When your tooth is missing and you’re considering a dental bridge, you may want to know how long it will last. The good aspect about dental bridges is that they are efficient in filling the gap and restoring your smile. A trusted dentist near you will not only help you understand the workings of bridges but also the precautions to take so they last longer.
Bridges are a dental device to fill the space that has been left due to missing teeth. They are constructed with robust materials and are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. If you are deciding to go for bridges, it is worthwhile to know what to anticipate and how to maintain them.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that fills in the gap created by a missing tooth. It’s held in place by the teeth next to the gap, which are called abutment teeth. These supporting teeth are usually covered with crowns to help hold the bridge steady.
Bridges are made of either porcelain, metal, or a combination of both materials. They are made to match your surrounding teeth, so your smile will look natural.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Most dental bridges can effectively serve patients for a period ranging from 5 to 15 years. If well-maintained, the lives of some of them can even extend beyond this time frame. So, how long do dental bridges last? The answer is dependent on several factors:
- How well you maintain your oral hygiene
- What type of bridge do you choose
- Your lifestyle and oral hygiene practice
- Regular visits to the dentist
By brushing, flossing, and doing checkups on a regular basis, your bridge will be strong for a long time.
Dental Bridge Care Tips
Your bridge would serve you for a long time if you take good care of it. Here are some simple yet effective dental bridge care tips that you can follow:
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Use dental floss, especially around the bridge, for inter-dental cleaning every day
- Clean under the bridge by using a floss threader or a special brush
- Do not chew hard items such as ice or hard candies
- Never use your teeth to open tight packages
- Have a dental check-up every six months
By doing these, your bridge will be clean and your gums will be healthy.
Signs Your Bridge Needs Attention
Even strong bridges can wear out over time. Watch for these signs:
- Pain or sensitivity near the bridge
- Loose feeling when you chew
- Food is getting stuck under the bridge
- Changes in your bite or smile
Give your dentist a call as soon as you observe any of these. Fixing small problems early can save your bridge and protect your other teeth.
Can a Bridge Be Replaced?
Definitely! If your dental bridge ends up wearing out or getting broken, the dentist will be able to put a new one in its place. By inspection of the teeth and gums, the dentist will ascertain if a new bridge can be supported or if there is a need for another treatment (such as crowns or implants).
If you’re thinking about replacing your bridges, talk to your dentist about the best options for your smile.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges in Edmonton are an intelligent option on the condition that you are looking for:
- The quickest method of filling in missing teeth
- A smile that does not show you lost teeth
- Working both in chewing and talking
- To prevent the teeth adjacent to the gap from shifting
They’re strong, reliable, and easy to care for with the right habits.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Dental bridges can last for a long time with proper care. They become a medium through which you can carry out your daily activities like eating, speaking, and also smiling with full confidence. At Millwoods Dental Choice, we are with you all the way, from selecting the most appropriate bridge to maintaining its strength and cleanliness.
Having a trustworthy dentist in your list who is an expert and offers a friendly service? Schedule your visit today and let us be part of your journey towards a healthy, complete smile with dental bridges that last.