How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance in Canada?

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Sunny Yadav updated on 28 November 2023

Getting a dental bridge without insurance in Canada can be quite expensive. With provincial healthcare not providing enough coverage for dental bridges, it is therefore essential to get private dental insurance.

So how exactly is the cost of a dental bridge calculated? What are the ways to get affordable dental bridges? Which dental insurance covers dental bridges? Find answers to all this and more in this guide.

Then, explore the best health and dental insurance plans offering the best coverage for dental bridges and other dental needs right here. You can compare plans and get free personalized quotes using our comparator.

Dental Bridge Cost Without Insurance: 5 Key Takeaways

  1. Dental bridges are fixed restorations that replace missing teeth.
  2. Types: Traditional fixed, Cantilever, Maryland bonded, and Implant-supported.
  3. Cost without insurance: Can range from $500 to $15,000 per missing tooth.
  4. Bridge type, material, procedural complexity, and location can influence the cost.
  5. Dental insurance covers 50% to 80% of bridge costs, varying by plan.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces missing teeth using one or more pontics (artificial teeth) attached to crowns or frames placed on adjacent teeth or implants. Dental bridges are a versatile and effective way to restore the function and aesthetics of a smile after tooth loss.

The best type of dental bridge for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Your dentist will consider several factors when making a recommendation, including the number of missing teeth, the location of the missing teeth, the health of your remaining teeth, and your budget.

Based on the type of dental bridge you choose, you will be able to figure out its cost. As public healthcare like the Ontario health insurance plan and MSP in BC don't offer good coverage for dental care, having private dental insurance can help you save money while getting dental bridges.

Before we jump into further details, you can quickly compare health and dental insurance plans that offer coverage for dental bridges right here using our comparator below. Easily compare the best plans and get quotes in seconds.

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What are the types of dental bridges?

There are four main types of dental bridges:

Traditional fixed bridge

This is the most common type of dental bridge. It consists of one or more pontic teeth that are anchored by crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. Traditional fixed bridges are strong and durable. These can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in a row.

Cantilever bridge

This type of bridge is similar to a traditional fixed bridge, but it is only anchored by a crown on one tooth. Dentists typically use Cantilever bridges when there is only one natural tooth on either side of the missing tooth gap.

Maryland bonded bridge (resin-bonded bridge)

This type of bridge is made of metal or porcelain wings that are bonded to the backs of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. Maryland bonded bridges are used to replace front teeth, as they are less noticeable than traditional fixed bridges.

Implant-supported bridge

This type of bridge is anchored by dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Implant-supported bridges are the most stable type of dental bridge, and they are ideal for replacing a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in a row.

How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?

The average cost of a dental bridge in Canada without insurance is between $500 and $1,500 per missing tooth. However, the exact cost will depend on several factors, including:

  • Type of bridge: Traditional fixed bridges are generally the most affordable option, while implant-supported bridges are the most expensive.
  • Materials used: Bridges made of porcelain or ceramic materials are more expensive than those made of metal alloys.
  • Complexity of the procedure: Replacing multiple missing teeth or teeth in a difficult-to-reach area will generally cost more than replacing a single tooth.
  • Location of the dental office: Dental fees tend to be higher in urban areas than in rural areas.

Here is a breakdown of the average cost of different types of dental bridges without insurance in Canada:

Bridge TypeAverage Cost
Traditional fixed bridge
$2,500
Cantilever bridge
$2,250
Maryland bonded bridge
$1,750
Implant-supported bridge
$9,500
Dental bridge cost without insurance

How much does a dental bridge cost with insurance?

Dental insurance can significantly reduce the cost of a dental bridge in Canada. The exact amount of coverage will depend on your specific insurance plan, but you can typically expect to pay 50% to 80% of the cost of the bridge.

Here is an estimated cost breakdown for different types of dental bridges with insurance in Canada:

Bridge TypeEstimated Cost With Insurance
Traditional fixed bridge
$750 to $1,250
Cantilever bridge
$625 to $1,125
Maryland bonded bridge
$437.50 to $875
Implant-supported bridge
$2,375 to $4,750
Dental bridge cost with insurance

These are just estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on your individual circumstances. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to get an accurate estimate of your coverage.

