How Long Do Dental Bridges Last? Tips for Maintaining Them

Dental bridges are renowned to replace missing teeth and enhance smiles. They offer support for chewing,  speaking, and better oral health all around. But if you are a prospective patient for dental bridges in Red Deer, you may be wondering how long they last and what needs to be done to take care of them. This article will help you understand the lifespan of dental bridges and how you can increase it.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridge life is influenced by numerous factors, including the nature of the bridge, materials, and care. Dental bridges last for 5 to 15 years. Under good maintenance, some remain in use longer than 20 years.

Influencing the Longevity of Dental Bridges

• Oral Hygiene Regime: A good oral hygiene regime has to be followed to maintain the health of the bridge and surrounding teeth.
• Material Utilized: The durability of the ceramic bridges, metal bridges, and porcelain bridges varies.
• Food Eating Habits: Sticky and hard foods are omitted to maintain the bridge in safe condition.
• Grinding or Clenching: Grinding or clenching force can weaken the bridge.
• Regular Dental Visits: Regular visits detect problems at an early stage and keep your bridge in best condition.

Caring Tips for Dental Bridges

Floss and Brush Every Day

It is crucial to maintain your bridge so as not  to allow the accumulation of plaque. The best practice is to brush the teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 

Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash

Kill bacteria in hard to reach places and keep your gums healthy with antibacterial mouthwash.

Avoid hard and sticky foods

Chewing rigid foods such as nuts, ice, or hard candy can crack or loosen the bridge. Sticky foods like gum or caramel can stick to the bridge and loosen it.

Guard your teeth from grinding

If you grind or brux your teeth at night, wear a custom night guard to protect your dental bridge and prevent early wear.

Regular Dental Checkups

Regular visitations to a dentist near you every six months will see your dental bridge in top shape. The dentist will monitor for any wear and tear or damage and offer professional cleaning to extend its life span.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A diet that is rich in vitamin D and calcium maintains healthy gums and teeth, providing your dental bridge with a strong foundation.

Give Up Smoking

Smoking is also a risk factor for periodontal disease, which jeopardizes your supporting teeth for your bridge. Quitting smoking helps your mouth and extends the life of your dental bridge.

Signs Your Dental Bridge Needs Replacement

Even with good care, a dental bridge will ultimately have to be replaced. Watch for these signs:

• Loose or wobbly bridge – This can be a sign of problems with the supporting teeth or cement. If not treated, it can cause more damage or even loss of the tooth. 
• Pain or discomfort – Recurring pain may indicate decay or damage under the bridge. This could happen if bacteria filter under the bridge and create an infection.
• Visible wear or fractures – The material deteriorates over time and must be replaced. Small cracks develop in larger individuals, compromise the structure and function of the bridge.
• Bite alignment adjustment – If your bite is irregular, the bridge will need to be remade or re-adjusted. An improper bite leads to jaw discomfort, headaches, and abnormal tooth wear. 

Visit Parkland Mall Dental Centre for Expert Dental Bridge Care

Dental Bridges are the permanent and effective options to get back your smile, but open-ended treatment requires proper care for longevity. If it needs professional care for dental bridges, the experienced team at Parkland Mall Dental Centre is here to help.

Schedule an appointment with one of our Red Deer dentists to keep your smile healthy and beautiful!