Dental Bridge in Germany: Cost & Coverage Explained

Losing a tooth can make everyday activities like eating, speaking, and even smiling feel difficult. 

A dental bridge is a popular solution for filling the gap and restoring both function and appearance.

However, the cost of a dental bridge can be a concern for many patients. 

Prices vary widely, ranging from €600 to €13,000, depending on several factors. On average, a traditional bridge costs between €1,200 and €1,500—including the portion covered by insurance. 

Statutory health insurance typically covers only part of the expense as part of standard care, which makes it important to understand how dental insurance works.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• When a dental bridge is needed
• The different types available
• What different types of health insurance cover
• Why costs vary so much
• And our tips for saving on dental bridges

By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect and how to make the best choice for your dental health.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the surrounding natural teeth or implants. 

Dental bridges help restore chewing ability, prevent teeth from shifting, and improve dental health and aesthetics.

A bridge consists of three main components:

• Abutments – The natural teeth or implants that support the bridge. These provide stability and bear the force of chewing.
• Pontic – The false tooth (or teeth) that fills the gap. Pontics can be made of ceramic, porcelain, resin, gold, or other durable materials.
• Crowns – These are placed over the abutment teeth to secure the bridge and provide additional support.

The 4 (primary) types of bridges

There are four main types of dental bridges, each designed for different situations (and vary drastically in price):

1. Traditional bridge

A traditional bridge is the most common type. 

It has an artificial tooth (pontic) held in place by crowns that cover the natural teeth on both sides of the gap. 

These crowns are permanently glued to the neighboring teeth, making this bridge strong and reliable. However, the process requires filing down the healthy teeth to fit the crowns.

2. Cantilever bridge

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but is supported by only one natural tooth instead of two. 

This option is useful when only one tooth is next to the missing space. 

While it requires less modification to surrounding teeth, it is less stable than a traditional bridge and is usually used in areas with less bite pressure, such as front teeth.

3. Maryland bridge

A Maryland bridge, also called a resin-bonded bridge, does not use crowns. 

Instead, it has small metal or porcelain “wings” attached to the backs of the nearby teeth. This type of bridge preserves more of the natural tooth structure, but it is not as strong as other bridges. 

Maryland bridges are typically used for replacing front teeth since they are not designed to handle strong chewing forces.

4. Implant-supported bridge

An implant-supported bridge does not rely on natural teeth. Instead, dental implants hold it in place, which are metal posts surgically placed into the jawbone. 

This is the strongest and most durable type of bridge, often used to replace multiple missing teeth. 

Because implants fuse with the bone, they help prevent bone loss in the jaw. However, this option is more expensive and takes longer due to the surgery and healing.

How much do dental bridges cost in Germany?

The cost of a dental bridge typically ranges from €600 to €2,500, but several factors can affect the final price, including:

• Type of bridge: Implant-supported bridges are the most expensive, while traditional or Maryland bridges cost less.
• Number of missing teeth: Replacing more teeth increases the cost significantly.
• Material used: Metal bridges are generally cheaper, but ceramic or gold options cost more. Due to aesthetics, ceramic veneers are often added for visible teeth, raising the price.
• Additional procedures: If bone grafting or implants are required due to significant tooth loss, the cost can easily exceed €10,000.
• Manufacturing costs: The dental lab that fabricates the bridge will also impact pricing.

In Germany, prices typically fall within these ranges:

• Traditional & cantilever bridges – $2,000–$5,000 for one pontic with crowns on adjacent teeth.
• Maryland bridges – $1,500–$2,500 for one pontic with metal or ceramic wings.
• Implant-supported bridges – $5,000–$15,000 for a bridge spanning three to four teeth with two implants.

Getting an accurate estimate

To determine the exact cost of your situation, consult a local dentist. 

They can assess your needs, discuss material options, and provide a detailed estimate based on your dental health, which you can submit to your insurance to understand how much you will have to pay out of pocket.

How much of dental bridge costs are covered by German insurance?

In Germany, insurance usually covers part of the cost of a dental bridge. 

How much depends on the type of insurance you have. 

Let’s break it down.

What does public health insurance (GKV) cover?

Public (statutory) health insurance doesn’t pay the full cost of a dental bridge. 

Instead, it offers a fixed subsidy—a set amount based on “standard care,” the most affordable, medically appropriate option.

For most cases, standard care means a full metal bridge made from non-precious metal. If the bridge is for front teeth, it may include a ceramic coating on visible areas to match your natural tooth color better.

The fixed subsidy usually covers about 60% of the cost of standard care. For example, if a standard bridge costs €1,000, insurance pays €600. You cover the rest—€400.

However, this subsidy stays the same even if you choose a more expensive option. So, if you decide on higher-end materials like ceramic or precious metals, you pay the rest yourself.

So, how much will you pay for a dental bridge with public health insurance?

