Dental bridges are a modern method of dental restoration. They replace missing teeth and can significantly improve the quality of your day-to-day life. Same-day dental bridges can be a good alternative to traditional dental bridges and save patients some time on visits to the dental office. But how long will a dental bridge last? In this article, we discuss the types of dental bridges and their longevity and give tips on how to prolong their lifespan.

How Long Will a Dental Bridge Last?

The approximate longevity of a dental bridge can be anywhere from 5 to 15 years and largely depends on the type of the bridge, lifestyle habits, the efficiency of daily oral hygiene, and the general health of the patient. Below, we will talk about the types of dental bridges and how to make your bridge serve you for a long time.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a type of dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth. This solution employs a dental crown that literally bridges the gap. A bridge can restore one or more missing teeth in a row. Typically, it supports itself with surrounding natural teeth, but it can also rest on implants instead of natural teeth.

Dental bridges can be made of several different materials:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges have a metal framework covered by porcelain—a natural-looking, strong, and stain-resistant material. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental bridges can last for 10 to 15 years with good care.
Ceramic bridges do not have a metal frame and are made entirely of porcelain. They tend to last 7 to 10 years.
Gold bridges are less popular because their color makes them more noticeable in the mouth. However, gold is a durable and hypoallergenic material, and a gold bridge can last for 15 years or even longer.
Composite bridges also look natural in the mouth, as the material can be matched in color to the rest of your teeth. However, composite is typically less durable than ceramics or gold, and composite and tepid last 5 to 8 years.

Dental Bridge Care Tips

The two most important factors that play a role in the longevity of your dental bridge are oral hygiene habits and diet habits. As dental bridges use natural teeth or implants for support, maintaining good health of your teeth and gums will help the bridge stay stable for longer. The diet also plays a role in the strength of the teeth and gums, and avoiding certain foods can help you prevent physical damage to the bridge.

Oral Hygiene with a Dental Bridge

Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, and rinse your mouth after every meal. Using a water flosser after meals can help remove food debris from under and around the bridge.
Add a water flosser to your daily oral hygiene routine. It is proven to be effective at loosening plaque and food debris. However, a water flosser can not replace traditional flossing and brushing and is most effective when used as an additional step in the routine.
Make sure not to leave bacteria and food residue lingering under the bridge, as it can cause bad breath and gum disease. Use special tools such as floss threaders and interdental brushes to floss under the bridge effectively.
Choose fluoride toothpaste to boost the strength of your natural teeth. This will support the bridge and help fight bacteria in the mouth.
Make sure to schedule professional dental cleanings every six months. Using special dental tools, your dentist will be able to effectively remove the plaque and tartar that accumulate under and around the bridge over time. Dental cleanings significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath that might be caused by insufficient hygiene with a dental bridge.

Diet Tips with a Dental Bridge

Dentists recommend avoiding hard, crunchy, and sticky foods to prevent your dental bridge from cracking, chipping, or dislodging. Avoiding staining foods and beverages, such as soda, berries, black tea and coffee, red wine, and curry, can also help prevent bridge discoloration and staining.

Make an Appointment Today

Make an appointment at the My Dentist Upland Dental office for a consultation with a reliable and experienced dentist. Our clinic offers same-day and traditional dental bridge solutions. Our specialists will carefully examine your case to offer you the optimal solution.

We look forward to your visit.