Tooth Replacement: Dental Bridges at Habelt Dentistry

At Habelt Dentistry, we recognize that every tooth is crucial for both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. Even one lost tooth can affect chewing, speech, and overall oral health. That’s why we offer advanced restorative solutions, including dental bridges, to restore function and confidence.

Serving patients throughout San Francisco, our experienced staff, led by Dr. Erich K. Habelt and Dr. Thomas Habelt, offers excellent care with expertise and accuracy. With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Erich Habelt offers excellent restorative and aesthetic dental treatments. Dr. Thomas Habelt combines cutting-edge technology with advanced techniques to achieve optimal results for every patient.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed or removable prosthetic device designed to span the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It anchors artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants, thereby preserving facial contours, bite alignment, and overall oral function. By bridging these spaces, the restoration prevents adjacent teeth from drifting, reduces the risk of temporomandibular joint disorders, and supports even distribution of occlusal forces.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

Beyond cosmetic concerns, untreated tooth loss poses significant oral health risks, including bone resorption, malocclusion, and increased susceptibility to decay. Dental bridges address these issues effectively:

• Preserves Alignment: Prevents migration of surrounding teeth into edentulous spaces, maintaining proper occlusion.
• Restores Mastication: Reinstates efficient chewing, reducing strain on remaining dentition and improving nutritional intake.
• Enhances Phonetics: Corrects speech impediments caused by gaps, such as lisps or whistling sounds.
• Balances Jaw Forces: Distributes bite pressure evenly, mitigating excessive wear on the jawbone and supporting structures.
• Boosts Self-Esteem: Achieves a natural, seamless smile that enhances facial aesthetics and personal confidence.

Digital Advancements in Dental Bridges

Our practice employs computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to elevate the bridge fabrication process.

Key advantages include:

• Precision Imaging: Digital intraoral scanners capture highly accurate impressions without the discomfort of traditional alginate molds.
• Superior Fit and Comfort: Eliminates human error, ensuring a custom, snug adaptation that minimizes adjustments.
• Streamlined Workflow: Reduces treatment sessions by accelerating design and milling, often allowing same-day or expedited delivery.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Advanced software enables precise shade matching and anatomical contouring, resulting in indistinguishable outcomes from natural teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges We Offer

We tailor bridge recommendations based on clinical needs, such as the number of missing teeth, abutment health, and occlusal demands:

• Traditional Fixed Bridge: The most common type, supported by crowns on adjacent abutment teeth. Ideal for scenarios with robust neighboring teeth.
• Cantilever Bridge: Anchored to a single abutment tooth, suitable for low-stress areas like anterior regions.
• Maryland Bonded Bridge: A conservative resin-bonded option with metal or porcelain wings that adhere to the lingual surfaces of abutments, preserving enamel.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Secured to titanium implants, perfect for multiple missing teeth or compromised abutments, offering exceptional stability without relying on natural teeth.
• Digital Bridge: Our innovative variant utilizes 3D printing and CAD/CAM for unparalleled accuracy, durability, and biocompatibility.

Step-by-Step: Receiving Your Dental Bridge at Habelt Dentistry

1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a review of medical/dental history, a clinical examination, digital radiographs, and 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, as indicated. Treatment options, costs, and timelines are discussed transparently to facilitate informed decision-making.
2. Tooth Preparation and Digital Impressions: Abutment teeth are gently reshaped for crown placement. State-of-the-art intraoral scanners capture precise digital models, eliminating the need for gag-inducing trays and ensuring sub-millimeter accuracy.
3. Temporary Restoration: A provisional bridge is fitted to protect prepared teeth, maintain aesthetics, and allow normal function while the permanent prosthesis is fabricated.
4. Laboratory Fabrication: Skilled technicians craft the bridge using premium materials, such as high-strength ceramics, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, guided by digital blueprints to achieve optimal strength and a lifelike appearance.
5. Final Placement and Adjustment: The bridge is tried in, refined for occlusal harmony and comfort, and permanently cemented or bonded. Post-insertion instructions ensure seamless integration.

Materials Used for Bridges

We select biocompatible materials based on functional and aesthetic requirements:

• Porcelain: Provides superior translucency and color matching for anterior restorations.
• Zirconia: Offers exceptional durability and fracture resistance with a natural opalescence.
• Metal Alloys: Deliver robust strength for posterior bridges subjected to heavy occlusal loads.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Combines the strength of a metallic core with porcelain veneering for balanced aesthetics and longevity.

Benefits of Dental Bridges at Habelt Dentistry

• Greater Accuracy: Computer scans produce precise impressions.
• Greater Comfort: No gooey molds, less gagging.
• Rapid Production: An Ineffective digital process accelerates the process.
• Natural Look: Easy color matching for natural appearance.
• Strength: Durable, using quality materials and advanced techniques.

Care for Dental Bridge

A bridge relies on healthy gums and supporting teeth. Our treatment suggestions are:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
• Clean Behind the Bridge: Interdental brushes or floss threaders simplify the cleaning process.
• Regular Check-Ups: Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your bridge and oral health.
• Avoid Hard Food: Limit sticky sweets, ice, and hard snacks to maximize lifespan.

Our Commitment to Safety

We value your good health above everything else. We follow strict OSHA, CDC, and ADA-recommended infection control protocols, which include:

• HEPA filtration technology in treatment rooms.
• Instrument sterilization before every use.
• Disposable protective equipment and medical-grade germicides.