Irvine patients drive 25 to 30 minutes on the 405 to Safari Dentistry and Implants in Huntington Beach for dental bridges made from a digital scan. The first visit covers the exam, the X-ray, the comparison with an implant and the written fee, so the longer drive is kept to as few trips as possible.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one to three missing teeth with ceramic teeth that are joined to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. It is fixed in place, not removable, and is made in two visits about two weeks apart. At Safari Dentistry and Implants bridges for Irvine patients are made from an intraoral scan rather than impression trays, and the periodontist checks that the anchor teeth have enough bone and healthy gum to carry the load.
- Traditional bridge: a crown on each side of the gap with the replacement tooth between them; the most common and the strongest.
- Cantilever bridge: anchored on one side only, used where there is a tooth on just one side of the gap and the bite is light.
- Bonded (Maryland) bridge: a replacement tooth with wings bonded to the back of the neighbors; little or no drilling, mainly for front teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge: two implants carrying three or more teeth, for longer gaps; see dental implants.
Why Irvine patients choose Safari for a dental bridge
Irvine patients usually arrive with a spreadsheet of options and want the numbers: how long each lasts, what each costs over 20 years, what happens to the neighboring teeth. The office gives those answers from your own X-ray, including when a bridge is the weaker choice. Because a periodontist places implants in the same office, the comparison is even-handed.
What does a dental bridge cost for Irvine patients?
A bridge is priced per unit: each crown and each replacement tooth counts as one, so a three-unit bridge replaces one tooth. The fee is written down at the consultation, next to the fee for an implant, so the two can be compared. Most PPO and HMO plans pay part of a bridge, often about half; Medi-Cal Dental coverage for fixed bridges is limited, so the front desk checks it before the plan is priced. Monthly payment plans are available.
What to bring to your first visit from Irvine
- Any recent X-rays, or the old bridge if it has come out.
- Your insurance card or Medi-Cal Dental member number; benefits and any missing-tooth clause are checked before the plan is priced.
- The date the tooth was lost or is due to be removed; some plans ask for it.
- Any implant quote you already have, so a bridge and an implant can be compared line by line.
Getting to the office from Irvine
Safari Dentistry and Implants is at 16511 Goldenwest St, Unit 101, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, about 14 miles from Irvine and usually 25 to 30 minutes by car. From Irvine take the 405 north to the Goldenwest St exit, then head south about two and a half miles to Heil Ave. The office is on the corner at 16511 Goldenwest St with free parking. Outside rush hour the trip is 25 to 30 minutes; appointments are between 10 AM and 4 PM, so the drive rarely hits the worst of the 405.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Same-day emergency time is held each open day.
- Parking: free, in the lot at the door, with a level entrance.
- Patients come from: Woodbridge, Northwood, Turtle Rock and University Park near UCI and the Irvine Spectrum and Great Park neighborhoods.