If you’ve struggled with tooth loss in the past, you know how difficult it can be to complete daily tasks, including chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling without feeling self-conscious. Fortunately, there are a variety of tooth replacement options out there to help you complete your smile. One popular option is a dental bridge, but how long can you expect one to last? Continue reading to find out.
How Long Does the Average Dental Bridge Last?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental crowns last anywhere between 5 and 7 years on average. However, they can last longer depending on the type of bridge that you opt for. Other sources claim that they can last upwards of 10 years with proper maintenance. Generally speaking, the better you care for your dental bridge with excellent oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular dental visits, the longer you can expect your restoration to last.
Why Do Dental Bridges Fail?
Dental bridges rely on the surrounding teeth to be successful. This is because a dental bridge is supported by crowns placed on the adjacent teeth after a small amount of enamel has been removed. If one of the supporting teeth encounters an issue, like tooth decay or gum disease in the area, the bridge is at risk of failure.
How Can Dental Bridge Failures Be Prevented?
Proper maintenance is necessary for a dental bridge to be successful. Here are some steps that you should be taking:
- Excellent Oral Hygiene: Just like when you care for your natural teeth, you should be brushing twice and flossing once daily. You should also do some extra flossing beneath and around your bridge to keep food debris and plaque from building up and resulting in gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Make Healthy Food Choices: It’s best to stick to tooth-friendly items and avoid foods that put stress on the bridge. You should also limit sugary and starchy foods. Be especially careful when enjoying harder items, like nuts and popcorn.
- Visit Your Dentist: You should continue attending regular dental visits. This way, your dentist can keep an eye on your dental bridge to make sure that it and its surrounding area are in good condition. Professional cleanings will help to remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places.
Dental bridges are long-lasting, so you should be able to enjoy their benefits for many years with proper care. By maintaining your restoration, you can continue to show off a complete smile!
About the Practice
At Devonshire Dental of Boston, we have a team of four skilled dentists serving patients in Boston. With their combined experience and expertise, patients get pretty much anything they need under one roof. We offer multiple tooth replacement options, including dental bridges. To learn more about replacing missing teeth or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (617) 350-7474.