Dental bridges are a popular way to replace several consecutively missing teeth because they can simultaneously rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality. These prosthetics contain the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) sandwiched between two dental crowns. They anchor either to healthy abutment teeth or to dental implants embedded in your jawbone.
Although they are usually made from durable resin or porcelain that can last 5 to 15 or more years with the right care, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to harm. Unfortunately, your bridge can fail if it’s not properly maintained. Continue reading to learn 3 potential problems to avoid!
Issue #1: Poor Oral Hygiene
Your restoration is made from resilient materials that can be customized to look just like the teeth that went missing, but it won’t develop decay like them. That said, your remaining chompers can still develop cavities, and if they erode, your bridge has nothing to hold onto. It can become destabilized or dislodged altogether without a strong enough foundation.
That means you must continue brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. If you’re struggling to clean the connective tissues beneath your prosthetic, you might invest in a floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush designed to access harder-to-reach spaces.
Issue #2: Bad Habits
We know what you’re thinking, but no, the 2021 hit song by Ed Sheeran likely won’t harm your dental bridge. However, if you anxiously bite your fingernails or pen caps or use your teeth as tools, then you’re more likely to chip, crack, or break it.
Avoid anything overly hard or crunchy that might chip or crack the material to keep your bridge in excellent condition. If you have mail, containers, or bottles to open, it’s worth taking a few extra moments to find the best tool for the job rather than use your pearly whites. Also, if you suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), your dentist can provide a custom-fitted nightguard to shield your smile from the extra pressure of constantly clenching.
Issue #3: Choice of Material
Like most other products, dental bridges can be provided by different brands that utilize different materials and approaches for their construction. Although many patients are tempted to choose the least expensive options, it might not last as long as a high-quality product that costs more.
Several potential materials can be used for your restoration, which can impact its longevity. For example, amalgam or porcelain-fused-to-metal tend to be incredibly durable, so they’re frequently used for missing molars that sustain a lot of pressure from chewing daily. All-ceramic options might wear down faster, but in many cases, the difference in the resilience and longevity of the materials is negligible.
If you’re worried you’ve damaged your dental bridge, the best next step is to call your dentist!
About the Practice
At Omega Dental of Bedford, you and your family benefit from a husband-and-wife dental team eager to help you improve your dental health. Drs. Prashantkumar and Julyat Gajera share decades of combined experience offering a comprehensive menu of services conveniently under one roof, including dental bridges. They combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to build customizable restorations designed to look and feel as lifelike as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 518-6915.