If you've recently been told that you need to consider a dental bridge to restore your mouth and replace missing teeth, you may be wondering about the cost of that dental appliance. Dental work pricing can vary widely, and understanding the basics of what drives those costs can help you to select the bridge and dental care provider that will be right for you and your budget. Here are some of the things that will directly affect the price of your bridge.
How Much Work Is Involved
One of the driving factors of your dental bridge cost is going to be the amount of work involved to place it. If you need supportive dental work, including implants to support the bridge, structural repairs to surrounding teeth, or any other necessary work to complete the bridge placement, you will experience higher initial costs for your bridge than if it is a quick and easy bridge molding, crafting, and placement.
Make sure you discuss this with your dentist so that you understand any supplemental work that will be included in the quote for the bridge. The quote you receive should include those details. If you aren't sure why certain work needs to be done, ask the dentist for some clarification. He or she can explain the importance and relevance of that work.
What The Bridge Is Crafted From
Dental bridge costs are also directly affected by the material that you choose to have your bridge crafted from. For example, metal-based dental bridges are less expensive than porcelain, zirconia, or similar materials. You'll want to weigh the final appearance of the bridge against the cost of the materials to find the right choice for both your preference and your budget.
How The Bridge Is Crafted
Another key consideration in the cost of a dental bridge is how that bridge is crafted. For bridges that are sent to a lab to be fabricated, the turnaround time is longer, but they are more affordable. However, some dentists have bridges crafted in-house and fitted in the same day. This rapid turnaround and in-house expertise will lead to an increased cost. Decide if you can wait for the lab turnaround or if you would prefer to pay extra for a same-day dentist.
These are only a few of the things that can affect the cost of your dental bridge. Talk with your dentist today or contact a company like AQ Denture and Dental Implant Center to find out what you can expect to pay for your bridge and to find the treatment that's right for your situation.