A dental bridge is a common and effective method for replacing missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. Since the process of receiving a permanent fixed bridge requires multiple appointments and time for laboratory fabrication, a provisional device known as a temporary dental bridge is used. This interim device protects the underlying dental structures during the preparatory period. Understanding the cost of the temporary bridge is an important part of planning for the overall procedure.
Understanding the Temporary Dental Bridge
A temporary dental bridge, also called a provisional bridge, is a short-term prosthetic used while the custom-fabricated permanent bridge is being made. This interim restoration protects the abutment teeth, which are the natural teeth prepared to support the final bridge. Protecting these prepared teeth shields them from temperature sensitivity and potential damage from chewing forces.
The temporary bridge also serves to maintain the correct alignment and spacing, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting into the open gap. This stability is important because any movement could compromise the fit of the permanent restoration.
Temporary bridges are typically fabricated from less durable materials, such as acrylic or composite resin, which allows them to be easily adjusted and removed once the permanent device is ready. This provisional device is designed to last only a few weeks, the time required for the dental laboratory to manufacture the final product. The materials are selected because they are inexpensive and easy to manipulate, which contributes to the lower cost compared to the final porcelain or metal-based bridge.
Primary Factors Influencing the Final Price
The cost of a temporary dental bridge is influenced by several variables, including the complexity of the case and the dental practice’s location. When billed separately, a temporary bridge typically ranges between $200 and $700 per unit. This cost can fluctuate depending on whether the bridge is made chairside by the dentist or fabricated indirectly by a dental laboratory.
Geographic Location and Complexity
The geographic location of the dental office is a significant cost differentiator. Practices in major metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living generally charge more than those in rural settings, reflecting higher overhead costs. The specific charge also correlates with the complexity of the case, primarily determined by the number of units involved.
A bridge unit includes both the artificial tooth (pontic) and the supporting crowns (retainers). Consequently, a three-unit bridge replacing one missing tooth will cost more than a two-unit bridge. A primary financial distinction is whether the temporary bridge is priced as a separate procedure or if its cost is absorbed into the total fee for the permanent bridge. Many dental practices bundle the temporary restoration into the overall price, but patients should clarify this detail beforehand.
CDT Codes
For billing purposes, a provisional pontic made from indirect resin-based composite may be documented using the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) code D6205. Under this specific code, the national average cost can be around $980, with prices ranging from $680 to over $1,270 in high-cost cities. Understanding the code the practice uses can help patients verify coverage and anticipate their out-of-pocket expenses.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Logistics
Dental insurance coverage for a temporary bridge is usually managed as part of the total cost for the permanent restoration, which is classified as a major restorative procedure. Most dental plans treat the entire bridge process as a single major service, typically covered at a lower percentage than preventive care, often around 50% of the total cost, after the patient’s deductible has been satisfied.
The patient’s out-of-pocket expense is directly impacted by the annual deductible and the annual maximum benefit of their policy. The deductible is the amount the patient must pay before the insurance company begins to contribute. The annual maximum is the total dollar amount the insurer will pay out in a given year. For high-cost procedures, the annual maximum can be reached quickly, leaving the patient responsible for any remaining balance.
To avoid unexpected costs, patients should request that the dentist submit a pre-determination of benefits, or pre-authorization, to the insurance provider before treatment begins. This process generates an estimate detailing the expected coverage amount and the patient’s estimated responsibility. Patients should specifically inquire whether the temporary bridge is covered under the major restorative benefit or if it is a non-covered service.
For costs not covered by insurance, patients have several options for managing financial logistics. Many dental offices offer in-house payment plans, allowing the total cost to be spread out over several months. External financing options, such as third-party medical credit cards, are also available to help manage the immediate out-of-pocket payment.