Before treatment, your dentist will give you a Heil- und Kostenplan—a treatment and cost plan. It outlines:

• Your dental condition
• The proposed treatment
• Estimated costs

This plan is sent to your insurance provider to calculate your subsidy. It also shows how much you’ll likely pay out of pocket.

To give you a general idea, here’s a simple cost comparison:

What does supplemental dental insurance cover?

Because public insurance only covers basic care, many add supplemental dental insurance to reduce costs.

The exact details will vary from one company to the next. For example, here’s what you could save with Feather’s dental insurance (Advanced plan):

Note: 

• Unused coverage rolls over each year. So, by year 3, you could have €4,500 in benefits if no tooth replacements were done before.
• The figures above apply to people with one or no missing teeth at sign-up. For details on other cases, read about Feather’s dental insurance.

Here’s what that means for the costs of dental bridges:

What does private health insurance cover?

Private health insurance often covers more than public insurance but varies by plan and provider.

Here’s an example from Feather’s private plans:

Note that for bridges over €2,500, a cost plan is required. Without it, only 50% of the amount above €2,500 is reimbursed.

So, if we use the examples previously mentioned, here’s what you would pay for dental bridges:

What does expat (incoming) insurance cover?

Expat insurance is another type of private insurance. So, coverage will also depend on your provider and plan.

With Feather’s expat insurance, after being on the premium plan for 6 months, you get:

• 80% coverage for dentures, up to €1,250 per insurance year.

For long-term expat insurance, after a 6-month waiting period:

• Basic plan: €750/year
• Premium plan: €1,125/year

Note that with both these policies (and almost every expat insurance on the market), coverage only applies to new dental conditions that start after your policy begins.

When should a dental bridge be used?

A dental bridge is used to replace one to four missing teeth. It can be placed anywhere in the mouth, but its success depends on the location and condition of the surrounding teeth. 

Bridges placed in the back of the mouth often need more support than those in the front.

A dental bridge is a good option when:

• One to four teeth are missing in a row.
• The teeth next to the gap (abutment teeth) are healthy and strong.
• There are enough nearby teeth to anchor the bridge securely.

A bridge may not be the right choice if:

• Oral hygiene is poor, or the patient cannot clean around the bridge properly.
• The support teeth are weak, damaged, or unstable.
• More than four teeth in a row are missing, which can reduce the bridge’s strength.
• The patient is under 18 and still growing—only temporary (adhesive) bridges may be used.
• The support teeth would require significant reshaping. Implants may be a better long-term solution.

Pros & cons of dental bridges

Alternatives to dental bridges

If a dental bridge isn’t the right fit, other ways exist to replace missing teeth.

1. Partial dentures

Partial dentures are removable and attach to a gum-colored base. 

They are more affordable but may feel less secure or comfortable. Some require adhesive. While not as stable as bridges or implants, they can look natural and work well for some people.

2. Dental implants

Implants are titanium posts placed in the jawbone to act as artificial roots. 

They support crowns or bridges and offer strong, lasting results. Implants look and function like natural teeth and are ideal for chewing and speaking. 

However, they require surgery and can be costly. Not everyone is a good candidate—poor oral health or bone loss may limit this option.

7 tips for more affordable dental bridges

Dental bridges can be costly. However, planning can help you avoid high out-of-pocket expenses. 

If you think you might need a bridge later on, here are five ways to cut costs:

1. Use your bonus booklet

If you’ve had annual dental checkups, your Bonusheft (bonus booklet) can increase your statutory health insurance subsidy to 75%. 

However, you must maintain the booklet for at least five consecutive years to apply. 

You can get this booklet from your dentist, and they can backdate entries if you’ve had past checkups.

2. Choose affordable materials

Lower-cost materials can reduce your bill significantly. While these materials may be less durable than high-end options, they’re still a good choice if you’re mindful of cost. 

Remember that bridges usually need replacement after several years, so durability matters.

3. Practice good oral hygiene

Proper care can extend the life of your bridge and reduce the need for replacements. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. 

Good oral hygiene lowers the risk of needing crowns in the first place.

4. Compare offers

Costs can vary widely between dental practices because they often work with different dental labs. 

Bridges are custom-made, and lab fees are one of the biggest cost factors. Always get multiple quotes before committing.

5. Look into hardship provisions

If you have a low-income, receive social assistance, or are on Hartz IV, you may qualify for full coverage under the hardship provision. 

This ensures access to quality treatment without paying too much yourself. 

Ask your dentist or health insurance provider for eligibility details and the application form.

6. Ask about payment plans.

If the bill exceeds expectations, discuss setting up a payment plan with your dentist. Many are willing to work with patients facing financial difficulties.

7. Consider dental insurance

Supplemental dental insurance is available for anyone with public health coverage. 

It can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses—often more than any other method mentioned here. 

The best dental policies may cover pre-existing conditions, though many do not, so check the details carefully.