Modern dental bridges are incredibly lifelike in appearance and comfortable to wear, but they are not designed to last forever. Years of use can leave your appliance with a lot of wear and tear, and accumulations of plaque and food debris in hard-to-reach places can lead to unpleasant smells as well as oral infections. Here’s a brief guide to how long your dental bridge can stay in good shape and how you can make it last for as long as possible.
How Long Can My Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge consists of one or several teeth suspended between two dental crowns, and it can last for seven years or more if it receives excellent care. This device is secured to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap created by tooth loss, which means that they require the alteration of healthy enamel to be placed. Dental bridges can fail for reasons like:
- Erosion of the cement holding the appliance on the abutment teeth.
- The teeth supporting the appliance becoming decayed.
- The appliance snapping in half due to stress.
- Excessive wear and tear on the artificial teeth caused by aggressive chewing or teeth grinding.
How Can I Make My Dental Bridge Last Longer?
The most important factor in how long your bridge can last is how well you take care of it. A few excellent ways to help your bridge last as long as possible include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day. Investing in an electric toothbrush or water flosser can make oral hygiene much easier for those how have trouble handling manual instruments.
- Taking special care to clean beneath your appliance and along the seams of your dental crowns when brushing your teeth.
- Avoiding sticky or hard foods that can dislodge your appliance or erode your artificial teeth.
- Refraining from smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep.
A dental bridge is an investment that can keep your smile complete, healthy, and beautiful for several years before needing replacement. Adhering to your dentist’s care and maintenance instructions will help your appliance last for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Frank E. Ford earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Dental Branch and completed a Medical Anesthesiology Residency at the Baylor College of Medicine at Houston. He is proud to hold memberships with the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists. His office offers general, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental bridges for patients with special needs in Grand Prairie. To learn more about proper dental bridge care, contact him online or dial (972) 296-0101.