Dental Bridge Cost London

Why dental bridge costs vary

The cost of a dental bridge depends on several factors. Bridges are priced per unit — each crown (on a supporting tooth) and each pontic (false tooth) counts as one unit. A typical 3-unit bridge replaces one missing tooth using two supporting crowns and one pontic, costing from £2,985 (£1,492.50 for members). Larger bridges replacing more teeth require more units and cost proportionally more.

The type of bridge also affects cost. A traditional bridge is the most common and reliable option. A cantilever bridge, supported on one side only, costs from £2,060 (£1,030 for members). A Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge is the most conservative and affordable option, starting from from £1,030 (from £515 for members), but is generally limited to front teeth. An implant-supported bridge, anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, costs from £3,000 (£1,500 for members) and is ideal when adjacent teeth are not suitable for crowning.

Bridge types compared

Understanding the different bridge options helps you compare costs effectively:

• Traditional bridge — crowns on both adjacent teeth supporting a pontic. Most common, reliable, suitable for most positions in the mouth. 10–15+ years lifespan.
• Cantilever bridge — supported by a crown on just one adjacent tooth. Used when only one suitable tooth is available, often for front teeth. 8–12 years lifespan.
• Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge — metal or ceramic wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. Minimal preparation, most conservative, but generally limited to front teeth. 5–10 years lifespan.
• Implant-supported bridge — anchored to dental implants. Best for multiple missing teeth or when adjacent teeth should not be prepared. 15–25+ years lifespan.

How SPMD membership reduces your bridge cost

SPMD dental membership provides 50% off all dental treatment fees, including bridges. For bridge treatment specifically:

• 3-unit bridge: £1,492.50 instead of £2,985
• Cantilever bridge: £1,030 instead of £2,060
• Maryland bridge: from £515 instead of from £1,030
• Implant-supported bridge: £1,500 instead of £3,000
• 50% off all check-ups, hygiene appointments, and other treatments

Membership costs £20/month. For patients considering bridge treatment, the savings are substantial. Full details, including terms and conditions, are available on our membership page.

Dental bridge vs implant: cost comparison

A traditional 3-unit bridge (from £2,985 standard, £1,492.50 for members) replaces one missing tooth using crowns on the two adjacent teeth. A single dental implant (from £2,950 standard, £1,475 for members) replaces the same tooth without affecting adjacent teeth.

Bridges are faster (completed in 2–3 weeks vs 3–6 months for implants), require no surgery, and are generally less expensive upfront. Implants preserve adjacent teeth, prevent bone loss, and may last longer. The best choice depends on your clinical situation — the condition of adjacent teeth, bone density, and long-term goals. Your dentist will discuss all options and costs during your consultation.

The dental bridge process and timeline

Understanding the treatment process helps you plan both time and finances. A dental bridge typically requires two appointments over 1–2 weeks:

1. Consultation & assessment — your dentist examines the gap and adjacent teeth, discusses your options, and provides a personalised treatment plan with pricing. A free 15-minute consultation is available, or a full one-hour assessment (£80) for complex cases.
2. Tooth preparation & impressions (approximately 60 minutes) — the supporting teeth are gently shaped under local anaesthetic to receive crowns. Precise impressions are taken and sent to the dental laboratory. A temporary bridge is fitted.
3. Laboratory fabrication (1–2 weeks) — your custom porcelain bridge is crafted to match the colour, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth. You wear the temporary bridge during this time.
4. Final fitting & cementation (approximately 45 minutes) — your permanent bridge is checked for fit, bite, and aesthetics, then permanently cemented in place.

Risks, limitations, and informed consent

As with any dental procedure, patients should be aware of potential risks before consenting to bridge treatment:

• Supporting teeth require permanent preparation (enamel removal) — this is irreversible
• Root canal treatment may be needed on supporting teeth if the nerve is affected during preparation
• The bridge may debond, chip, or fracture over time, requiring repair or replacement
• Decay can develop under bridge margins if oral hygiene is not maintained
• A supporting tooth may fail, requiring the bridge to be remade or an alternative treatment
• Post-treatment sensitivity or tenderness (usually temporary)
• The bridge does not prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth (unlike implants)

Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before treatment and obtain written informed consent. If a bridge is not the most suitable option for your case, alternative treatments — including dental implants, dentures, or other restorative approaches — will be discussed.

How bridge costs compare to other tooth replacement options

For context, here is how dental bridge pricing compares to alternative tooth replacement treatments at our clinic: