4 Types of Dental Bridges: Cost, Pros, Cons, and Which One You Need
Updated 16 April 2026
Traditional, cantilever, Maryland bonded, and implant-supported. Each type has different costs, durability, and ideal use cases. Your dentist will recommend one based on which tooth is missing, the health of surrounding teeth, and your budget.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Traditional | Cantilever | Maryland | Implant-Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-unit cost | $1,500-$5,000 | $1,500-$3,900 | $1,200-$2,550 | $9,000-$16,500 |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 5-10 years | 5-7 years | 15-25+ years |
| Surgery needed | No | No | No | Yes |
| Adjacent teeth altered | Both sides | One side | Minimal | None |
| Strength | High | Medium | Low | Highest |
| Best position | Any | Back teeth | Front teeth | Any |
| Appointments | 2-3 | 2-3 | 1-2 | 4-6+ |
| Timeline | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Insurance coverage | Good (50%) | Good (50%) | Good (50%) | Variable |
Traditional Bridge
Most missing tooth situations, especially back teeth where strength is critical. Works for any tooth position in the mouth.
$1,500 - $5,000
10-15 years lifespan
The most common type of dental bridge, accounting for roughly 70% of all bridges placed. Two crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth), with one or more pontics (fake teeth) suspended between them. The abutment teeth must be filed down by about 1.5 to 2mm on all sides to accommodate the crowns, which permanently alters the tooth structure. This is irreversible.
Materials and Pricing
PFM at $1,500-$2,550, all-ceramic at $1,950-$3,300, zirconia at $2,100-$3,600 for a 3-unit bridge.
Advantages
- Strongest tooth-supported option with proven long-term track record
- Works for any tooth position in the mouth
- Well-established technique with predictable results
- Good insurance coverage at 50% as a major restorative service
Limitations
- Requires permanently grinding down 2 healthy teeth
- Adjacent teeth may develop decay under crowns over time
- Cannot be repaired if the framework fractures
- Higher total cost due to 3+ units of material and lab work
Cantilever Bridge
Back of the mouth where only one adjacent tooth is available, such as the last molar in the arch with no tooth behind the gap.
$1,500 - $3,900
5-10 years lifespan
Similar to a traditional bridge but anchored on only one side instead of both. One or two abutment crowns support the pontic from a single direction, creating a cantilever effect. This concentrates stress on the anchor tooth, which is why cantilever bridges have shorter lifespans. The single-sided anchoring means less tooth preparation overall, but more force on fewer teeth.
Materials and Pricing
Same material options as traditional bridges. Cost is sometimes lower because fewer units may be needed.
Advantages
- Only requires one abutment tooth instead of two
- Lower cost when fewer units are needed
- Good option when only one adjacent tooth exists
- Preserves tooth structure on one side of the gap
Limitations
- Higher stress on the anchor tooth due to lever effect
- Shorter lifespan of 5 to 10 years
- Can cause the anchor tooth to loosen or tilt over time
- Not suitable for areas with heavy bite forces
Maryland Bonded Bridge
Front teeth (incisors, sometimes canines) in patients who want to preserve adjacent tooth structure. Excellent temporary option for younger patients or as a bridge to eventual implant placement.
$1,200 - $2,550
5-7 years lifespan
Also called a resin-bonded or adhesive bridge. Instead of full crowns, a Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain wings (flanges) bonded to the back surfaces of neighbouring teeth with resin cement. The adjacent teeth require only minimal preparation (light etching of the enamel surface), preserving nearly all natural structure. This is the most conservative and reversible tooth-supported bridge option.
Materials and Pricing
Metal framework with porcelain pontic at $1,000-$1,800. All-porcelain (zirconia wings) at $1,500-$2,550.
Advantages
- Minimal preparation preserves adjacent teeth
- Lowest cost of all bridge types
- Essentially reversible since teeth are not permanently altered
- Quick procedure, sometimes completed in a single visit
Limitations
- Weakest retention, wings can debond
- Not suitable for back teeth
- Shorter lifespan of 5 to 7 years
- Metal wings can show through translucent front teeth as a dark shadow
Implant-Supported Bridge
Multiple adjacent missing teeth (3 or more), or when adjacent natural teeth are not strong enough. Preferred by patients who want the longest-lasting solution.
$9,000 - $16,500+
15-25+ years lifespan
Instead of using natural teeth as anchors, this bridge is supported by dental implants: titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. The posts integrate with the bone over 3 to 6 months (osseointegration), then an abutment and bridge are attached on top. Typically, 2 implants can support a 3 to 4-unit bridge, avoiding the need for one implant per missing tooth.
Materials and Pricing
Titanium implant posts ($1,500-$3,000 each) plus zirconia or porcelain bridge framework ($2,000-$6,000). Total includes surgical placement, healing abutments, and final prosthetic.
Advantages
- Longest-lasting option, titanium posts can last a lifetime
- Does not rely on or damage natural teeth
- Prevents jawbone loss through mechanical stimulation
- Can replace 3+ teeth with just 2 implant posts
Limitations
- Highest upfront cost by a significant margin
- Requires oral surgery with 3 to 6 month healing
- Not suitable for patients with insufficient bone without grafting
- Insurance coverage is more limited and variable
Which Type Should You Choose?
Missing a back tooth with healthy teeth on both sides
Traditional bridgeMost common scenario. Traditional bridges handle molar bite forces well. A 3-unit PFM bridge costs $1,500 to $2,550 and lasts 10 to 15 years. Zirconia costs more ($2,100 to $3,600) but may last 15 to 20 years.
Missing a front tooth and want minimal tooth alteration
Maryland bridgeConservative choice at $1,200 to $2,550. Preserves adjacent teeth almost entirely. Trade-off is shorter lifespan (5 to 7 years). For a more permanent solution, a dental implant ($3,000 to $5,000) is often the better investment.
Missing the last tooth in the arch with nothing behind it
Cantilever bridgeDesigned specifically for this situation. Cost is $1,500 to $3,900. Be aware of extra stress on the anchor tooth. An implant is a strong alternative if you have sufficient bone density.
Missing 3 or more adjacent teeth
Implant-supported bridgeAlmost always recommended for spans of 3+ missing teeth. A traditional bridge spanning this distance would be structurally unstable. Two implants supporting a 4 to 6-unit bridge costs $8,000 to $16,500+ but provides the strongest, longest-lasting result.
Younger patient waiting for eventual implant
Maryland bridgeActs as a conservative temporary solution. Does not permanently alter adjacent teeth, keeping all future options open. Can bridge the gap for 5 to 7 years while you save for an implant or wait for jaw development to complete.