A reliable way to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth is with a dental bridge. They give you a stable bite by being held by dental implants or the natural teeth on either side of the gap. That said, while sturdy, you will need to have it replaced eventually. You might wonder how long your restoration will last, so here’s a guide on the average lifespan and what you can do to get the most out of your investment.
How Long Will Your Dental Bridge Last?
In short, dental bridges can last between 5 and 15 years, but some can go longer. There’s a large range because several factors can affect their longevity. These are a few you should know:
- Location: Your molars experience more pressure than your front teeth. If your restoration is further back in your mouth, then the force can make it wear down faster compared to one closer to the front.
- Quality: High-quality materials, like professional-grade ceramic, can give you results that are designed to last since they are made from something strong and reliable. Budget options may not be as long-lasting.
- Bad Oral Habits: Biting your fingernails, ice, or pen caps can increase your risk of damaging your natural teeth and bridge. Using your teeth as tools can also cause chips and cracks, which can mean a replacement sooner than expected.
What You Can Do to Make Your Bridge Last
While several factors come into play with the longevity of your bridge, you shouldn’t let them affect your full smile. The best thing you can do at home is to keep up with proper brushing and flossing. Removing bacteria around the restoration means plaque can’t attack the supporting structures and cause decay or infection.
If you have any of the bad habits above, then consider breaking them; that way, you don’t have to worry about them affecting your grin. Try using a stress ball or other fidget toy to keep yourself distracted. Your diet can also be trouble if you end up eating hard, chewy, and crunchy foods. Avoiding them can go a long way in preventing damage to both your tooth replacement and natural teeth.
In the end, don’t forget to visit your dentist. Routine checkups and cleanings are effective ways to monitor the condition of your smile. Your provider can ensure there aren’t any issues; that way, you can continue getting good use of your results for as long as possible.
About the Practice
Struggling with missing teeth? Our team at Kovar Dental is dedicated to helping patients in Fredericksburg by offering reliable solutions like dental bridges. Led by Dr. Lance Kovar and Dr. Heidi Kovar, we use high-quality materials that give you a lifelike, comfortable replacement. So, you feel confident biting and smiling for years to come. If you want to make sure your bridge doesn’t fail, schedule an appointment or call our office at 830-997-7544.