In Ontario, replacing missing teeth with dental bridges is a common procedure that restores both functionality and aesthetics to patients’ smiles. Dental bridges are prosthetic devices designed to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They are typically anchored in place by the adjacent teeth or dental implants.
The cost of dental bridges can vary greatly in Ontario. Good Caring Canada explains the different dental bridge types, cost determinants, additional expenses, and the array of funding and support options available to ensure that essential dental care remains accessible to Canadians.
Table of Contents:
- Types of Dental Bridge
- Dental Bridge Cost in Ontario
- Cost Variables for Dental Bridge
- Additional Costs and Procedures
- Funding & Financing Options
- Support Programs
👨🏻⚕️ Types of Dental Bridge
Canadians with missing teeth have various options for dental bridges, each designed to restore functionality and aesthetics to their smiles. Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth, anchored in place by the adjacent teeth or dental implants. There are four main types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridges are the most commonly used type of dental bridge. These bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns cemented onto each of the abutment teeth—the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are a popular choice due to their strength and durability, making them suitable for replacing teeth even in areas of the mouth where chewing pressure is greatest, such as the molars.
- Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges but are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This type of bridge involves anchoring the artificial tooth to one or more adjacent teeth on one side only. Cantilever bridges require a strong anchor tooth, as the bridge places a greater amount of stress on the supporting tooth compared to traditional bridges.
- Maryland bridges (also known as resin-bonded bridges) are considered a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. Rather than using dental crowns on the abutment teeth, a Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded onto the backs of the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge is typically used to replace front teeth where the biting forces are lower and where less invasive procedures are preferred.
- Implant-supported bridges are used when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. Unlike traditional, cantilever, and Maryland bridges, which rely on natural teeth for support, implant bridges use dental implants as the support structure. One implant is placed in the jawbone for each missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in place. Implant-supported bridges are considered the most stable and durable solution for missing teeth, providing a function and feel similar to natural teeth.
🧾 Dental Bridge Cost in Ontario
In Ontario, the average cost of a dental bridge is $3,000, inclusive of two crowns for $2,450 and one artificial tooth for $550.
It is important to consider ancillary costs in addition to the underlying procedure for dental bridge.
Our Good Caring Canada research team estimated the cost ranges based on market insights, patient reports, publicly available data sources, and annual fee guides from the Ontario Dental Association.
🔎 Cost Variables for Dental Bridge
The cost of dental bridges in Ontario is influenced by several key factors that can significantly affect the overall expense of this dental restoration procedure. Understanding these factors is crucial for patients considering a dental bridge as they plan for the financial aspects of their treatment.
- Choice of material influences the cost significantly. Common materials include porcelain, which is often favoured for its aesthetic qualities and durability; ceramic, known for its strength and natural appearance; and metal alloys, which are typically less expensive but highly durable. Porcelain fused to metal, a hybrid option, offers a balance between cost and appearance. The choice of material directly impacts the price, with porcelain and high-quality ceramics generally being more expensive due to their superior visual results and longevity.
- Number of missing teeth also affects the cost. The cost of a dental bridge is dependent on the number of teeth that need to be replaced. More missing teeth will require a larger bridge, which involves more materials and more complex fabrication and fitting processes. Consequently, bridges designed to replace multiple teeth are more costly than those replacing a single tooth.
- Choice of prosthodontist or general dentist can influence the cost of a dental bridge. The choice of dental professional can affect the cost of a dental bridge. Prosthodontists are specialists with additional training in designing and fitting dental prosthetics, including bridges, and their fees are typically higher than those of general dentists. However, their expertise can be particularly valuable for complex cases involving multiple restorations or significant aesthetic and functional considerations, potentially offering better long-term value and outcomes.
- Geography impacts the cost of dental bridges. Geographic location within Ontario affects the cost of dental bridges. Dental services in major urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to be more expensive than those in smaller cities or rural areas. This variation is largely due to differences in the cost of living and operational expenses, which are generally higher in larger cities. These geographical disparities can result in significant price differences for dental treatments, including bridges.
📈 Additional Costs and Procedures
When considering the installation of a dental bridge in Ontario, it is important for patients to be aware of several ancillary costs that can significantly impact the total expense of the procedure. These costs are often essential for the successful placement of a dental bridge and may include consultation, bone grafting, tooth extraction, and additional preparatory and follow-up treatments.
- Consultation: The process begins with a consultation, where a dental professional evaluates the patient’s oral health and discusses various treatment options. This initial consultation is crucial for planning the appropriate course of action, including the decision to use a dental bridge. The consultation fee can vary depending on the dentist’s expertise and the complexity of the patient’s dental needs.
- Bone Grafting: In some cases, a patient may require bone grafting before the placement of a dental bridge. This procedure is necessary if the jawbone has receded or is not strong enough to support a dental implant, which is sometimes used in conjunction with a bridge. Bone grafting involves adding bone or bone-like materials to the jaw to increase bone density and stability. The cost of bone grafting can vary widely depending on the extent of the work needed and the materials used.
- Tooth Extraction: If the teeth adjacent to the gap left by the missing tooth are not healthy enough to support a bridge, they may need to be extracted. Tooth extraction is a common procedure that may be necessary to prevent the spread of decay or infection, or to create space for a more comprehensive dental restoration solution. The cost of tooth extraction varies based on the complexity of the case, such as whether the tooth is impacted or requires surgical removal.
- Preparatory Treatments: Additional preparatory treatments may be necessary to ensure the mouth is healthy enough to support a bridge. This could include treatment for periodontal disease, deep cleaning, or the placement of temporary crowns or bridges. These treatments help prepare the mouth for the new bridge and ensure that the surrounding teeth and gum tissue are healthy.
- Follow-Up Care: After the bridge is placed, follow-up visits are crucial to ensure the fit and function of the bridge and to make adjustments as needed. These visits also help monitor the health of the teeth and gums around the bridge and address any complications early on. While some dentists may include the cost of follow-up care in the initial price of the bridge, others may charge separately for each visit.
💳 Payment & Funding Options
Dental bridges can represent a significant financial burden. However, multiple funding options can be available for pay for the costs:
- Dental insurance often includes a deductible and co-payments, with policies varying significantly in coverage. Some insurance plans may cover a substantial portion of extraction costs, while others provide more limited benefits. It is crucial to thoroughly understand the specifics of your insurance policy, including any annual maximums that may affect the extent of coverage.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental procedures, with the added benefit of investing and growing these funds.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), typically part of an employer’s benefits plan, also allow for pre-tax contributions but usually require that the funds be used within the plan year or a specified grace period.
- Payment plans may be offered by dentists and oral surgeons, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over several months or even longer, making the expense more manageable.
- Financing options by way of loans or credit lines can be considered for medical expenses. These financial products often come with special terms, such as deferred interest periods or lower interest rates, tailored to make healthcare more accessible.
🤝 Support Programs
Dental student programs frequently offer reduced rates for services performed by dental students under the supervision of licensed dentists. These programs provide an affordable way for patients to receive dental care while contributing to the educational process of future dentists.
The Canadian federal government provides supportive programs to assist residents with dental care costs:
- Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) supports individuals without dental benefits who have a household income below $90,000 annually. It works in conjunction with other governmental dental programs to ensure comprehensive coverage without duplication.
- Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), specifically for refugees, covers emergency dental care necessary to alleviate pain, address infections, and treat injuries resulting from oral trauma.
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) offers coverage for a wide range of dental services to eligible First Nations and Inuit populations, including preventive, diagnostic, and surgical dental care.