. Talk to your dentist to see if they offer payment plans or know of programs that might help. You can also check with your province or local public health office to find out if there are lower-cost dental clinics or dental schools in your area that might be able to offer you treatment.⁸

Choosing the right dental bridge for you

Choosing the right type of dental bridge involves considering several factors, including cost, functionality, and the health of your surrounding teeth. By understanding the different types of bridges and the factors that affect their costs, you can make an informed decision that best suits your dental health needs and budget.

For further guidance, consult with your dental professional, who can provide personalized advice. Investing in a dental bridge improves your oral health and can enhance your quality of life by restoring your smile and confidence.

Dental bridge FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about dental bridges.

Dental bridge vs. implant: What's the difference?

The choice between a dental bridge and a dental implant depends on both your personal preference and your medical situation. In some cases, such as if you have insufficient bone structure, implants are not an option. However, in other cases, such as when a person has good general dental health and only a single missing tooth, an implant is the preferred restoration choice as it doesn't involve damaging surrounding teeth.³

A few other factors include:

• Training: Not all dentists are trained to install implants.
• Overall oral health: If surrounding teeth are already impaired, a bridge might benefit them.³
• Cost: Implants can cost more and may not be covered by dental insurance—though they need replacing less often than bridges.⁵
• Appearance: Implants tend to look more natural than bridges.⁶

Dentists also have personal preferences, so it might be worth consulting more than one specialist when choosing between a bridge and an implant.³

How long does a dental bridge last?

Bridges are permanent and can last for ten years or longer if you take good care of them, which means flossing and brushing regularly as you would with natural teeth ¹—though if your oral care routine is less than stellar, you might expect your bridge to last closer to five to seven years. Your dentist and dental hygienist can share tips on making your bridge last longer, including which foods to avoid.²

Can dental bridges be replaced?

Yes, dental bridges can be replaced. Since they only last roughly five to 10 years, you can expect to get your bridge replaced multiple times, depending on how old you are when you first receive it.³

What to ask your provider about dental bridges

When discussing the procedure to get a bridge with your dentist, there's a lot of information to go through. Here are some questions to ask.

• Why do I need this procedure?
• Why are you recommending this specific treatment plan? Are there alternatives?
• What are the pros and cons of the treatment you're recommending?
• What steps are involved in this treatment? Do you have photos of patients at each stage?
• What will my teeth look like when this is done?
• How much will this cost, and how long will it take?
• How long will this treatment last? Will it need to be replaced in the future?
• How often have you performed this procedure in the past?⁸

Sources/References

1. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/bridges_dentures/bridges.asp
2. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/four-types-of-dental-bridges
3. https://cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-66/issue-8/435.html
4. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/dental_implants/
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/implant-vs-bridge#pros-and-cons
6. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/bridge-or-implant-which-is-best
7. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance/on-assistance/supplements/dental
8. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/faqs/dental_care_faqs.asp
9. https://www.canadalife.com/insurance/health-and-dental-insurance/dental-insurance/how-much-do-dental-bridges-cost.html
10. https://askthedentist.com/dental-bridges/#costs-by-type-and-insurance-coverage

*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.