Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For example, many patients struggle to accept the changes to their appearance. Others develop speech impediments or dietary restrictions from gaps in their grins.
Your dentist can provide a lifelike dental bridge to close the space in your smile, but it’s natural to have questions about what to expect from this treatment before investing time and resources. You might have questions about what to anticipate, like how long your new teeth will last. Continue reading to learn more about the lifespan of dental bridges!
What is a Dental Bridge?
These oral appliances contain the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) to replace your missing teeth. They include a dental crown on each end to anchor over healthy abutment teeth or on both sides of the gap in your grin. They’re ideal for rebuilding one to four consecutively missing teeth to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality.
If your teeth are too injured or decayed to support a dental bridge, implants can be placed to support it instead. Both methods include pontics usually made from resilient ceramic that reflects light like enamel. Plus, the material can be customized to match your natural enamel for a beautifully restored smile.
How Long Will My Dental Bridge Last?
These replacement teeth can last 10 years or longer, though it could be more or less depending on how well you care for them. For instance, they can be harmed by overly tough, chewy, sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like steak, nuts, candy, or ice. Avoiding common culprits known to harm them can keep them in good shape.
You can also extend your bridge’s lifespan by practicing a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing both morning and night. Your prosthetic can’t get cavities, but neighboring pearly whites, your connective tissue, and your jawbone can all be affected if you develop tooth decay or gum disease. If these foundational structures holding your bridge in place begin to erode, it’s more likely to fail.
Your new teeth can also be worn down prematurely if you grind them subconsciously while sleeping at night. Fortunately, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted nightguard to shield your restoration from the added force of constantly clenching.
If you’ve lost one or more teeth in a row and are looking for reliable replacements, consult your provider to determine whether a dental bridge is right for you!
About the Practice
Patients at Complete Dental Care benefit from two dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Kostas and Dr. Pereira are passionate about helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They combine a caring approach with advanced technology to offer a complete array of services conveniently under one roof, including dental bridges. They take the time to carefully customize your restoration for a comfortable, accurate fit and a lifelike appearance. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (781) 272-0441.
