You rely on a complete set of teeth to perform basic tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling authentically. Unfortunately, if you’ve lost one or several teeth in a row, the wide gaps in your grin make these once-simple tasks much more challenging.
Your dentist can restore your smile with a customized dental bridge, but many patients want to know how long their prosthetics will last before moving forward. Continue reading to learn more about the lifespan of dental bridges so you can make an informed decision regarding your dental condition.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are oral appliances that contain the correct number of pontics (teeth) sandwiched between two dental crowns to rebuild your arch. They are made from resilient ceramic that can be color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. With your prosthetic in place, you’ll enjoy improved chewing power, enhanced enunciation, and boosted confidence.
Traditionally, the crowns are cemented over abutment teeth on each side of the space in your smile to close the gap. These pearly whites must be healthy enough to support your restoration, so if yours are damaged or decayed, you might be a better candidate for an implant bridge. This method involves surgically placing two dental implants to serve as stanchions instead.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Typically Last?
Dental bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years, depending on how well you take care of them. They’re made from durable porcelain that don’t decay like your enamel, but the underlying chompers can still be affected by bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease. There’s nothing to hold your bridge in place if the abutment teeth deteriorate, and it can become destabilized or fall off altogether.
Furthermore, some patients suffer from chronic teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. If you subconsciously clench your jaw while asleep (or throughout the day, in some cases), the added pressure can prematurely wear down your enamel or restoration.
How Can I Maintain My Dental Bridge?
Thankfully, there are a few proactive steps you can take to keep your prosthetic in tip-top shape! For example, if you don’t already, you can establish a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice daily. Doing so removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to common oral issues that might hurt your dental bridge.
You can also ask your dentist to provide a custom-fitted mouthguard or nightguard to safeguard your smile if you grind your teeth.
Getting a dental bridge is an excellent long-term solution for tooth loss because it can potentially last for decades if you care for it correctly!
About the Practice
At Central Dental Associates, people of all ages benefit from a team of experts who work together to offer a comprehensive menu of services conveniently under one roof. They share 30+ years of combined experience, so they can help with everything from basic preventative care for the whole family to more complex treatments, including dental bridges. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort, then use lifelike materials to provide a restoration that looks and feels natural and is intended to last. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request a consultation on the website or call (781) 769-3566.