Dental bridges offer a common and effective means of replacing missing teeth to maintain your teeth’s appearance and function. However, as in the case of any restoration of the mouth, bridges do not last forever. Thus, understanding their typical lifespan, what influences their durability, and when replacement is going to be needed can help you maximize your investment in oral health.
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that is used to replace one or more missing teeth and is cemented permanently to existing adjacent natural teeth or implants. There are also several types of bridges: traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
A bridge consists of:
Dental bridges typically last on average between 5 and 15 years. With diligent care, dental bridges can last upwards of 20 years. The lifespan of a dental bridge is dependent on multiple factors, including:
– The materials used. The materials used to fabricate a dental bridge can usually be made of porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or zirconia. Obviously, higher-quality materials will cost more, and those materials may also be stronger or more aesthetic.
– The patient’s oral hygiene
– The condition of the teeth and gums supporting the bridge.
There are several factors that influence how long your dental bridge can last:
Oral Hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing of teeth can cause decay around the abutment teeth and bridge failure.
Diet: If the patient tends to chew ice, eat hard foods, or snap open packages with their teeth, the bridge may fail sooner than expected.
Teeth grinding: If the person who has the bridge is a teeth grinder (bruxism), this wear may cause early failure of both the bridge and supporting teeth.
Gum disease: If gum health declines, the foundation and support of the bridge are compromised.
Materials: Braces made of metals tend to last longer than all-ceramic bridges.
Regular dental checkups: A dentist can pick up on combustible wear to their bridge and address minor issues before the bridge fails completely.
Being aware of the early warning signs that your dental bridge is in need of repair or replacement is essential. These may be obvious or not-so-obvious, but if you see any of the below, you should consider contacting a dental professional. Some of the signs to look for are:
– Looseness or movement in the bridge
– Discomfort or pain developing around the abutment teeth
– Visible wear or cracks in the bridge
– Signs of receding gum lines around the area of the bridge
– Changes to your bite or difficulty chewing
– A bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath, indicating decay may be present
At All Star Dental, our five dental offices provide high quality restorative dental services including dental crowns, dental bridges, and similar treatmemnts. If you need to discuss one of these treatments, please callone of our offices to schedule an appointment.
