Dental Bridge Cost UK 2026: NHS Band 3, Private Prices & Types Compared
Dental Bridge Cost UK 2026: NHS Band 3, Private Prices & Types Compared
Quick answer
An NHS dental bridge costs £332.10 (Band 3) in England and Wales — one of the best values in UK dentistry. Private dental bridges cost from £800 for a simple Maryland bonded bridge to £4,500 for a full three-unit porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-ceramic bridge in London. Implant-supported bridges cost from £2,200 per implant support.
Key takeaways
- NHS bridge: £332.10 (Band 3) including any other treatment in the same course of care.
- Private three-unit bridge: £1,800–£4,500 depending on material, location and number of units.
- Maryland (adhesive) bridge: £800–£1,800 private — no need to crown adjacent teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge: from £4,500 for a three-unit bridge — the longest-lasting option.
- Bridges typically last 10–15 years; implant bridges 20+ years with good oral hygiene.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (the pontic) between two crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth (abutments). In the UK in 2026, bridges are available on the NHS for £332.10 (Band 3) or privately from £800 to over £4,500 depending on the type and number of units.
- NHS (Band 3): £332.10 — clinically indicated bridges in England and Wales
- Private Maryland bridge: £800–£1,800 (front tooth, single unit)
- Private 3-unit PFM bridge: £1,800–£3,200 (outside London)
- Private 3-unit ceramic bridge (London): £2,800–£4,500
- Implant-supported bridge: £4,500–£7,000+ (most durable option)
Types of dental bridge and their costs
1. Traditional (fixed-fixed) bridge
The most common type. Two crowns are placed on the teeth either side of the gap (abutment teeth), with the replacement tooth (pontic) suspended between them. The adjacent teeth must be ground down to accept the crowns, which is irreversible.
| Location | NHS | Private (3-unit PFM) | Private (3-unit ceramic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| England / Wales (NHS) | £332.10 (Band 3) | N/A | N/A |
| Northern UK / Midlands | N/A | £1,200–£2,400 | £1,800–£3,000 |
| South England (excl. London) | N/A | £1,500–£2,800 | £2,200–£3,600 |
| Greater London | N/A | £2,200–£3,800 | £2,800–£4,500 |
2. Maryland (adhesive / resin-bonded) bridge
A conservative option suitable for replacing a single front tooth. Thin metal or ceramic wings are bonded to the back surfaces of the adjacent teeth — no crowning required. The preparation is minimal and reversible.
- Best for: Single missing front tooth; young patients where preserving healthy tooth structure is important
- Not suitable for: High biting forces, back teeth, long spans of multiple missing teeth
- Lifespan: 5–10 years (the adhesive bond can fail; the bridge can be re-bonded)
- Private cost: £800–£1,800 in the UK
- NHS: Available at Band 3 (£332.10) at clinical discretion
3. Cantilever bridge
A cantilever bridge is anchored on only one side — there is only one abutment crown, not two. Suitable where there is a natural tooth on only one side of the gap. More limited in strength.
- Cost: £900–£2,500 private depending on material and location
- NHS: Available at Band 3 (£332.10) if clinically appropriate
4. Implant-supported bridge
An implant is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root; the bridge is then attached to the implant rather than to neighbouring natural teeth. No grinding of healthy adjacent teeth required. The most expensive option but also the most durable and the closest to having natural teeth.
- Cost: From £2,200 per implant support plus the bridge superstructure (£500–£1,500). A single-tooth implant bridge totals £2,200–£4,500 typically.
- Multi-unit implant bridges: An implant bridge spanning 3 teeth on two implant supports costs £4,500–£8,000+ in the UK.
- NHS availability: Not routinely available on the NHS. Limited to exceptional clinical circumstances.
- Lifespan: 20–25+ years with proper maintenance
For detailed implant pricing, see our dental implant cost guide.
NHS dental bridge: what you need to know
Under Band 3 (£332.10), the NHS will provide a dental bridge if your dentist considers it the most appropriate clinical solution for replacing a missing tooth. The key points:
- The £332.10 Band 3 charge covers the bridge plus any other treatment in the same course — so fillings, extractions, and even a root canal in the same visit are included in one Band 3 charge.
- The NHS may provide a PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) bridge rather than a full-ceramic bridge. If you prefer a specific material, you may need to pay privately for the upgrade.
- Not all NHS dentists will provide a bridge where an alternative (such as a denture or leaving the gap) is equally acceptable clinically. Some will refer complex cases to a hospital dental department (which is free).
- Implant-supported bridges are not available on the NHS in the vast majority of cases.
How many units is your bridge?
