Preserving Your Restoration: The Lifespan of a Dental Bridge and How to Help it Last

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

At Marvel Dental, our phenomenal dental team welcomes patients of all ages and every stage of oral health without lectures or judgment. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, we’re here to help. Call (817) 933-3883 to schedule your appointment and get the care and support you need from an experienced team.