If you’re missing one or a few teeth, a dental bridge is a great option to restore your tooth function and smile. However, you might be wondering how long it will last, how maintaining your bridge differs from your natural teeth, and what types of bridges there are. Read this blog from JAX Dental Studios to find out all you need to know about dental bridges in Jacksonville.
A dental bridge can be thought of as a fixed version of a partial denture. It fills in gaps in the mouth where you have one or a few missing teeth. While there are different types of bridges, they also work in the same way.
Abutment teeth support the pontic tooth that is suspended in the space where your missing teeth used to be. If you have naturally strong and healthy abutment teeth, then dental crowns will be placed over these teeth and the pontic tooth will be connected to them.
However, if you are missing several teeth, we can place dental implants in place of crowns. These implants will then act as the anchoring support for the bridge. A bridge can replace between 1 to 3 consecutive missing teeth.
The average lifespan of a dental bridge is about 5 to 7 years. However, with proper care, many patients enjoy the benefits of their dental bridge for up to 10 years. When it comes to implant-supported bridges, you likely will never need to replace the implants.
This is because they can last for 25 years or a lifetime. You will, however, need to replace the dental bridge over time. The more wear and tear you subject your bridge to, the sooner you will need to replace it.
We recommend that you avoid smoking and limit your exposure to staining foods and drinks. Your bridge can become stained just like your natural teeth over time. Unlike your natural teeth, dental work doesn’t respond to teeth whitening.
The shade of your bridge cannot be changed, only replaced. Smoking can cause staining and increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. You should practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste or denture cleaner.
Brush your teeth gently so you don’t damage your bridge and floss at least once a day. We recommend using a water flosser or interdental brush to ensure that you don’t get any food particles stuck in between your bridge and gums.
This can cause an ill-fitting bridge, which will cause a lot of discomfort and can lead to oral health issues. You should also avoid eating hard and sticky foods which can damage your bridge. If you grind your teeth, you will need to wear a mouthguard when you sleep at night because this can cause severe damage or breakage to your bridge as well as your natural teeth.
If you’re interested in replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge or have questions about your tooth replacement options, contact us at JAX Dental Studios to schedule a consultation with Dr. Charles Poblenz.
