Spanning Smiles: How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Gaps in your grin can detract from your daily quality of life because you rely on two complete arches of teeth to eat, speak, and smile confidently. If you’ve lost several teeth consecutively, you might be a good candidate for a dental bridge. This treatment allows your dentist to replace one or multiple missing teeth simultaneously to rebuild your mouth’s appearance and functionality.  

However, many patients want to know how long their restoration will likely last before proceeding. Continue reading to learn more about the lifespan of dental bridges!

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are oral appliances that can replace one to four missing adult teeth in a row. They’re usually made from resilient ceramic that can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. They contain a dental crown on each end that anchors to healthy abutment teeth or dental implants placed in your jawbone to close the space in your smile. Once your restoration is cemented in place, it can’t be removed except by your dentist.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Usually Last?

Usually, these replacement teeth last anywhere from 5 to 10+ years, though it depends on your unique circumstances. Several different factors can impact their longevity, such as:

• Your dental hygiene. Your prosthetic can’t get cavities, but if the underlying teeth or gums develop decay or disease, they can be destabilized or dislodged.
• Your habits. Try to avoid grinding your teeth or chewing on inanimate objects like pen caps, fingernails, or ice cubes that could cause harm.
• Where it’s located. Teeth in the back of your mouth sustain additional pressure from chewing that can wear them down faster than the front ones.
• What it’s made from. Some providers offer metallic amalgam repairs that might last longer than ceramic ones, though the difference is often negligible.

How Can I Preserve My Dental Bridge?

It’s only natural to want to maintain your recently perfected smile, including your new dental bridge. You can keep it in excellent condition by:

• Implementing a routine. You should brush and floss twice daily to prevent common oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease. You can purchase water flossers or interdental brushes to cleanse around and under your prosthetic.
• Watching what you eat. Avoid overly hard or sticky foods that can chip, crack, break, or damage your new teeth.
• Scheduling regular visits. You should see your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning so they can catch and address problem areas, like a loose dental bridge, before they worsen.

If you still have unanswered questions about caring for your restoration, the best way to get accurate answers based on your unique situation is to ask your dentist!

About the Practice

Patients at Arbor Dental Care benefit from a father-daughter dental duo that strives to help people of all ages build and maintain their happiest, healthy smiles. Drs. Frank and Jeanelle Marchese share 30+ years of combined experience providing a complete array of services at one convenient location. They combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to design lifelike replacement teeth to replace missing teeth that look and feel as natural as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or call (630) 969-2310.