A dental bridge offers an effective solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. Understanding how long these restorations last helps you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Ready to explore your tooth replacement options? Contact Ultra Dental today to schedule a consultation and discover how a dental bridge can transform your smile.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made dental restoration that literally “bridges” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. This fixed prosthetic device consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored to crowns placed on your natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Your dentist cements the bridge in place, creating a permanent solution that looks and functions like your natural teeth.
When should you consider getting a dental bridge?
- You have one or more missing teeth – A dental bridge effectively fills gaps in your smile, preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
- You want to restore your chewing ability – Missing teeth make it difficult to eat certain foods, and a bridge helps you enjoy your favorite meals again.
- Your speech has been affected – Tooth loss can cause pronunciation problems, which a properly fitted bridge can help correct.
- You’re looking for a non-removable solution – Unlike dentures, bridges stay firmly in place and don’t require daily removal.
- You want to maintain your facial structure – Missing teeth can cause facial sagging over time, but a bridge helps preserve your natural face shape.
- Your self-confidence needs a boost – Gaps in your smile can affect how you feel about your appearance, and a bridge provides a natural-looking restoration.
How often do dental bridges need to be replaced?
Most dental bridges last between 10 to 15 years with proper care, though some can last even longer. Regular dental checkups help monitor your bridge’s condition and identify any issues early, potentially extending its life beyond the average timeframe.
7 Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Dental Bridge
- Oral hygiene practices – Daily brushing and flossing around your bridge prevents decay in adjacent teeth and gum disease that could compromise the restoration.
- Material quality – Porcelain and ceramic bridges may chip more easily than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal options, affecting longevity.
- Location in your mouth – Bridges in the back of your mouth endure more chewing force, potentially wearing faster than those in front.
- Your diet choices – Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods helps prevent damage to your bridge and extends its lifespan.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Night grinding puts excessive pressure on your bridge, making a custom night guard essential for protection.
- Regular dental visits – Professional cleanings and examinations every six months help catch problems early before they compromise your bridge.
- Overall oral health – Healthy gums and strong supporting teeth provide a stable foundation that helps your bridge last longer.
What Happens When a Dental Bridge Wears Out
Loosening or Detachment
When your dental bridge begins to fail, one of the first signs is often loosening or movement. This occurs when the cement holding your bridge weakens over time or when the supporting teeth develop decay underneath the crowns. You might notice the bridge feeling wobbly when you chew or speak. If left untreated, a loose bridge can completely detach, creating an emergency situation and potentially damaging the supporting teeth.
Damage to Supporting Teeth
The natural teeth or dental implants supporting your bridge can suffer damage when the bridge wears out. Decay can develop under the crowns if bacteria seep through worn cement or damaged margins. The extra stress from a failing bridge can also cause these teeth to crack or fracture. Once the supporting teeth are compromised, you may need additional treatments like root canals or even tooth extraction, making replacement more complex and costly.
Gum Disease and Infection
A worn-out dental bridge often develops gaps where food particles and bacteria accumulate. These hard-to-clean areas become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, leading to gum inflammation and infection. You might notice bleeding, swelling, or persistent bad breath around the bridge area. Advanced gum disease can cause bone loss and further tooth loss, creating a cascade of oral health problems.
Changes in Bite and Jaw Function
As your bridge wears down or shifts position, your bite alignment changes significantly. This misalignment forces your jaw to compensate, potentially leading to TMJ disorders, jaw pain, and chronic headaches. You may also experience difficulty chewing certain foods or notice increased wear on your other teeth. These bite changes can affect your overall oral health and quality of life if not addressed promptly.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Bridge
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your bridge and surrounding teeth, paying special attention to where the bridge meets your gums.
- Floss daily using special tools – Thread floss under your bridge using a floss threader or use interdental brushes to remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash – Rinse daily with an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria and help prevent gum disease around your bridge.
- Avoid harmful foods – Skip hard candies, ice, and sticky foods like caramel that could damage or dislodge your bridge.
- Wear a night guard if you grind – Protect your bridge from excessive wear by using a custom-fitted night guard while you sleep.
- Schedule regular dental checkups – Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and to ensure your bridge remains in good condition.
- Address problems immediately – Contact your dentist right away if you notice any looseness, pain, or damage to your bridge.
- Maintain healthy adjacent teeth – Keep the teeth anchoring your bridge strong with good oral hygiene and prompt treatment of any dental issues.
Conclusion
Your dental bridge represents an important investment in your oral health and quality of life. With proper care and regular dental visits, you can maximize its lifespan and enjoy a functional, beautiful smile for years to come.
Take the first step toward optimal oral health by scheduling an appointment at Ultra Dental today. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for more dental health tips, and check out our patient reviews on Yelp to see why we’re the trusted choice for dental bridges in your community.