How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last
A dental bridge is one of the most popular forms of teeth replacement. This solution for replacing missing teeth can help you regain your smile and confidence, and the way it all works is easy to comprehend. If you’re interested in getting one, you can visit this website and learn more about dental bridges from the professionals at Aura Family Dentist.
Like an actual bridge, a tooth bridge is held up by two different points, which are, in this case, the teeth on each side of the tooth gap. These tooth bridges can be made from materials such as metal or porcelain, a mix of the two, or perhaps zirconia, so they’re overall pretty versatile. But if you’re hoping to get a dental bridge procedure done, you might want to learn more about the dental bridge lifespan. So, let’s discuss the factors that influence the lifespan of a tooth bridge, as well as how to care for one.
What Is the Difference Between a Fixed Dental Bridge and a Removable One?
For starters, it’s important to note that dental bridges can either be fixed or removable. Now, removable bridges function in a pretty straightforward way; on each end, they have crowns that also serve as clips that attach to your existing teeth. Similarly to dentures, if you opt for a removable dental bridge, you’ll need to clean it daily. While their removable nature might make them impractical, they’re still a great choice due to their low price and the lack of surgical procedures involved.
When it comes to fixed dental bridges, there are two different types that you can opt for. The first type operates similarly to a removable bridge since it also uses the clips method. However, what sets it apart from the removable type is the fact that it is cemented in its place. Maryland and Cantilever dental bridges function in this fashion.
Then, there is the other fixed dental bridge type. Here, instead of clips, the bridge is attached via dental implants. So, metal fixtures are attached to your jawbone surgically. Over time, the metal fixtures will become fused to the bone through osseointegration.
And, regardless of what you opt for, your smile will be functionally and aesthetically perfect when everything is healed properly. But, how long does a dental bridge take to heal? Well, it usually takes anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. But it’s nothing to worry about since your dental professional will be monitoring the situation.
The Lifespan of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge will be your pearly white companion, but for how long? Well, there’s no definite answer to this question. However, we can try to answer it by considering the different factors and putting them into perspective.
An attempt towards a concise answer would involve taking factors such as the type of your dental bridge, your diet, lifestyle, and oral care routine. These factors can all very much determine the lifespan of your tooth bridge, especially in combination with each other. Now, let’s discuss the relative lifespans of tooth bridges based on type since this is the best way to get the most reliable information.
- How long does a temporary dental bridge last? - A temporary dental bridge is there as a prerequisite step for getting a permanent dental bridge. It’s a temporary option that can help you achieve dental functionality while you wait for your permanent bridge. Lastly, this type of tooth bridge is only meant to last up to 6 months due to its temporary nature.
- How long does a removable tooth bridge last? - Removable dental bridges can be pretty durable. However, they usually fail to hold a candle to fixed ones, so their usual lifespan is around 5–7 years.
- How long does permanent dental cement last? - Dental cement can last up to 16 years, which is good news for patients with, for example, bridges that use cemented clips.
- How long does a dental implant bridge last? - Implant-supported bridges are the most durable. Their usual lifespan can be anywhere from 10–20 years, or even longer, with proper care. Additionally, if your implant bridge has metal crowns, it will only add to its resilience and durability.
Caring for Your Fixed Dental Bridge
Your dental bridge should be treated as an important component of your smile, which means you should provide it with proper care. That includes all the usual aspects of oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and using interdental brushes and mouth rinses. Getting professional dental cleanings biannually is also a great idea since not only will it keep your smile pearly and bacteria-free, but it will also benefit the longevity of your dental bridge.
Caring for Your Removable Dental Bridge
When caring for a removable dental bridge, the first step would be to remove it, kind of like with dentures. That way, you can get rid of plaque and food debris and keep your removable bridge nice and clean. To help you with that, we have a few tips here that might make your cleaning process easier and more effective.
- Be sure to clean your removable bridge in safe conditions. Ideally, you should do it over a sink or some type of container filled with clean water, and you should always have some type of towel folded underneath. That way, you can prevent your dental bridge from breaking if you drop it.
- When cleaning your removable bridge, make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you don’t damage the artificial teeth. Additionally, use a denture cleaner, and refrain from using toothpaste or any other abrasive cleaning solutions.
- Always rinse the tooth bridge with cool water. Hot water can warp it and ruin its shape.
- Don’t leave your bridge soaked in liquid overnight, be it water or a denture solution, since this can cause rust to appear. However, you may do this if your dentist advises it.
Additionally, regardless of the type of your dental bridge, you should be careful around sticky, chewy, and hard foods in the first several weeks of having it. That can also be true when it comes to general bridge care for certain types of dental bridges. At any rate, it’s best to follow your dentist’s advice and stick to a good oral hygiene routine.
