Dental implants and dentures often steal the spotlight when it comes to tooth-replacement solutions. However, there is another popular, lifelike, durable, and versatile option: a dental bridge. With two dental crowns or dental implants, this treatment can “bridge” the gap with pontics (the replacement teeth) for well over a decade. Prolonging the lifespan of yours is as simple as learning a few of the most common reasons dental bridges fail.
1. Lack of a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are three components of any solid oral hygiene regimen. Without them, your teeth and gums are significantly more vulnerable to decay and infection. Of course, the dental bridge is impervious to these two things, it relies on healthy teeth and gums for support. That’s why cavities, gum disease, and the like can cause your dental bridge to become loose or fall out entirely!
2. Unhealthy Dental Habits
Unhealthy dental habits are another contributing factor in dental bridge failure. Therefore, it’s crucial that you put a plan in place to quit smoking, biting your nails, using your teeth as tools, and chewing on ice. After all, your dental bridge is strong, but it’s not indestructible. Each time you engage in behaviors like these, you shorten the lifespan of your dental bridge.
3. Absence of Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Think routine checkups and cleanings are optional? They aren’t! Even if you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, it’s crucial that you continue visiting your dentist every six months. That way, they can periodically examine the soft tissue in your mouth, screen for oral cancer, check on the condition of your dental bridge, and remove stubborn plaque and tartar.
4. Poor Choice of Material
As with nearly everything in life, cheaper isn’t necessarily better. If you let the upfront price decide, you could end up with a dental bridge crafted from a weaker material, which is likely to fail within a year or two. While the decision will ultimately be up to you and your dentist, it’s best to opt for a dental bridge that is reinforced by metal with a porcelain exterior. That way, you have the best of both worlds: strength and beauty.
5. Insufficient Support
Dental bridges rely on support from the surrounding teeth or the jawbone. Without that support, the pressure from chewing or biting down is uneven, resulting in trauma that can fracture the bridge over time. One of the best things to do is focus on keeping your teeth and jaw healthy through good habits like eating vitamin-rich foods, implementing a solid oral hygiene routine, and not smoking.
If you’d like to learn more about how to prevent dental bridge failure, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist directly!
About the Practice
A top-rated dental office in Worcester, our team at Winthrop Street Dentistry is here to help patients with everything from biannual exams to lifelike dental bridges. If you’re interested in the latter, you’ll be happy to know that we welcome insurance and we have an in-house oral surgeon for implant bridges! If you have any questions about maintaining dental bridges or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 756-0990.
