Some things just aren’t built like they used to be, which leads many people to wonder whether their appliances and electronics are actually designed to last – or if they’re designed to bust. Rest assured, this isn’t something you should have to worry about with your dental bridge. That said, there are ways you can encourage it to go past its average lifespan. With determination and a little help from your dentist, a dental bridge could serve you and your smile for decades.
The Average Lifespan of a Dental Bridge
How long you’re able to go before needing to replace or repair your dental bridge will depend on a couple of factors, including how well you take care of it. Using your teeth to eat and speak everyday puts some wear on your smile, so it’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with maintenance and not causing premature damage.
Keeping this in mind, it’s safe to say that the average lifespan of a dental bridge is about seven to 10 years (though implant bridges do tend to last a bit longer). To push your bridge past its limit, listen carefully to your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Tips for Taking Good Care of Your Restoration
While your dentist will likely have more specific tips that are personalized for your unique situation, this is generally what you can expect for proper bridge maintenance:
- Do not use your teeth as tools for things like opening packages or bottles!
- Try to stop or mitigate bad dental habits such as biting your nails and smoking.
- Limit how often you eat hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. Nuts, popcorn kernels, and caramels are good examples of what to avoid.
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Use a sulcus brush to clean the space underneath your bridge.
- Floss between your natural teeth to prevent gum disease and similar issues.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a professional checkup and cleaning.
Remember, the better you’re able to care for your bridge, the longer it’s likely to last. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for more advice so you can enjoy your restoration for as many years as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Swathi Atluri has over a decade of experience in the field, and is a proud member of several professional organizations, such as the International Dental Implant Association. As a lifelong learner herself, Dr. Atluri values patient education, and would be happy to answer your questions. If you’d like to know more about dental bridges and taking good care of your smile, give her office a call at 682-452-1150.