How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

Interested in getting a dental bridge in Palm Harbor? Well, if you’re like most patients, you probably want to know how long these types of tooth replacements will last. 

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t exactly straightforward. But this article breaks it down:

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a type of tooth replacement prosthetic that can restore a patient’s smile and support their oral health.

Bridges are a great solution if you’re dealing with 1-3 adjacent missing teeth and are not a good candidate for dental implants. 

Here’s how the prosthetic works:

• Bridges have two dental caps (similar to crowns) at each end

• These caps go over two natural teeth

• The middle of the bridge contains 1–3 artificial teeth

• Once the bridge is anchored to the natural teeth, the gap is closed

These are traditional bridges, but you may also opt for implant-supported ones. The two are virtually the same, but instead of caps, the implant-supported bridge uses two dental implants to hold the prosthetic. 

Dental Bridges' Average Lifespan

Dental bridges can last as little as five years and as long as 15 years or even longer. The lifespan generally depends on a few factors:

• Oral hygiene habits
• Lifestyle habits
• Developing oral health or medical conditions
• Tooth grinding and jaw clenching
• Trauma
• Regular wear and tear, etc. 

How to Protect a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are designed to look natural, help support your daily chewing needs, and even be easy to maintain.

As a result, you don’t have to bend over backward to care for them. You can protect your new dental bridge with just a few minor adjustments to your lifestyle:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, but preferably after every meal.
• Floss daily before bed.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
• Stop smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping.
• Cut back on hard foods, sticky foods, and sweets.
• Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit, which encourage saliva production.
• Chew sugar-free gum after your meals, etc.

Apart from these tips, you can also keep your dental bridge in top shape by seeing a dentist every six months. These preventative appointments help your dentist monitor your dental and oral health closely and take immediate action in case something’s wrong. 

Moreover, you’ll also get professional dental cleanings, which greatly reduce your risks for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Dental Bridges at Bow Tie Dentist: Your First Step 

Dr. Saimon Ramos can help restore your oral health and smile’s appearance through several great dental treatments and prosthetics, including traditional and implant-supported bridges.

Find out if dental bridges are right for you by scheduling a consultation at Bow Tie Dentist online.

Want to learn more about our services first? No problem! Call our team at (727) 789-1212 for a short chat.