When you lose a tooth, replacing it is very important. Without a full set of teeth, it can be difficult to chew your food, enunciate properly, and feel confident sharing your smile with the world. It can even lead to jawbone deterioration if you don’t replace them soon enough!
Dental bridges are prosthetic tooth restorations that allow you to replace multiple consecutive teeth at once. They are durable, realistic and can last for many years with proper care. Here’s what you can expect from this treatment, including how long you can expect yours to last.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic that replaces several teeth in a row. It works by anchoring a restoration with several crowns (teeth) to two nearby, healthy teeth with prosthetics in between them. You can replace up to four consecutive teeth per bridge, however it is best to only replace up to three as the longer the bridge, the more likely it is to break. For patients missing four or more, dental implants may be a better option.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
While there’s no definitive answer to this question, your dental bridge can last up to 15 years with proper care. Most last between five and ten years, but this depends on how you use them. Bridges are not indestructible, so to keep them from breaking you should only use them on food, not to open packaging or chew on fingernails, pens, or ice.
Furthermore, because your bridge relies on two healthy teeth to attach to your mouth, it is essential to keep your surrounding teeth in good condition.
How Do I Care for My Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are easy to care for, just like your real teeth. To keep them in good condition, be sure to brush your teeth (real and prosthetic) twice a day and floss at least once a day. While you cannot brush between your prosthetic crowns in the center of the bridge, you can brush between your anchor crowns and your real teeth and should do this daily to ensure that your underlying and neighboring teeth stay healthy. Though the anchors are covered in crowns, they are still just as susceptible to cavities and decay as an untreated tooth.
Remember, a dental bridge is a great way to close gaps caused by consecutive missing teeth, but they don’t last as long as dental implants. Thus, do your best to care for them regularly, only use them to chew food, and be prepared to replace them within five to fifteen years.
About Dr. Kadamani
Dr. Racha W. Kadamani is proud to provide a wide range of dental treatments to patients of all ages, including restorations like dental bridges. If you are missing multiple consecutive teeth and would like to replace them with a prosthetic that is both durable and natural looking, speak to Dr. Kadamani and the team at Laith Family Dentistry today. She is happy to assist you with finding a viable solution to your lost teeth that suits your lifestyle and budget.
To schedule a consultation for a dental bridge or other treatment, please visit our website or call us today at 210-880-6348
