Dental bridges come in different styles, each designed to accommodate specific dental needs and situations. These include traditional bridges, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges.
While they share the common goal of replacing missing teeth, their structures and application methods vary significantly.
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most common form. The process involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. For individuals with natural teeth adjacent to a gap, a traditional bridge offers a straightforward solution.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
When there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Precision in the design and placement is essential, given that the bridge relies on a single tooth for support.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, the Maryland bridge is often used when replacing front teeth. The pontic is attached to metal or porcelain wings on one side only, which are then bonded to the existing teeth. This bridge is less invasive, preserving the structure of the supporting teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as opposed to crowns or frameworks. Typically, one implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in place. This option often involves several surgeries and a significant amount of healing time but can offer a strong and stable solution.
Are Dental Bridges Designed to Be Permanent?
Often, people are led to believe that dental bridges are permanent. Unfortunately, this is a myth. Recent research shows that 97% of dental bridges surpass 5 years.
Combined research on the durability of dental bridges also found that after 15 years, the durability rate of a dental bridge is 74%. This means that in most cases dental bridges have a long duration.
With diligent oral care and regular checkups, some bridges can endure for over 15 years, providing a lasting solution for missing teeth.
Therefore, focusing on maintaining excellent dental hygiene and ensuring regular professional care extends the life of a dental bridge.
What affects the durability of dental bridges?
Dental bridges comprise various materials such as porcelain, ceramics, or metal alloys that offer both durability and a natural appearance. These materials resist wear and can withstand the typical forces of biting and chewing.
Crafting a bridge involves a careful process, aiming to align it perfectly with an individual’s bite and the surrounding teeth. This precision work ensures maximum durability of the dental prosthetic.
Factors that affect the longevity of a dental bridge
Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing and flossing around the bridge prevent build-ups of plaque and bacteria that can lead to dental diseases, which might compromise the bridge and surrounding structures.
Quality of the Dental Procedure: A bridge's fit and the expertise of the dental professional play critical roles in the lifetime of a dental bridge. Ill-fitting bridges or substandard dental work can lead to early failure.
Diet: Consuming hard foods or using one's teeth as tools can damage a bridge. A mindful diet and habits contribute to extending the lifespan of this dental appliance.
Regular Dental Visits: During these visits, dentists can spot and address minor issues before they escalate, safeguarding the integrity of a dental bridge.
How Can You Ensure The Longevity of Your Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges can last for many years with proper maintenance and care. Adherence to a robust oral hygiene routine preserves the structural integrity of the bridge and the health of surrounding teeth.
Maintenance and Care of Dental Bridges
Commitment to twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste safeguards against plaque buildup.
Regular flossing, especially under the bridge and around the crowns, inhibits bacterial growth which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
The use of antiseptic mouthwash helps eradicate bacteria that brushing and flossing may miss.
Biannual dental check-ups facilitate the early detection of potential issues with the dental bridge or adjoining teeth.
Professional cleanings remove tartar, a hardened form of plaque that brushing and flossing cannot eliminate.
Also read: How to Clean Your Dental Bridges
Daily Habits to Keep the Bridge and Surrounding Teeth Healthy and Strong
Incorporating specific habits into daily routines contributes significantly to the lifespan of a dental bridge.
Avoiding hard and sticky foods prevents undue stress on the bridge which can cause damage over time.
Limits on sugary beverages and snacks reduce the risk of tooth decay around the dental bridge.
Protective mouthguards during sports or night guards for bruxism can avert potential cracks or fractures caused by trauma or teeth grinding.
Approaching oral care with diligence and mindfulness not only extends the life of a dental bridge but also reinforces overall dental health.
Choices made daily straightaway influence the condition of the dental appliance and the oral environment it resides in. By creating and adhering to a consistent care routine, anyone with a dental bridge can anticipate lasting functionality and appearance.
When Should You Replace A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges, like all dental restorations, have a lifespan of 15+ years, as we have seen above. However, a range of factors, including dental hygiene practices, the bridge material, and oral habits, can influence this timeframe.
When to Replace a Dental Bridge
Replacement becomes necessary when a bridge no longer fulfils its role adequately or compromises oral health.
A bridge could fail due to an issue with an abutment tooth, deterioration of the bridge material, or a change in the surrounding teeth's alignment.
Should the underlying teeth suffer from decay or gum disease, the stability of your bridge is jeopardized, potentially necessitating a new bridge.
Signs that a bridge may need replacement and what the process entails
Several indicators suggest your bridge might require attention. Discomfort or sensitivity around the bridge area often signals a problem. Visually, if you notice the bridge moving or if there's a gap between the bridge and the gums, these are signs of ill-fitting work that needs assessment.
Additionally, an unpleasant taste or persistent bad breath, despite good oral hygiene, might point to decay under the bridge.
The process for replacing a bridge closely mirrors the initial installation. First, your dentist will remove the existing bridge. Next, they prepare the abutment teeth for a new bridge — this may involve treating decay or rebuilding parts of the teeth.
Finally, impressions are taken for the creation of a new, custom-fitted bridge. Until the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist may provide a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums.
Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the health and integrity of your bridge. Not only does this help in spotting potential issues early, but it also aids in planning for replacement before major problems arise. If you experience any discomfort or have concerns about your bridge, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is recommended for a thorough examination.
A Final Look at the Lifespan of Dental Bridges
The lifespan of a dental bridge can stretch for many years with proper care and maintenance. Different types of bridges, such as traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges offer diverse solutions tailored to individual needs and conditions. The durability of these dental restorations is influenced by various factors, including the quality of materials used, the precision of the fit, and the effectiveness of oral hygiene practices.
Each individual's situation is unique, and the advice of a dental professional is irreplaceable. Engaging with your dentist provides the opportunity for personalized insights and recommendations that optimize the outcome of your dental bridge treatment.
Ready to Explore Your Dental Bridge Options?
Understanding the function, longevity, and care of dental bridges empowers you to make informed decisions about your dental health. Whether you're considering a bridge or looking to maintain an existing one, your next step is a conversation with your dentist.