How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
The life expectancy of your dental bridge cleveland texas relies on a number of variables. So in the end we can only give you a range of how long your bridge might last. Let’s first understand what a dental bridge is, what it does, and then some of the measures that need to be taken by you to extend the life of your bridge.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Simply put a dental bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth. If you have had to have a tooth extracted because it can no longer be saved or you lost a tooth do to an accident you will immediately notice a difference in your smile. You might notice a difference in your speech and a difference in your biting and chewing patterns. Over time if you do not fill that gap the neighboring teeth will begin to drift into that gap really changing your bite pattern.
There are basically four types of dental bridges and the life expectancy can start with these options. A Traditional Bridge, the most common and popular option, is when the two adjoining teeth receive crowns and the fabricated artificial tooth is bonded to those two anchoring crowns.
A Maryland Bridge is conceptually the same but instead of putting crowns on those two teeth the artificial tooth is bonded to a metal framework and then metal wings are then bonded on the back side of the adjoining abutment teeth.
The third option is called a Cantilever Bridge and is used when you only have one abutment tooth to anchor the artificial tooth to. The fourth option is called an Implant-Supported Bridge. Used with multiple teeth missing an implant is introduced and a bridge can use the implant as an anchor tooth in addition to your adjoining natural teeth.
The Life Expectancy Variables
Most bridges will last five to ten years. The biggest variable that needs to be addressed at length is you and your oral hygiene habits. We can start with your diet. You need to be aware of the difference between fruits, vegetables and fiber and what they do for your dental bridge versus red meat. You will be advised to monitor sugars and starches. All of these factors play havoc with your natural teeth leading to decay and also to the finish on the artificial teeth and the crowns. Biting on ice cubes, nuts and hard candies needs to be reconsidered due to the additional pressures applied to your bridge when biting and chewing. Of course, there is the strongly promoted hygiene habits of brushing well twice a day and flossing once a day. You need to pay attention to your bridge realizing that you cannot floss around it to brush better or ask your dentist for suggestions regarding good care. If you take good care of your new dental bridge you will get all of ten years out of it. They have been known to last considerably longer with very good diets and very good cleaning habits. At the end of the day your bridge will be a good investment.
More on Dental Bridges : Non Implant Replacement Options