How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Dental bridges are a replacement option for lost adult teeth. Compared to dental implants, they tend to last less long, which of course leads many patients to ask “How long do dental bridges last”? The answer to that question is complex, as there are many different factors that impact how long dental bridges last. On average, dental bridges can last up to fifteen years, but they can also last less than five years, depending on a variety of factors. Most notably, how a patient manages their oral health and the type of dental bridge they get can have an impact on how long their dental bridge will last.
What Are The Types Of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are often segmented into categories based on their design. Ideally, a dental bridge will replace a single tooth or multiple adjacent teeth by using nearby healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This is a traditional dental bridge. The process of getting this bridge includes using dental crowns to hold the dental bridge. A cantilever bridge is similar, but is used when there is only one tooth that can be used as an anchor point. The false tooth is connected at only one point. A Maryland dental bridge uses metal wings instead of dental crowns to secure the dental bridge in place. The wings are bonded to the backs of the teeth. These are frequently used for front teeth, whereas traditional and cantilever bridges are more often used for molars.
How Does Your Dental Bridge Type Impact Their Lifespan
A traditional dental bridge that uses dental crowns to anchor the bridge and has anchors on either side of the bridge is going to last longer than a bridge that uses metal wings or only has one point to anchor the bridge in place. Likewise, the number of adjacent teeth in a bridge can also impact its lifespan. Simply put, the more stress that can be put on the bridge and connections between the bridge and the healthy teeth can impact how long the bridge lasts. The most durable dental bridge would be one that replaces a single tooth and uses dental crowns on two teeth.
How Does Oral Health Impact Your Dental Bridge
Of course, one of the largest factors in how long a dental bridge will last is how you take care of your teeth. If your oral health habits are not consistent or you frequently eat/drink food/beverages that are high in sugar and have high acidity, you will see your bridge deteriorate much quicker. This is because cavities can form near the dental crowns, which can cause the bridge to loosen and eventually fall out.
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Our three dental offices in Massachusetts help patients manage their oral health and can help with dental bridges and dental implants.
