With nearly 180 million Americans struggling with tooth loss, it’s safe to say that there is a considerable need for reliable, lifelike tooth-replacement solutions. Fortunately, dental bridges meet both of those criteria! Whether you are missing one tooth or several teeth in a row, dental bridges can restore your bite and your smile simultaneously. But what is the average lifespan of a dental bridge? To learn the answer, read on.
So, How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Typically, dental bridges last between five and seven years. However, they can last for well over a decade too – it depends entirely on how well you care for it. Factors like a commitment to a solid oral hygiene regimen, avoiding unhealthy dental habits, and getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months may seem small, but they go a long way in preserving your restoration!
How To: Prolong the Lifespan of Your Dental Bridge
Fortunately, keeping your dental implant in pristine condition isn’t much of a hassle. The best practices you use to keep your natural teeth happy and healthy still apply. A few important ones include:
- Brushing your teeth for a full two minutes each morning and evening
- Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash daily
- Getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
- Avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like smoking
- Eat a well-balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense meals
- Exercise caution with hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Dental Bridge?
At your biannual checkups and cleanings, your dentist will check the condition of your dental bridge. If it’s loose, discolored, or exhibiting another symptom of needing to be replaced, they will bring it to your attention. Between visits, it’s a good idea to monitor how your dental bridge feels, especially if you’ve had it for more than five years. If you ever have a question or something feels off, then get in touch with your dentist right away.
When it comes to something as important as your smile and bite, you want the tooth-replacement solution you pick to last. Fortunately, with proper care, a dental bridge certainly will!
About the Practice
At Super Dental of Fitchburg, we offer our patients several tooth-replacement solutions, including dental bridges. Not only is every restoration custom-made and built to last, but each one is crafted from natural-looking dental materials, ensuring it will be both stable and lifelike. If you want to learn more about how to prolong the lifespan of your dental bridge or you want to schedule an appointment to see if it’s the right tooth-replacement solution for you, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (978) 342-8500.