A fixed dental bridge is the most traditional treatment for one or more lost teeth in a row. A bridge of prosthetic teeth fills the space and is held in place by bonding dental crowns to the adjacent teeth. A bridge is meant to provide long-lasting results. On average, a bridge will last about 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Although it’s an effective treatment, dental bridge failure can occur. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your investment serves you for many years.
Causes of Dental Bridge Failure
Dental bridge failure can occur at any time, but is more common with other restorations. Many factors can lead to complications, like:
- Changes to Supporting Teeth: Your supporting teeth are vulnerable to decay and gum disease. Not to mention, they may shift over time. Changes to your adjacent teeth can cause your bridge to fail.
- Bad Dental Habits: Bridges are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Certain bad habits can damage your prosthetic, like chewing on your fingernails or crunching ice. It’s important to break any bad habits that can harm your restoration or teeth.
- Lack of Dental Care: Regular dental care allows for early detection and treatment to get the most from your bridge. Skipping routine appointments can cause issues to go untreated until it results in bridge failure. Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup will ensure there isn’t anything concerning hidden in your mouth.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Although your bridge can’t get cavities, poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to preventable problems that can cause you to need a new bridge sooner. Committing to good oral hygiene will help keep your mouth healthy. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every night.
- Wear and Tear: Eating hard or chewy foods often will increase wear and tear on your bridge, which will shorten its life expectancy. It’s best to limit hard or chewy foods.
- Low-Quality Materials: Discounted materials may not last as long as higher-quality options. It’s better to focus on quality instead of the price tag when choosing materials for your bridge.
Invest in a Long-Lasting Solution
You can invest in a potentially permanent solution for your lost teeth with dental implants. 1-2 implant posts inserted into your jawbone can support a dental bridge. You’ll never need to budget for replacements because dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for 30 years or longer.
Your dentist will help you choose the best tooth replacement solution for your needs and preferences.
Dr. Rodriguez achieved his dental degree from the University of Michigan. He is committed to continuing his training to expand his clinical skill set. He specializes in dental implants, clear aligners, endodontics, and many other advanced services. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (734) 475-8911.