Missing or damaged teeth can be more than just an inconvenience—they can affect your quality of life in almost every way. Fortunately, there’s a simple answer: dental bridges. However, like other types of restorative dentistry, your own self-care habits determine how effective your dental bridges will be. So how long do dental bridges last?
Dental bridges can last anywhere between 5-10 years, and longer if you carefully clean and care for them. They’re designed to offer a long-term solution to missing or damaged teeth, and are an excellent way to regain quality of life.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices designed to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Unlike removable devices like dentures, dental bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. They consist of one or more crowns on either side of the gap, with a false tooth in between.
These offer a long-lasting solution to allow you to chew, eat, and speak properly in the future—all actions that become much more difficult if a missing or damaged tooth is left unaddressed. Bridges also maintain the shape of your face and distribute the forces of your bite properly, preventing your remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
The Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are customized to match what’s possible inside your mouth. If you’re missing more than one tooth in a row, your dentist will recommend one of three types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridges. The most common type of dental bridges, these consist of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. The false tooth is held in place by crowns placed on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges are long-lasting and can withstand the forces of daily wear.
- Cantilever bridges. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap. In this case, the false tooth is anchored to a single crown on one side.
- Maryland bridges. Maryland bridges consist of a metal or porcelain framework with wings on each side that are bonded to existing teeth adjacent to the gap. These types of bridges are less invasive than traditional bridges, as they don’t require crowns, but they may not be as strong and durable.
When you visit our team at Dr. Joe, we’ll start by assessing your teeth and oral health to determine the right approach. We want to find a solution that works for you.
How to Take Care of a Dental Bridge
With proper care, your dental bridge should last for years—in fact, it can last for more than a decade with proper care. However, maintenance is crucial, so make sure that you always:
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and make sure to regularly floss and remove any residual food or plaque. This prevents tooth decay and gum disease, which could compromise the support of your dental bridge.
- Use a soft toothbrush, as these are less likely to irritate the bridge and gums.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods where possible. While dental bridges are durable, hard and sticky items can damage them.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash, as this helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and protects your gums and teeth.
- Use a nightguard if you regularly grind your teeth.
Meanwhile, the easiest way to make sure your dental bridge stays durable and long-lasting is to regularly visit Dr. Joe and the team for checkups, maintenance, and cleanings. This lets our team monitor any potential problems and keep your teeth—and bridge—strong.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be an excellent choice. However, they aren’t the only solution to missing or damaged teeth. Alternatives exist; we just need to help you find the right one.
There are 2 common alternatives to bridges:
- Dental implants
- Dentures
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular, effective alternative to dental bridges, as they offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. They consist of a metal post, or frame, surgically implanted into the jawbone.
Once in place, they allow your dentist to install an artificial tooth onto them. These are a permanent answer to any missing or damaged teeth, though they do need enough bone structure to support the initial implant.
Dentures
Dentures offer a convenient removable replacement for missing teeth. These can come in 2 varieties:
- Full arch dentures, which replace an entire row of teeth
- Partial dentures, which are custom-fit to restore several missing teeth at once
These are an excellent choice when you’re looking for a more affordable solution to missing teeth. However, they do require maintenance and regular appointments with our team to monitor their function.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Dental bridges offer a long-lasting solution that can help restore your smile. However, they aren’t the only option that exists! Whether you need a bridge, implant, or set of dentures, our team at Dr. Joe Long Island can find a personalized solution that meets your unique needs. Book your appointment with us today, and get ready to keep smiling.
