Can I Get a Bridge on the NHS? Cost, Types and Care
NHS bridge charges, the main types of bridge and how to care for one.
Checked by our editors. A dentist review of this article is planned but has not happened yet.
Yes. To the question “can I get a bridge on NHS treatment?”, the answer is that bridges are a Band 3 NHS treatment in England, currently £332.10, as long as your dentist agrees a bridge is clinically appropriate for you.
A bridge fills a gap left by one or more missing teeth, using the teeth on either side, or sometimes implants, for support. Unlike implants, which are usually private, bridges are part of standard NHS dentistry. What you get, and whether a bridge is the right choice, depends on your mouth and your dentist’s assessment.
What is a dental bridge?
The NHS describes a bridge as a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. The Oral Health Foundation explains it is a fixed prosthetic device anchored to neighbouring teeth or implants, and describes two common designs:
| Type | How it works | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (fixed) bridge | Crowns on the teeth either side of the gap hold a false tooth between them; made in a lab and cemented in place | Gaps where the neighbouring teeth can support crowns |
| Adhesive (resin-bonded) bridge | Small “wings” are bonded to the back of nearby teeth | Often front teeth |
Materials listed by the Oral Health Foundation include porcelain bonded to metal, other strong metals under porcelain, and all-porcelain options for a very natural look.
How much does an NHS bridge cost?
NHS England places bridges in Band 3, alongside crowns and dentures. The current charges are:
- Band 1: £27.90 (examination and assessment)
- Band 2: £76.60 (fillings, extractions, root canal treatment)
- Band 3: £332.10 (includes everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, bridges and dentures)
The NHS explains that if your course of treatment includes items from different bands, you pay only the highest band charge. Some people get NHS treatment free, including under-18s, those who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, and people on certain benefits. The NHS also notes that hospital dental treatment is free but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges.
Will the NHS give me the bridge I want?
The NHS provides treatment that is clinically necessary to keep your mouth healthy, and your dentist decides what is appropriate. That has a few practical implications:
- Your dentist may suggest a different option. The Canadian Dental Association, for example, notes that partial dentures may be used when nearby teeth are not strong enough to hold a bridge.
- Material choices may differ from private care. For crowns, for example, the NHS says you may be offered a metal-coloured crown on a back tooth and can discuss private alternatives.
- Your dentist must give you a treatment plan for Band 3 work, showing which parts are NHS and which, if any, are private.
How long does an NHS bridge last, and how do you care for it?
The Oral Health Foundation says a bridge can last many years with good care, and that regular check-ups and keeping the supporting teeth healthy both matter. Cleaning is the part people most often miss:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean under the false tooth every day with special floss or other cleaning aids.
- Keep the gums around the supporting teeth healthy.
- Attend regular check-ups so your dentist can spot problems early.
Questions to ask your NHS dentist
- Is a bridge the best option for this gap, or would a denture suit me better?
- Which type of bridge would you use, and what material?
- Will the teeth either side need crowns?
- Is any part of the plan private, and what does it cost?
For a side-by-side look at fixed options, see dental implants vs bridges, and for how the charge bands work, NHS dental bands explained.
Sources
- NHS, What is included in each NHS dental band charge?
- NHS, Dental treatments
- NHS, Who can get free NHS dental treatment
- NHS, Dental services available on the NHS
- Canadian Dental Association, Dentures
- Oral Health Foundation, Bridges
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist.
