A dental bridge is an effective solution to replace one or more lost teeth in a row. Dental bridges have been used for generations because they offer long-lasting results. However, your new teeth won’t last forever. Eventually, your bridge will need to be replaced. Here’s how to avoid the most common causes of dental bridge failure to ensure your restoration lasts for 10 years or more.
Common Causes of Bridge Failure
Many factors can affect the lifespan of a dental bridge, but your restoration should last for 10 to 15 years. Simple mistakes can shorten the life expectancy of your replacement teeth, like:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing habits can allow plaque and bacteria to wreak havoc on your dental health, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Although your bridge can’t get cavities, your remaining teeth and those underneath your supporting crowns are still vulnerable to decay. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily will keep your teeth and gums healthy to get the most from your bridge.
- Insufficient Teeth Support: Dental crowns in your adjacent teeth will hold your bridge in place. Your supporting teeth must be healthy or your bridge will fail. Decay can occur underneath the crowns from bacteria that gain access to the teeth through small cracks in the dental cement holding them in place. Bad habits and other factors can also cause your restoration to lack sufficient support.
- Bad Habits: Chewing on your fingernails or crunching ice puts wear and tear on your restoration, which can damage it over time. Eating hard or chewy foods often also accelerates wear and tear. It is best to stop any bad habits that can damage your bridge or natural teeth. Moderate your consumption of hard and chewy foods.
- Low-Quality Materials: Low-quality materials can save some money initially, but they often lack durability. It is better to focus on quality when choosing materials for your bridge. Not only will it last longer, but it will also look natural to blend in with your real teeth.
- Absence of Regular Dental Care: If you don’t visit your dentist as often as you should, minor problems can go undetected, which can cause your bridge to fail. It’s important to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They will keep your mouth healthy and promote the lifespan of your bridge.
Symptoms of Dental Bridge Failure
There will come a time when your bridge will need to be replaced. Here are a few common signs that may indicate it’s time for a replacement:
- Pain
- Sensitivity
- Loose Fit
- Bad Breath
- Bad Taste in Your Mouth
- Visible Damage
- Poor Gum Health
- Changes to Your Bite
- Aesthetic Problems
Your dentist can swap out your old bridge with a new one. You’ll enjoy lasting results that look and feel natural.
About Dr. Manhvu Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen earned his dental degree at the University of Southern California and has continued his education in various specialties, including general dentistry and tooth replacement. He uses the best materials and technologies to create dental bridges. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (469) 331-4748.