Crowns, bridges and dentures in Huntington Beach at Safari Dentistry and Implants are made from an intraoral scan instead of impression trays, matched to your other teeth, and quoted in writing after your insurance is checked. Because a board-certified periodontist works in the same Huntington Beach office, a crown, bridge or denture is planned alongside the gum health that decides how long it lasts, and implant options are compared on the same estimate.
When do you need a dental crown?
A crown is needed when a tooth has lost too much structure for a filling to hold: a large crack, a cusp that broke off, a filling that takes up more than half the tooth, or a tooth that has had a root canal. The crown covers the whole tooth above the gum, restores the chewing surface and stops the crack from spreading.
- Zirconia crowns: the strongest tooth-colored option, used for molars and grinders.
- Lithium disilicate (e.max) crowns: the most natural-looking, used for front teeth and premolars.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: still used for some bridges; a dark line can show at the gum over time.
- Implant crowns: a crown on an implant rather than a natural tooth. See dental implants.
Dental bridge versus implant: which is better?
A bridge is faster and costs less up front, replacing one or two missing teeth in two visits by crowning the teeth on either side; an implant costs more and takes months but does not touch the neighboring teeth and keeps the bone in the gap. A bridge is the better choice when the neighboring teeth already need crowns, when surgery is not an option, or when time and budget decide. The dental bridges page covers bridge types, the two-visit process and cleaning under a bridge.
- Bridge
- 2 visits over 2 to 3 weeks; lasts 10 to 15 years; neighbors are crowned
- Implant
- 3 to 9 months; lasts 20+ years; neighbors untouched; needs bone
- Partial denture
- 2 to 4 visits; lowest cost; removable; can loosen over time
- Coverage
- Bridges and partials are covered by most plans and Medi-Cal Dental; implants less often
What kinds of dentures does Safari make?
Safari makes full dentures, partial dentures with metal or flexible frames, immediate dentures placed on the day teeth are removed, and implant-retained dentures that snap onto two to four implants. Every denture is made from a digital scan and fitted over two to four visits, with adjustments included for the first months.
- Exam and scan. Remaining teeth, gums and bone are assessed; the periodontist is involved when teeth must be removed.
- Bite and try-in. The shade and tooth arrangement are tried in wax or a 3D-printed trial before the final is made.
- Delivery. The denture, bridge or crown is fitted and the bite adjusted.
- Follow-up. Sore-spot adjustments at 1 and 2 weeks are included; relines are scheduled as the gums change.
What do crowns, bridges and dentures cost in Huntington Beach?
Crowns are priced per tooth, bridges per unit (each crown and each replacement tooth), and dentures per arch, all quoted in writing after the exam. Most PPO and HMO plans cover 50 percent of crowns and bridges and Medi-Cal Dental covers crowns on back teeth, partials and full dentures for adults, with payment plans for the rest.
How long do crowns, bridges and dentures last?
Crowns and bridges last 10 to 15 years on average, and longer when the gums stay healthy and a night guard is worn by grinders. Full dentures are relined every 2 to 3 years and replaced every 5 to 8 as the jaw changes, unless they are anchored to implants, which slows that bone loss.
Restorative dentistry for Westminster, Fountain Valley and Garden Grove patients
Scan, try-in, delivery and adjustments are all done at 16511 Goldenwest St, Unit 101, which keeps the number of trips small for patients who are fitting visits around work or a ride.