Private dental bridge pricing is usually quoted "per unit". Each crown (abutment) and each pontic (replacement tooth) counts as one unit:
- Replacing 1 missing tooth between 2 natural teeth = 3-unit bridge (2 crowns + 1 pontic)
- Replacing 2 adjacent missing teeth = 4-unit bridge (2 crowns + 2 pontics)
- Replacing 3 adjacent missing teeth = 5-unit bridge (2 crowns + 3 pontics)
Each unit typically adds £400–£900 to the private bridge cost. A 4-unit bridge replacing 2 missing teeth might cost £2,200–£5,000 privately.
Private dental bridge cost by UK city (2026)
| City | 3-unit PFM bridge | 3-unit all-ceramic bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | £2,500–£3,800 | £3,200–£4,500 |
| Greater London | £2,000–£3,200 | £2,600–£3,800 |
| Manchester | £1,400–£2,400 | £1,800–£3,000 |
| Birmingham | £1,300–£2,300 | £1,700–£2,900 |
| Leeds | £1,300–£2,200 | £1,700–£2,800 |
| Edinburgh / Glasgow | £1,200–£2,000 | £1,600–£2,600 |
| Bristol | £1,400–£2,400 | £1,800–£3,000 |
| Cardiff | £1,100–£2,000 | £1,500–£2,600 |
What affects the cost of a dental bridge?
- Type of bridge: Maryland bridges are cheapest; implant-supported bridges are most expensive.
- Material: PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) is cheaper; all-ceramic (e-max, zirconia) is stronger, more aesthetic, and more expensive.
- Number of units: Each additional crown or pontic adds significantly to the cost.
- Location: Central London fees are 30–50% higher than the national average. Scotland has free NHS treatment for all.
- Condition of abutment teeth: If the abutment teeth need root canal treatment or other preparation before the bridge, this adds to the cost.
- Laboratory used: Digital (CAD/CAM) bridges are increasingly common and can be cheaper due to reduced lab costs.
Bridge vs implant vs denture: cost comparison
| Option | NHS cost | Private cost (single tooth) | Lifespan | Adjacent teeth affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional bridge | £332.10 (Band 3) | £1,800–£4,500 | 10–15 years | Yes — must be crowned |
| Maryland bridge | £332.10 (Band 3) | £800–£1,800 | 5–10 years | Minimal bonding only |
| Dental implant | Not routinely available | £2,200–£4,500 | 20–25+ years | No |
| Partial denture | £332.10 (Band 3) | £800–£2,500 | 5–10 years | Uses clasps on adjacent teeth |
How to care for a dental bridge
Bridges require specific maintenance to last their full lifespan:
- Floss under the bridge daily using a floss threader, superfloss or interdental brush. Food debris under the pontic causes decay in the abutment teeth.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gum margins of the abutment crowns.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacterial load under and around the bridge.
- Attend regular check-ups and hygienist appointments — your dentist will monitor the bridge and supporting teeth.
- Avoid very hard foods (ice, hard sweets, popcorn kernels) that can fracture porcelain.
What to ask your dentist before getting a bridge
- Is the NHS bridge option suitable for my clinical situation?
- What type of bridge do you recommend and why?
- How many units will the bridge be?
- What material will the bridge be made from?
- Will the adjacent teeth need any preparation (root canal, core build-up)?
- What is the total cost including any preparatory treatment?
- Could a Maryland bridge or implant be an alternative?
For full pricing across all dental treatments, see our dental treatment costs page or our NHS vs private comparison guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental bridge cost in the UK?
An NHS dental bridge costs £332.10 (Band 3) in England and Wales. Private bridges range from £800 for a Maryland bonded bridge to £4,500+ for a full porcelain three-unit bridge in London. The cost depends on the type of bridge, the material used, how many units it spans, and your location.
Is a dental bridge available on the NHS?
Yes. Dental bridges are available on the NHS under Band 3 (£332.10 in England and Wales) when clinically indicated — i.e., when the dentist considers a bridge to be the most appropriate way to restore a missing tooth. Implant-supported bridges are not generally available on the NHS.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A well-maintained dental bridge typically lasts 10–15 years. Maryland bonded bridges may last 5–10 years, as the adhesive bond can weaken over time. Implant-supported bridges can last 20–25+ years. Good oral hygiene, especially cleaning under the bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes, significantly extends the lifespan.
What is a Maryland bridge and how much does it cost?
A Maryland bridge (also called an adhesive or resin-bonded bridge) is a conservative option for replacing a single missing front tooth. Instead of crowning the adjacent teeth, metal or ceramic wings are bonded to the back of neighbouring teeth. Cost: £800–£1,800 private, or NHS Band 3 (£332.10) if available on the NHS at your practice.