When you lose a tooth, you’ll naturally want to act as quickly as possible to have it replaced so that you can restore your smile. Your dentist may suggest filling in the gap with a dental bridge made out of highly durable materials. Exactly how long can you expect this type of dental prosthesis to last? And is there anything you can do to lengthen that lifespan? The answers to these important questions can be found below.
What Exactly is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge consists of a pair of crowns and a number of artificial teeth called pontics. The pontics are suspended between the crowns and are what will ultimately fill in the empty space in your smile. Meanwhile, the crowns are responsible for keeping the prosthesis anchored in place; they are traditionally attached to your natural teeth, although they can also be supported by dental implants.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Normally Last?
As you can probably expect, some dental bridges last longer than others. Factors such as the care you give your smile, the foods you eat, and your overall lifestyle can have a significant influence on the lifespan of your prosthesis. Generally speaking, you can expect your dental bridge to last somewhere between 5 to 15 years.
You can get a new bridge once the old one has run its course. But if you don’t want to pay for a replacement too often, it’s important to be proactive about keeping your current bridge in excellent shape for as long as possible.
How Can You Help Your Dental Bridge Last Longer?
A dental bridge needs the same kind of care as your natural teeth. This of course includes regular brushing and flossing. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush; a hard-bristled one could end up damaging your prosthesis. A floss threader can help you clean the area under your bridge.
While a dental bridge is designed to stand up to the forces of biting and chewing, it is far from indestructible. Try to limit your exposure to hard or chewy foods that might damage your prosthesis. You should also make a point of breaking bad oral habits like crunching ice or chewing on the end of a pen.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months. While they’re examining your remaining natural teeth for cavities, they can also check on the status of your dental bridge and identify any issues that you may have overlooked.
A dental bridge can help you once again smile with confidence, and with the right steps you can help it last for a very long time before it eventually needs to be replaced. Make sure you’re doing everything you can to ensure that your bridge is well cared for.
About the Author
Dr. Darren Koch went to the University at Buffalo for his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He is a member of the Fourth District Dental Society of Raleigh/Wake County as well as other organizations. He has helped many patients enjoy complete smiles again with dental bridges. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koch at his practice in Cary, visit his website or call (919) 859-6633.
