When you restore your smile with a dental bridge, you naturally want it to last for as long as possible. After all, no one wants to spend time and money on frequent repairs or replacements! Fortunately, bridges are quite cost-effective and can fill a dental gap for several years when taken care of properly. To learn more about the lifespan of your bridge and how you can help preserve it, keep reading!
How Long Will My Dental Bridge Last?
The average lifespan of a dental bridge restoration is about five to seven years. However, proper maintenance can extend that expectancy to 10 years. In some cases, a well-cared for bridge can last a lifetime!
Tips for Promoting the Longevity of Your Bridge
Promoting the longevity of your bridge comes down to practicing good dental habits – and avoiding bad ones. Here’s what experts recommend:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Clean the space underneath your bridge with a sulcus brush or traditional dental floss.
- Floss between your teeth once per day.
- Avoid biting into hard substances like fingernails, ice cubes, car keys, etc.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools for opening bottles or packages!
- Visit your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings.
Remember, cavities and gum disease can be just as much of a threat to a dental restoration as they are to natural teeth. If your gums or nearby teeth weaken, a bridge won’t have enough structural support to stay fixed in your mouth. So even if you can’t technically floss your bridge, keeping your natural teeth healthy will still promote its longevity!
Talk to Your Dentist for A Personalized Plan
Other issues like bruxism, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases can make taking care of your smile – and your dental bridge – more challenging. But don’t worry; your dentist is an oral health expert, after all! They can work with you closely to create an effective, personalized plan for preserving your natural teeth and bridge restoration. So don’t hesitate to voice any questions or concerns you may have, and schedule your biannual checkup and cleaning!
About the Practice
Dr. Jay Oza and Dr. Hizamar Escobedo are both proud members of the American Dental Association. As your dedicated dentists in Burleson, they’re well-qualified to provide you with personalized advice for taking care of your dental bridge so it will last as long as possible. To contact their office with questions or to book an appointment, call 817-933-3883.