How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges are ‘fake teeth’ that dentists use to replace missing teeth. Like its name, dental bridges bridge the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges are made of crowns that support the false teeth, ensuring they stay in their place.

After getting your missing tooth replaced by a dental bridge, one question arises: how long do dental bridges last. It is important to know how long will your dental bridges last, how to take good care of them, and the difference between removable and fixed bridges. Below, we answer some questions concerning dental bridges.

What’s The Difference Between Removable and Fixed Bridges?

When you visit your dentist in Seminole, FL, due to missing teeth., there are different options that they will give you on how to replace your missing teeth. One of these options is bridges. They come in removable and fixed variations. What’s the difference between the two?

The first difference between fixed and removable dentures is removability. For permanent restoration of teeth, fixed dental bridges are used. It is important to note that before you go for the fixation of dental bridges in Seminole, FL, the dentist has to look at your adjacent teeth. This is because they have to be healthy, and the surrounding bone needs to be healthy too.

For removable bridges, they can be removed, and this allows you to clean them with ease.

Another difference between removable and fixed bridges is how easy you can clean them. It is easy to clean removable dental bridges compared to fixed ones. This is because, for removable bridges, you will remove them from your mouth, clean between the bridges thoroughly, and put them back. The same cannot be said for fixed bridges, as you will need to clean them the same way you brush your natural teeth.

You get used to fixed bridges faster than with removable ones. Once the dentist in Largo, FL, installs the fixed bridges, they start performing the same functions like your natural teeth. For the removable ones, it will take some time before you get used to them.

How Long Can a Dental Bridge Last?

Typically, dental bridges can last anywhere from five to seven years. However, this is entirely dependent on how you maintain and care for your dental bridges. For example, if you visit dentist 33778 regularly and clean your dentures regularly, your dental bridges can last fifteen years.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridge

Dr. Cecilia Sorelle recommends that you take care of dental bridges to ensure that they last a lifetime. Here are a few tips that she recommends you follow.

First, if you have removable bridges, you should thoroughly clean them in a sink full of water. You can also clean the bridge with a folded towel to avoid breakage if it falls.

Secondly, use a denture brush and cool water to clean your fixed bridges. Alternatively, you can use a denture cleaner to clean the dental bridge. Take note that using abrasive toothpaste can leave scratches on the surface of your bridge. You should brush your teeth twice a day to ensure you have kept bacteria at healthy levels.

Flossing is also important to keep your bridges clean. This is important as your adjacent natural teeth keep your dental bridge stable. If they are not clean and healthy, you risk losing your dental bridges. Therefore, flossing ensures that any debris stuck between your teeth is removed to prevent the buildup of bacteria that causes tooth decay.

How Do You Eat with a Bridge?

It is advisable to eat soft foods when you first get bridges. You should steer away from hard foods like caramel, nuts, and steak. Chewing gum during your first days of getting accustomed to your bridges is not recommended.

The dentists at Dental Arts Seminole recommend that you should chew evenly on both sides of your mouth. Dental bridges work the same as natural teeth; therefore, you should be able to eat any food comfortably after some time.

Nevertheless, some foods and beverages can damage your bridges and discolor your teeth with or without dental restorations. Consult with your dentist about the best foods to consume and which foods and drinks to avoid.