If a person has a missing tooth, a dentist can help fix the smile. One common way to do this is with a dental bridge. A bridge is an artificial tooth that stays in place by holding onto the healthy teeth next to the space. But how long does a bridge stay strong in the mouth? Most dental bridges last between 5 to 15 years. Some can even last longer with proper care and following maintenance tips for long-lasting dental bridges.
What Factors Affect the Life of a Dental Bridge?
Several factors determine how long a bridge will remain in good shape.
- Oral Hygiene: This is the most important part. If a person brushes and flosses every day, the bridge stays clean.
- Material: Bridges are made of materials such as porcelain, gold, or metal. Some materials are stronger than others.
- The Health of Support Teeth: The teeth on both sides of the bridge are called abutment teeth. If these teeth stay healthy and do not get cavities, the bridge stays strong.
- Eating Habits: Chewing on very hard items, such as ice or hard candy, can crack the bridge.
Regular dental care and routine checkups with a dentist can help keep the bridge in good condition for many years. Visiting a clinic for dental bridges near you also helps the dentist identify small problems early, such as looseness or decay, and treat them promptly. This keeps the bridge strong and helps it last longer in the mouth.
How to Make Dental Bridges Last Longer
Taking care of a bridge is not hard, but it must be done every single day. Here is how to make dental bridges last longer:
- Brush Two Times a Day: Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This keeps plaque from building up on the bridge.
- Use Special Floss: A dentist might suggest a “floss threader.” This helps clean the tiny space under the fake tooth where food gets stuck.
- Eat Soft Foods: Try to avoid biting very hard foods directly with the bridge.
- Visit the Dentist: Regular checkups every six months allow the dentist in Riverview to detect small problems before they become big ones.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Dental Bridges
Following a routine is the best way to protect an investment in a smile. Use these maintenance tips for long-lasting dental bridges:
- Avoid Sticky Snacks: Foods like caramel or gummy candy can pull on the bridge.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking makes it harder for gums to stay healthy. If the gums become infected, the bridge might loosen.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If a person grinds their teeth at night, a mouthguard protects the bridge from breaking.
- Clean the Gums: Keep the gum line very clean to prevent gum disease.
Signs That a Bridge Needs to Be Replaced
Sometimes a bridge gets old or breaks. It is important to know when to call a dentist near you. Watch for these signs:
- The bridge feels loose or moves when eating.
- There is pain or sensitivity in the teeth holding the bridge.
- The artificial tooth looks cracked or chipped.
- Food gets stuck under the bridge more than it used to.
If any of these things happen, search for dental bridges near you to find a professional to assess the bridge. Fixing a small crack is much easier than replacing the whole thing.
Regain Your Smile with Dental Bridges
Everglades Dental Studio provides dental bridge treatment to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are fixed restorations that improve chewing and speech. Our dentist checks the supporting teeth before placing the bridge. This treatment helps restore natural smile appearance and oral function with proper dental care and regular checkups.
Contact Everglades Dental Studio for an appointment and restore your smile today.
FAQs
Does it hurt to get a dental bridge?
The dentist will use medicine to numb the area so there is no pain during the procedure. Afterward, the teeth might feel a little sore for a few days, but that goes away quickly.
Can a dental bridge get a cavity?
The bridge itself is made of a material that cannot form a cavity. However, the natural teeth underneath the bridge can still decay. That is why cleaning is so important.
What if my bridge falls out?
If a bridge comes out, keep it in a clean and safe place and contact a dentist as soon as possible. Do not try to fix it at home or use regular glue. A dentist will place it back using proper dental cement for safe and correct fitting.
Is it hard to eat with a bridge?
At first, it might feel different. Once a person gets used to it, eating becomes much easier because the gap from the missing tooth is gone.
How much does a bridge cost?
The price depends on how many teeth are missing and on the material the bridge is made of. It is best to talk to a dentist near you to get an exact price for the work.
