How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

Dental bridges are a popular restoration option for those with missing teeth. They are often preferred by those with multiple missing teeth due to their ability to ‘fill in’ more expansive gaps.

Whatever the reason behind your missing teeth, a dental bridge can help. Our guide to how long a dental bridge lasts can help you determine whether it’s the right treatment to go with, which often depends on your own lifestyle and expectations.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made dental prosthetic, designed to replace missing teeth within an area. The bridge attaches to two adjacent teeth, allowing a secure hold that fills in any gaps. These adjacent teeth are often referred to as ‘abutment’ teeth.

Some enamel is removed from the abutment teeth as part of the procedure. This is done to make space for the dental crown to fit without looking odd or being uncomfortable.

There are a few different types of dental bridge, including traditional, cantilever and implant supported bridges.

With a traditional dental bridge, the false tooth, also known as a ‘pontic’ will sit in the middle of the abutment teeth. The bridge will be cemented in place using a special dental cement, making sure the procedure lasts.

How long does a dental bridge last?

You can usually expect a dental bridge to last anywhere from 5 – 15 years with good, regular care. This includes things like going to the dentist for regular maintenance check-ups, ensuring you follow a rigorous dental hygiene routine, and avoiding the things that will cause your dental bridge to come loose. The longevity of a bridge often depends on things such as lifestyle habits, the material used, and the amount of force that you bite with. Some of these can’t be helped, but others can.

How to make your dental bridge last longer

If you have a dental bridge or have been advised to get one, you may be wondering how to make it last as long as possible.

Dentists will likely provide you with aftercare and longer-term instructions for maintenance following your dental bridge procedure, and it’s important you follow these to get the most out of your investment.

Below, we’ll look at a few of the key care tips many dentists provide for those with dental bridges.

Oral hygiene practices

As with any dental care recommendations, following a dental bridge it is imperative that you maintain a good oral hygiene schedule. Brush and floss your teeth (including the bridge) twice a day to avoid a buildup of bacteria and even plaque. This helps prevent tooth decay and issues such as gum disease, which can be disastrous if you have a dental bridge. The bridge relies on the health of surrounding teeth in order to attach securely to the mouth, and so any impact to the health of your natural teeth can mean your dental bridge won’t last as long.

Diet recommendations

Just like with regular teeth, dental bridges aren’t invincible. You will likely be advised, particularly immediately following the procedure, to avoid overly hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the bridge. The longer you manage to avoid chewing or eating these types of food in the area your bridge sits within, the longer your bridge may last altogether. This is because it will have less force to contend with, which can often compromise stability of the bridge with time.

Professional care

A dental bridge can be difficult to care for properly, and this is why we recommend you leave the professional work to the professionals. Regular dental hygiene appointments with your dentist can help ensure all parts of your bridge are cleaned thoroughly, as there are hard to reach areas even with natural teeth, and more so with a bridge.

Making sure you stick to regular dental visits and appointments is the best way to keep an eye on any subtle changes to your bridge that could impact longevity. Your dentist is trained to keep an eye out for any concerns, which would be difficult to do yourself.

How to know when your bridge needs replacing

If your bridge needs replacing, there will likely be signs. It may come loose or feel dislodged within the mouth, making it difficult to chew or eat effectively

There could also be visible wear and tear to the bridge, such as cracks or chips. These could be aesthetic to begin with, but can quickly spread to become structural concerns.

If you have any pain or sensitivity around the bridge, this is a clear sign to get it looked at. This could signal decay or issues below the teeth or bridge. If you suffer with receding gums, this could be a further cause for concern as this could impact the stability and therefore the longevity of the bridge.

You could start to notice other issues such as a change in the fit of your bridge. A bridge should always feel comfortable and natural, so as soon as you notice changes it’s worth seeing your dentist.

Having any concerns or even slight issues looked at and properly checked over by your dentist can help extend the lifespan of your dental bridge. Getting things checked is always worth it, and helps avoid the risk of having to spend more in the long-term on replacing your bridge.

Get a Lasting Dental Bridge with Ringway Dental

If you want your dental bridge to last, it’s important to research your chosen dentist first. The quality with which a dental bridge is applied will have an impact on how long it is likely to last. With more experience, often comes higher quality work.

Cosmetic dentists are extremely well trained in all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry, so are often the best place to go when you’re seeking a bridge – as these fulfil both functional and aesthetic purposes.

If you’re interested in a dental bridge by Ringway Dental, call our team now on 0161 437 2029.

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