How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
The durability of dental bridges is an important factor for the longevity and health of the teeth that support these devices, and thus, the patients that use them. And it’s no wonder, as inadequate maintenance and failure to observe the limitations of dental prostheses often lead to the loss of supporting teeth. However, the concept of durability can be confusing when several issues such as brightness, color, and the existence of infiltrations due to dental caries imply changing and replacing dental bridges.
For many individuals, the durability of a dental bridge is understood as the time that this device remains rigidly fixed to the teeth, and without cavities and other issues with the teeth. And, in fact, so far, this concept of durability is true and coincides with the objects of dental research that study the subject. However, this facet of the durability of dental prostheses does not coincide with the reasons that lead individuals to replace their prosthetic devices. The loss of the aesthetic quality of the dental porcelain of the prostheses, changes in the gingival anatomy, and even the motor loss that accompanies aging are examples of factors that modify the concept of durability of dental prostheses.
The fact is that porcelains – the correct term is dental ceramics – tend to lose aesthetic qualities such as brightness and original colors well before the loss of quality of the mechanical and functional attributes of the bridge. And this is already, currently, the main reason for exchanges and replacements of dental prostheses in anterior teeth – a region with a high aesthetic need. And it is not just the loss of aesthetic quality that is responsible for these replacements, since the development of new porcelains that are even more aesthetic induce individuals to be more sensitive to smile aesthetics.
How long does a dental bridge last?
The durability of dental bridges, regardless of the technique and material used, is determined based on basic assumptions, such as the use of excellent dental prosthesis laboratories, accurate impressions, and correct planning. And this is very important to know because people cannot determine, in principle, the quality of these factors involved in the manufacture of prostheses that they have installed on their teeth or dental implants.
In addition, oral hygiene is essential for the success and longevity (curability) of dental bridges, since they are more prone to the accumulation of bacterial plaque, responsible for the appearance of dental caries. Scientific research that studies the durability of fixed dental prostheses also takes into account the quality of hygiene of these parts by the tested individuals. Take this data into account when analyzing the failure or success of the dental prostheses that you have or will be installed on your teeth or dental implants – it will make a difference when it comes to understanding how long the treatment with fixed dental prosthesis lasts.
In general, and on average, you can expect dental bridges of most types to comfortably last 7-10 before restoration or replacement work needs to be done. If you take very good care of your oral hygiene, you can extend this time by several years. Make sure you talk to your dentist about how best to care for your bridge!