When it comes to replacing teeth, dental bridges remain a reliable option. They are made to be highly durable so that they can handle all the biting and chewing that the teeth are subjected to daily. However, just like other dental restorations, dental bridges can become worn down over time, and eventually, they will need to be replaced. How long can you expect a dental bridge to last before you’ll need to get a new one? Here’s what you can expect.
What’s the Lifespan for Dental Bridges?
Just like with your natural teeth, the kind of care you give your dental bridges is a major factor in determining how long they’ll last. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, most dental bridges can last longer than 10 years with good oral hygiene. That said, diet and lifestyle have to be taken into account; if you eat a lot of hard foods or use your teeth as tools to open packages, you could end up wearing down or damaging your bridge, and as a result, it may have to be replaced earlier than expected. In short, if you want to get the most out of your dental bridge, you need to be proactive about taking good care of it.
How to Take Care of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can be brushed like your natural teeth. While you’re cleaning your restoration, pay close attention to the area between the bridge and the gums. You don’t have to worry about your bridge getting cavities, but bacteria can still slip under it to attack your natural teeth. As such, you should make cleaning underneath your dental bridge part of your routine. You can use a floss threader to guide a piece of dental floss underneath your bridge to clean it. Waterpiks and dental picks can also be used if you’re having trouble with traditional floss.
To protect your dental bridge from physical damage, you need to stay away from bad habits that might wear it down or cause it to break. For example, you shouldn’t use your bridge (or your natural teeth) to tear open packages; always take the time to find some scissors instead. Also, you should avoid chewing on ice, nuts, unpopped popcorn kernels, and other hard foods as much as possible. Finally, if you grind your teeth at night, you should wear a mouthguard to keep your bridge safe.
Being diligent about caring for your dental bridge will let you get many years of use out of it before you need to get a replacement. If you’re not sure that you’re giving your new teeth the right kind of care, call your dentist and see what advice they have to offer.
About Shinkawa Dental
At Shinkawa Dental, your teeth will be looked after by a family of dentists who have a combined 40 years of experience. Our team is dedicated to providing Fresno patients with excellent dental service at all times. They offer long-lasting dental bridges as well as other options for replacing missing teeth. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with our dental experts, visit our website or call (559) 226-5656.