Dental bridges can be used to solve several different dental issues and are proven to be reliable and convenient. Modern dental bridges are also designed to look like natural teeth and to last for quite a long time. However, they do wear out with time and constant pressure and friction applied to them during eating and speaking. If your bridges have already served you for some years, you might wonder: When should I replace my dental bridges?
When Should I Replace My Dental Bridges?
In this article we will talk about the factors that affect the longevity of dental bridges and the signs that they may need replacement.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are a method of replacing missing teeth. One tooth or a row of teeth can be replaced with dental bridges. The device consists of two parts: abutments and pontics. Abutments are a kind of connector posts that provide support for the bridge. In some cases the natural teeth surrounding the gap are used as abutments. Pontics are the artificial teeth themselves. They fill in the space where your natural tooth used to be.
Compared to dental implants, bridges do not require jaw bone grafting or surgery. Thus, no surgical complications will occur, and no recovery time is needed. Dental bridges usually require only two visits to be installed, while getting implants can take several months. They also tend to be less costly than implants.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Providing that a patient maintains sufficient oral hygiene, has professional teeth cleanings done every 6 to 12 months, and regularly visits a dental bridges specialist, their bridges should last for 10 to 15 years. The longevity of dental bridges depends on several factors, though, and in some cases, patients can enjoy their dental bridges for up to 20 years and longer.
Why Do Dental Bridges Have to Be Replaced with Time?
Dental bridges are designed to function as your natural teeth. They are used for chewing food and are affected by personal bite force, gums condition, or such habits as clenching or grinding your teeth. What food you eat can also influence the longevity of the bridges. There are also some bacteria and acids in the mouth that can affect the material of bridges. Some chipping or cracking might occur due to trauma or using your teeth as tools. On top of that, there are different types of dental bridges, and they may behave differently for each patient. All these factors will inevitably wear the bridges out over time, which is why your dental bridges have to be replaced after some time.
Signs That Your Dental Bridges Are Due to Be Replaced
If you visit your dentist regularly, they will let you know in advance that your bridges are due to be replaced. However, there are signs that bridges are no longer in good shape you might notice yourself:
- You feel that your bite became misaligned
- It became uncomfortable to chew your food
- Your speech changed: for example, you started speaking with a lisp
- Your bridges feel loose
- You experience pain or tenderness in the area surrounding your bridges
- Gum irritation, soreness, or bleeding in the area surrounding your bridges
- The color of your bridges changed
It is a good idea to have a check-up at your dentist’s office as soon as you start experiencing any of these symptoms to avoid further complications.
How to Make Your Bridges Last Longer?
There are some rules that can help you maintain your bridges in good shape for a longer period:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day
- Clean the area underneath your dental bridges daily using a floss, mouth irrigator, or interproximal brushes
- Have a professional teeth cleaning every 6 to 12 months
- Adhere to a regular dental checkup schedule
- Use a nonabrasive toothpaste and toothbrush
- Do not use your teeth as tools or bite hard on food or objects
- Avoid hard, chewy, and staining foods
- Try not to clench or grind your teeth
Your qualified Chino Hills dentist will provide a personalized consultation and check-up and will determine if your dental bridges need to be replaced soon. It is best to replace your bridges before they start causing such issues as pain or gum bleeding so no complications occur. If your dental bridges start to cause you discomfort, do not hesitate to sign up for an appointment at our office today.