What Precautions Can Prolong the Lifespan of Dental Bridges?
8/16/2024
One of the first questions patients often ask ahead of restorative dental work — like having a dental bridge placed — is how they may have to change their dental and oral hygiene routines to accommodate their new restoration. Fortunately, caring for a dental bridge doesn't require much — if anything — beyond normal healthy habits. Still, it's important for patients to have a good understanding of how to care for a bridge to help it last as long as possible while also preventing unwanted issues, like plaque buildup and others. Here, Saginaw, MI dentist Dr. Benjamin Lievense and the knowledgeable team at Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC share tips and guidelines for maintaining your dental bridge and overall oral health so that you can enjoy a strong, functional, healthy smile for longer.
What is a dental bridge used for?
A dental bridge is primarily used in patients who have multiple, consecutive missing teeth or are facing the loss of multiple, consecutive teeth. While patients may not necessarily be bothered by the cosmetic appearance of missing teeth, it is still important to replace them with a bridge — or another type of dental restoration — to avoid unwanted problems, like shifting of the teeth, bone loss, and others. Additionally, replacing missing teeth can help to restore a patient's ability to chew, eat, and speak properly and more comfortably, which can have a number of secondary benefits like boosted self-esteem and an improvement in their overall well-being and quality of life.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Dr. Lievense and our team are committed to utilizing only the most modern and durable materials and technologies available when it comes to custom dental restorations, meaning patients can expect to enjoy their dental bridges for up to 5 – 15 years or even longer. However, the lifespan of a dental bridge will greatly depend on the patient's adherence to a proper dental and oral hygiene routine, healthy habits, and other factors.
How do you take care of a dental bridge?
Many patients are surprised to learn that care instructions for a dental bridge are similar — if not identical — to general dental and oral health guidelines. To keep your dental bridge for as long as possible, be sure to:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Use a recommended mouthwash as directed
- Do not smoke
- Do not use your teeth or bridge as "tools" — meaning do not hold things with your teeth, use your teeth to open packages, etc.
- Visit the dentist for annual exams and twice-yearly teeth cleaning (or as frequently as recommended based on your specific needs)
- Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, or gummy foods and candies
- Report any changes in your dental and oral health status right away
- Wear a night guard or mouth guard as recommended
With these healthy habits and a regular follow-up schedule at our office, you can set yourself up for years or even decades of enjoying a healthy, complete, more beautiful smile with a custom dental bridge.
Restore the strength and beauty of your smile with a dental bridge in Saginaw, MI
If you are facing the loss of multiple teeth or you're already missing several teeth in a row, you may benefit from a dental bridge to restore a more aesthetically pleasing and functional smile while also preventing future complications — and with proper care, your bridge can last for years to come. To learn more about whether a dental bridge may be right for you, call Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC to schedule your consultation for restorative dental work in Saginaw, MI with Dr. Benjamin Lievense today.