Dental Bridges

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth. An artificial tooth, called a pontic, is held in the gap by crowns on the natural teeth or dental implants on each side. Because it is cemented in place, you do not take it out to clean it the way you would a removable partial denture.

At Harmony Dental Care in West Covina, each bridge is custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The goal is a restoration that looks like it belongs in your smile and feels comfortable when you bite and chew.

Who is a dental bridge for?

A bridge may be a good fit if you are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed solution. Missing teeth can allow the teeth around them to drift, change how your bite meets, and make chewing harder. A bridge can help restore chewing and speaking, support the natural shape of your face, and spread bite forces more evenly across your teeth.

Whether a bridge is right for you depends on the health of the teeth or implant sites next to the gap, the number of teeth missing, and your bite. Your dentist will examine your mouth, take digital X-rays, and talk through which option fits your goals.

Patients from West Covina, Covina, Baldwin Park, Irwindale, and Charter Oak visit our office for bridgework. If you are looking for dental bridges in West Covina, CA, our team can review your options at your first visit.

Types of dental bridges we offer

There is more than one kind of bridge. The right choice depends on which teeth are available to support it.

Traditional bridge

This is the most common type. It has one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the teeth on each side of the gap. It is usually the choice when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

Cantilever bridge

A cantilever bridge is anchored to a crown on only one side of the gap. It is used when natural teeth are present on just one side of the missing tooth area.

Maryland bridge (resin-bonded)

A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the backs of the neighboring teeth. It is a conservative option because it keeps more of your natural tooth structure intact.

Implant-supported bridge

An implant-supported bridge rests on dental implants instead of natural teeth. Implants are placed in the jawbone, and the bridge is attached to them once healing is complete. This option can replace several missing teeth in a row without placing added load on the neighboring teeth. Our team also offers single-tooth implants, multi-tooth implant bridges, and full-arch All-on-4 solutions, so your dentist can explain how a bridge compares with an implant-based plan.

What to expect: the dental bridge procedure

Most bridges are completed in two visits. The steps below describe the typical process.

Visit 1: Preparation and impressions

Your dentist, Dr. Khaef, prepares the teeth that will support the bridge by reshaping them so crowns can fit over them. Digital impressions are taken to record the exact shape of your teeth and bite. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is made.

Visit 2: Placement and adjustment

Your custom bridge is usually ready within one to two weeks. At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed. The permanent bridge is checked for fit, adjusted so your bite feels comfortable, and then cemented in place.

Comfort during treatment

Preparing teeth for a bridge is similar to preparing a single crown. Our office offers local anesthetic, a numbing gel, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones to help you stay relaxed during your visits. Tell your dentist if you have questions before or during treatment.

How much does a dental bridge cost?

The cost of a dental bridge depends on how many teeth are being replaced and which material is chosen for the restoration. Because of this, the total is best discussed after an exam, when your dentist can see your mouth and explain the options that fit your needs.

At your consultation, our team will go over the treatment plan and the estimated fees, so you know what to expect before any work begins.

Insurance and payment options

Insurance coverage for a dental bridge depends on your specific plan, including its annual maximum, waiting periods, and how it classifies major restorative work. Dental bridges are often treated as a major restorative procedure, but the amount your plan pays is set by your plan, not by our office.

Harmony Dental Care works with many plans, including:

• PPO and indemnity plans
• Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal
• Smile California
• CalOptima (direct provider, no referral needed)

If your plan is not on this list, our team can still help. Before your visit, we offer a complimentary insurance eligibility check. We review your benefits and let you know what to expect from your plan, so you can plan ahead without guessing.

If you do not have insurance, you can ask about our financing options. Our flexible financing includes affordable monthly payment plans for elective and major procedures. Ask about the options that fit your budget during your visit.

Our $59 new patient special includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning for new patients without insurance. This special covers the exam and cleaning, not the bridge itself, but it is a useful first step to see where your mouth stands.

Caring for your dental bridge

With good home care and regular dental visits, a dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years or more. Implant-supported bridges often last longer, sometimes 15 to 20 years or more, with proper care.

Day to day, brush at least twice a day and clean carefully under and around the bridge. Floss or use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean beneath the pontic, since that area is easy to miss. Keep your checkup and cleaning appointments so your dentist can check the bridge, the supporting teeth, and your gums.

If you notice a loose bridge, sensitivity, or a change in how your bite feels, call the office so the issue can be looked at early.

Why patients choose Harmony Dental Care

Harmony Dental Care has served the West Covina community for 20 years. Dr. Khaef and Dr. Nguyen lead the team, and both are committed to continuing education and to keeping up with dental technology and techniques.

Our approach to bridges includes:

• Precision design. Each bridge is designed using digital impressions for an exact, comfortable fit.
• Material options. Depending on your needs and your look, bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. We prioritize mercury-free materials and BPA-free resins.
• Digital tools. We use 3D digital X-rays, 3D CBCT imaging, iTero digital scanning, and digital impressions to plan treatment.
• Clear explanations. Your dentist will explain each option and build a plan around your goals, so you can make informed decisions. This makes both bridge visits easier to manage.

Patients rate us 4.8 out of 5 across 148 Google reviews, and many mention how carefully the team explains each step.

How to book your bridge consultation

New patients are welcome at all ages. To schedule your first visit, call (626) 858-3305 or book online. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

When you call, tell the team you are interested in a dental bridge, and mention whether you have insurance so we can set up your eligibility check before your visit. Our office is located at 148 N Grand Ave, West Covina, CA 91791.

Read more: What affects the cost of a dental bridge in West Covina.