You can use our comparator below to find how much you'd pay for dental bridges with a private health and dental insurance plan from the best companies. Get quotes in seconds right here.

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What is the best dental insurance that covers dental bridges?

Dental insurance can help to cover the cost of dental bridges and other dental procedures.

Here are some of the top dental insurance providers in Canada that cover dental bridges:

  1. GreenShield Canada: GreenShield Canada offers dental insurance plans, including individual and family plans, as well as plans for businesses and organizations. Their plans typically cover up to 80% of the cost of dental bridges.
  2. Manulife dental insurance: Manulife offers a wide range of plans to choose from, including basic, comprehensive, and premium plans. Their plans typically cover up to 50% of the cost of dental bridges.
  3. GMS Dental Insurance: GMS Dental Insurance is a specialist provider of dental insurance for individuals, families, and businesses. They offer plans including basic, comprehensive, and major restorative plans. Their plans typically cover up to 80% of the cost of dental bridges.
  4. Blue Cross Dental Insurance: Blue Cross Dental Insurance offers a variety of plans, including individual, family, and group plans. Their plans typically cover up to 80% of the cost of dental bridges.
  5. Sun Life Canada: Sun Life Canada offers a variety of plans, including individual, family, and group plans. Their plans typically cover up to 50% of the cost of dental bridges.

These are just a few of the many dental insurance providers in Canada that cover dental bridges. The best way to find the right provider for you is to compare plans and get quotes from several different companies. You can use our comparator to get instant dental insurance quotes.

You should also make sure that the plan you choose covers the type of bridge you need and that your dentist is in-network with the provider.

How can you reduce the cost of a dental bridge?

The best way to reduce the cost is to consider getting dental insurance. But if you do not have dental insurance, there are a few things you can do to reduce the cost of your dental bridge:

  • Shop around and compare prices from different dentists.
  • Ask about payment plans or financing options.
  • Consider a less expensive type of bridge, such as a Maryland-bonded bridge.

Also, talk to your dentist about whether any supplemental treatments, such as tooth extraction or gum disease treatment, are necessary before you can have the bridge placed.

Getting insurance before dental issues occur is the best way to reduce the cost of dental bridges. So explore the best health and dental insurance plans right here using our comparator below. Get quotes in seconds.

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What are the benefits of dental bridges?

Dental bridges offer several benefits, including:

  • Restoring chewing and speaking function
  • Improving the appearance of your smile
  • Preventing teeth from shifting out of place
  • Making it easier to clean your teeth
  • Serving as an alternative to dentures or implants

What are the additional costs of a dental bridge?

In addition to the cost of the dental bridge itself, there may be other additional costs associated with the procedure. These may include:

  • Preliminary dental work: Before placing the bridge, your dentist may need to perform preliminary dental work, such as tooth extraction, root canal therapy, or gum disease treatment. This work can add anywhere from $500 to $5,000 to the total cost of the procedure.
  • Laboratory fees: The cost of the dental bridge will also include laboratory fees, which cover the cost of making the crowns or pontics. These fees can range from $200 to $500 per crown or pontic.
  • Anesthesia: If you need anesthesia for the procedure, there will be an additional charge. The cost of anesthesia will depend on the type of anesthesia used and the length of the procedure.

Also, your dentist may need to take X-rays before and after the procedure to ensure that the bridge is properly placed and functioning correctly. These X-rays can cost anywhere from $50 to $100.

After the procedure, you may need to see your dentist for follow-up appointments to make sure that the bridge is healing properly. These appointments can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 each.

Here is a table of the additional costs that may be associated with a dental bridge:

CostEstimated Range
Preliminary dental work
$500 to $5,000
Laboratory fees
$200 to $500 per crown or pontic
Anesthesia
$200 to $500
X-rays
$50 to $100
Postoperative care
$50 to $100 per appointment
Additional costs of a dental bridge

Make sure to discuss all of the potential costs of a dental bridge with your dentist before you have the procedure. This will help you to budget accordingly and avoid any surprises.

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Sunny has over six years of experience curating engaging content spanning across industries. Specifically in finance, his expertise is insurance reviews and lending and investment topics.