Dental Bridge
Dental Bridge — Cost Breakdown
Quick answer
A dental bridge in the UK costs £332.10 on the NHS (Band 3 in England) or £500–£2,000 privately depending on type. A 3-unit traditional bridge costs £800–£2,000, a Maryland (adhesive) bridge £500–£1,200, and an implant-supported bridge £2,500–£6,000 per unit. Bridges last 10–15 years and replace 1–2 missing teeth.
Key facts
- NHS England (Band 3): £332.10
- Traditional 3-unit bridge: £800–£2,000
- Cantilever bridge: £700–£1,500
- Maryland (adhesive) bridge: £500–£1,200
- Implant-supported bridge: £2,500–£6,000 per unit
- Lifespan: 10–15 years (Maryland 5–10, implant bridge 20+)
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching a false tooth (pontic) to one or two neighbouring teeth. Types include traditional (two crowns either side), cantilever (one side only) and Maryland (a wing bonded to the back of an adjacent tooth — minimal drilling).
What is dental bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. UK patients usually weigh a bridge against an implant — a bridge is cheaper upfront (£800–£2,000 vs £2,000–£3,500), faster (2–4 weeks vs 4–6 months) and doesn’t require surgery, but it requires the adjacent teeth to be drilled down. Maryland bridges are the most conservative option.
Who needs this treatment?
- Patients with 1–2 missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth
- Anyone who wants a fixed (non-removable) replacement faster than an implant
- Patients unable or unwilling to have implant surgery
- People with cosmetic concerns about a visible front-tooth gap
What does the procedure involve?
A traditional bridge takes 2–3 visits over 3–4 weeks. Visit 1 (90 minutes): the dentist prepares the teeth either side of the gap, takes impressions, fits a temporary bridge. Visit 2–3: the lab-made bridge is tried in, adjusted, and cemented. Maryland bridges (wing-style) need much less tooth preparation and can sometimes be done in one extended visit.
Recovery time
Mild gum tenderness around the abutment teeth for 1–2 weeks. Cleaning under the bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes is essential — food traps cause gum disease quickly.
How long does it last?
A well-made conventional bridge lasts 10–15 years. Maryland bridges are more prone to debonding (lasting 5–10 years on average). Implant-supported bridges last 20+ years.
NHS Coverage
Falls under Band 3.
| Nation | NHS patient charge |
|---|---|
| England | £332.10 |
| Wales | £260.00 (legacy) |
| Scotland | 80% of item-of-service fee, max £384 |
| Northern Ireland | item-of-service charge |
NHS charges effective from 1 April 2026.
Private Cost Range
Maryland bridges preserve healthy tooth structure but are not suitable for every site or bite.
| Option | UK average | Central London |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional 3-unit bridge | £800–£2,000 | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Cantilever bridge | £700–£1,500 | £900–£2,000 |
| Maryland (adhesive) bridge | £500–£1,200 | £700–£1,500 |
| Implant-supported bridge (per unit) | £2,500–£6,000 | £3,500–£8,000 |
Private fees compiled from UK clinic price lists and 2026 market surveys.
What Affects the Cost
- Number of units (a 3-unit bridge replaces 1 tooth using 2 anchors)
- Materials (PFM, zirconia, Emax)
- Whether implants are used as anchors
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
Covered by the NHS Band 3 charge (£332.10) if clinically indicated. NHS bridges are typically metal-bonded; private all-ceramic and Maryland options are available at additional cost.
How to save money on this treatment
- Use the NHS — £332.10 for the entire bridge regardless of material chosen by the dentist
- Consider a Maryland (adhesive) bridge if appropriate — cheapest private option and preserves your other teeth
- Combine with other Band 3 treatment (crowns, dentures) in one course
- Compare quotes — bridge fees vary widely between private practices
Does dental insurance cover this?
Most UK dental plans cover bridges at 50–70% reimbursement. Implant-supported bridges have lower coverage as they typically count under implant cover limits.
Risks and side effects
- Loss of healthy tooth structure on the abutment teeth (irreversible)
- Increased decay risk at the bridge margins if cleaning is poor
- Abutment tooth nerve may die over time (5–10% chance, needing root canal)
- Maryland bridge can debond and need re-cementing
- Bone loss under the missing tooth area continues over time
Red flags to watch for
- Bridge recommended when an implant would clearly be better long-term
- Heavy drilling of healthy adjacent teeth without discussing Maryland or implant alternatives
- Quotes that don’t include the cost of replacing the temporary bridge after a few weeks
Alternatives to consider
- Dental Implant (Single Tooth) — Permanent tooth replacement without affecting neighbouring teeth — more expensive upfront but better long-term.
- Dentures — Removable option — cheapest but less stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bridge or implant — which is cheaper?
A bridge is cheaper upfront — £800–£2,000 privately vs £2,000–£3,500 for an implant. However, a bridge typically needs replacing after 10–15 years, while an implant can last 25+ years. Over a lifetime, an implant often works out less expensive and does not damage adjacent teeth.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Conventional (traditional) bridges last 10–15 years on average with good oral hygiene. Maryland (adhesive) bridges last 5–10 years and are more prone to debonding. Implant-supported bridges last 20+ years.
How much does a 3-tooth bridge cost in the UK?
A 3-unit dental bridge (the most common type, replacing one missing tooth) costs £332.10 on the NHS (Band 3 in England). Privately it costs £1,200–£3,000 depending on materials and location. In London, prices run 30–50% higher.
How much does a dental bridge cost on the NHS?
An NHS dental bridge costs £332.10 (Band 3 in England, 2026 rate). In Wales the Band 3 charge is £203.00. In Scotland NHS dental bridges are free.
Will my speech be affected?
Speech adjusts within 1–2 weeks for most patients. Front-tooth bridges may need a minor lab adjustment if “s” and “th” sounds are difficult initially.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Use a floss threader, superfloss (Oral-B or Platypus), or an interdental brush to clean under the pontic (false tooth) daily. Food trapped under the bridge leads rapidly to gum disease around the abutment teeth. An electric toothbrush handles the abutment crowns; floss threaders handle the gap beneath the pontic.
Can I get a bridge after losing a tooth recently?
Yes, but most dentists recommend waiting 2–3 months for the extraction socket to heal before fitting a bridge. This allows the gum tissue to stabilise so the bridge fits well. A Maryland bridge can sometimes be placed sooner as it requires minimal tooth preparation.
What is a Maryland bridge?
A Maryland (adhesive) bridge attaches a false tooth to thin porcelain or metal wings bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. No significant drilling of the adjacent teeth is required — a major advantage over traditional bridges. Maryland bridges cost £500–£1,500 privately and are best suited to front teeth with light bite load. They can debond but are easily re-cemented.
Is a dental bridge available on the NHS?
Yes. The NHS covers dental bridges at Band 3 (£332.10 in England) when clinically necessary. NHS bridges are typically porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) — all-ceramic options may be available privately if you choose to upgrade at additional cost.
What is the difference between a cantilever bridge and a traditional bridge?
A traditional bridge uses crowns on teeth on both sides of the gap. A cantilever bridge is anchored to just one adjacent tooth — used when there is only one suitable tooth next to the gap. Cantilever bridges are more conservative (only one tooth is drilled) but carry more bite force on one abutment, making them less durable in high-load positions.