A Short Guide to Making Your Dental Bridge Last Longer

Tooth loss is a common oral health problem that can lead to serious consequences such as oral infections, trouble eating and speaking, gum injuries, and the loss of more teeth. Thankfully, dentists have developed a number of devices that can complete compromised smiles with beautiful and functional restorations. Here’s a brief guide to how dental bridges work, how long they can last, and how to keep your appliance in great shape for as long as possible.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A traditional dental bridge is a prosthetic dental device that can replace a single tooth or several sequential missing teeth, and it consists of one or more artificial pearly whites strung between two dental crowns. Dentists place these irremovable devices by administering an appropriate anesthetic, preparing the healthy teeth on either side of the empty space in the smile to receive crowns, and cementing the restoration upon them.

Bridges can be an efficient way to replace one or a few lost teeth, and they can restore much of the patient’s chewing power and help them speak clearly. These lifelike appliances also provide the smile with a natural-looking appearance so casual observers will not be able to tell that the patient had any teeth replaced.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges can last for seven years or more if they receive excellent care. However, they can fail earlier than expected due to factors like:

• Untreated tooth decay and gum disease
• Oral injuries
• Teeth grinding
• Excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages

How Can I Keep My Dental Bridge in Great Shape?

You can keep your dental bridge looking great and working well by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Brush and floss your natural and artificial teeth every day. Take special care to brush underneath your bridge.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash regularly.
• Wear an athletic mouthguard when playing sports or riding a bike. Your dentist can provide you with a customized model that offers superior protection.
• Wear a nightguard to bed if you grind your teeth in your sleep. Your dentist will be able to craft a personalized appliance that shelters your teeth from unnecessary wear and tear.
• Refrain from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and using your teeth to open bottles or packages.
• Limit your intake of acidic items such as soda, alcohol, hot sauce, and juice.

If you want to maximize your restoration’s lifespan, you may wish to consider securing your bridge with dental implants. By anchoring your bridge to titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone, you can achieve superior chewing power while also making it possible for your restoration to last for decades if it receives excellent care.

About the Practice

Fairfax Dental Group offers the finest oral health services in town. Led by Drs. Marjun Ayati, Brenda J. Young, and Lana Masti, the staff treats each patient with kindness, courtesy, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental bridges. To learn more about keeping your dental bridge in excellent condition, contact the practice online or dial (703) 560-6301.