Are you missing one or more teeth and wonder about the different tooth replacement options? If you are, dental bridges might be the right choice for you. Dental bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are made of natural-looking materials, such as porcelain, designed to blend in with your surrounding teeth.

Natural teeth or implants usually support dental bridges. They are cemented into place on either side of the gap, either using crowns on a supporting tooth, adhesive wings for resin-bonded bridges, or screws for bridges on implants. 

Since these prosthetic fixtures are high-strength materials and made to last, they provide excellent strength, durability, and aesthetics. But just like any other dental restoration, they are not designed to last a lifetime and will eventually need to be replaced.

If you consider having dental appliances for your missing teeth, you might wonder how long dental bridges last. Let us see how long they last different factors that may affect their durability: 

Potential Life Span

The potential life span of a dental bridge depends on your circumstances. The possible life span of an implant or any dental appliance is highly dependent on the condition of your natural teeth—the reason is that they support the dental bridge. 

Dental bridges can last anywhere from ten to twenty years if you have healthy teeth. If you have advanced tooth decay and gum disease, the lifespan of a dental bridge might be shorter. For example, if you have several bridges, your bridges might need to be replaced once the supporting teeth have decayed enough to prevent the bridges from being securely repaired.

Potential Deterrents

If you are a smoker, your dental bridges might need replacement sooner. You might have a higher risk of developing dental disease, which could shorten the life of your dental bridges. 

Analysis has revealed that tobacco use can reduce the life of dental bridges by six to ten years. This is because the chemicals in tobacco promote tooth decay and gum disease, which will weaken the supporting bridge.

Dental Bridges Can Last More Than 15 Years

Now we know that the life expectancy of dental bridges depends on several factors, but we can say that they can last up to more than 15 years. Using dental bridges to replace lost teeth is a safe, effective, and popular option. According to the American Dental Association, dental bridges may endure five to 15 years or more with adequate maintenance.

Consult a Dentist for Treatment and Recommendations

In addition to restoring your smile and oral function, dental bridges provide several other advantages. However, not everyone is a good candidate for these prostheses. 

The best way to determine whether or not a dental bridge is correct for you is to visit an experienced dentist. They will be able to examine your specific situation and provide a therapy recommendation tailored to your particular requirements.

Conclusion

Even though they are pretty durable, dental bridges don’t last forever. They need to be maintained by regular cleaning and checkups. Mouth cleanliness is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

If your dental bridge needs to be replaced, you have to consider that dental technology is constantly improving. So, you might have better options than what you had initially been when the dental bridge was installed. 

You might be able to have a dental implant or partial denture to replace the missing teeth instead. Dental bridges are still the most popular solution if you need a tooth replacement option.

Get dental bridges here at CFF Dental. We are a family dental clinic in Tucson, AZ, that offers a wide range of dental services and treatments. Set up an appointment today!