5 Things You Didn't Know About Dental Bridges (but should!)
TLDRDental bridges are a popular solution for missing teeth, but they may not be a permanent one. The average lifespan of a bridge is 7-10 years, though some can last up to 40 years with proper care. Bridges can fail due to decay, bone loss, or wear and tear. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent food debris and potential decay under the bridge. Additionally, bridges may require an adjustment period affecting speech and eating habits, but this is typically short-lived. Avoid chewing ice as it can damage the bridge and the natural teeth.
Takeaways
- 🌉 Dental bridges are a common solution for replacing missing teeth but may not be a permanent one.
- 👨⚕️ Dr. Brett Langston, an experienced prosthodontist, shares insights on dental bridges.
- 🦷 The average lifespan of a dental bridge is 7 to 10 years, with a success rate of 85%.
- 📉 After 15 to 20 years, the success rate of dental bridges drops to about 75%.
- 🦴 Bridges may fail due to decay or cavities under the bridge, necessitating replacement.
- 👵 Natural bone and tissue recession can cause gaps, leading to the need for bridge replacement.
- 🍽️ Bridges can be affected by wear and tear from eating habits and environmental factors.
- 🧼 Proper dental hygiene is crucial to maintain the health of the area around a bridge.
- 💬 Dental bridges can initially affect speech and eating habits but adjustments are typically quick.
- 🥶 Avoid chewing ice as it can damage the teeth and the porcelain of dental bridges.
Q & A
What is the average lifespan of a dental bridge?
-The average lifespan of a dental bridge is about seven to ten years, with a success rate of about 85 percent.
Why might dental bridges fail or need replacement?
-Dental bridges may fail or need replacement due to reasons such as decay or cavities under the bridge, natural bone and tissue recession, wear and tear from the mouth's harsh environment, and potential chipping or shearing of the porcelain.
How can a dental bridge affect speech and eating habits?
-A dental bridge can initially affect speech and eating habits because it requires an adjustment period for the tongue and cheeks to get used to the new structure. However, these adjustments usually happen quickly, and practicing speaking and eating can help speed up the process.
What special care does a dental bridge require in terms of oral hygiene?
-A dental bridge requires enhanced oral hygiene to maintain the health of the area. This includes learning special techniques to clean the small spaces created by the bridge, such as using floss threaders, go-betweens, or water flossers.
How can the loss of bone and tissue under a bridge lead to issues?
-As we age, natural bone and tissue recession can occur, which may result in a gap or space forming between the edge of the bridge and the natural tissue. This can lead to aesthetic concerns or, in some cases, food trapping, which could cause decay and necessitate bridge replacement.
What should one avoid doing with a dental bridge to prevent damage?
-One should avoid chewing ice with a dental bridge, as it can cause contraction of the teeth and the porcelain, leading to chipping or shearing off, which damages both natural teeth and the bridge material.
How can a bridge help with speech problems caused by missing teeth?
-A bridge not only replaces the missing tooth but also helps to idealize the location and biting angulation of the supporting teeth, which can correct speech issues caused by the shift in tongue and cheek positions after tooth loss.
What happens to the success rate of dental bridges after 15 to 20 years?
-After 15 to 20 years, the success rate of dental bridges drops to about 75 percent, indicating that they may need more maintenance or replacement as time goes on.
How can you tell if a bridge needs replacement due to aesthetic concerns?
-Aesthetic concerns that may indicate a bridge needs replacement include visible gray spots, dark spots, or rough areas on the bridge that can feel abnormal to the tongue and potentially cut the cheek.
What is the role of a dental lab in the longevity of a dental bridge?
-The quality of the dental lab's work is crucial for the longevity of a dental bridge. Using a lab that employs high-quality materials and skilled techniques can help ensure that the bridge lasts longer and functions well.
What are some tips for maintaining the health around a dental bridge?
-To maintain the health around a dental bridge, it's important to keep cleaning the teeth, use special dental hygiene tools like floss threaders and water flossers, and follow advice from the dental care team to effectively clean the areas around the bridge.
Outlines
🦷 Understanding Dental Bridges
This paragraph discusses the common use of dental bridges for replacing missing teeth and highlights that they may not always be a permanent solution. Dr. Brett Langston, a prosthodontist, explains that while bridges are designed to last, they have an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years, with a success rate of 85%. However, this rate drops to about 75% after 15 to 20 years. The main reasons for bridge failure include decay or cavities under the bridge, natural bone and tissue recession, and general wear and tear. Despite these challenges, well-maintained bridges with quality materials can last longer. The importance of a healthy mouth and experienced dentists is emphasized for the longevity of dental bridges.
🦷 Special Care for Dental Bridges
The second paragraph emphasizes the need for enhanced oral hygiene practices to maintain the health of dental bridges. It explains that bridges create small spaces where food debris can accumulate and lead to decay if not properly cleaned. The paragraph suggests increasing oral hygiene routines, such as using floss threaders and water flossers, to ensure these areas are thoroughly cleaned. It also mentions that dental bridges can affect speech and eating habits, but these adjustments are typically quick and can be improved through reading out loud and practicing in front of a mirror.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dental Bridges
💡Prosthodontist
💡Dental Implant
💡Decay
💡Bone Loss
💡Oral Hygiene
💡Speech
💡Diet
💡Aesthetic Concerns
💡Wear and Tear
💡Tissue Recession
Highlights
Dental bridges are designed to last a long time but may not be a final long-term solution.
The average lifespan of a dental bridge is about 7 to 10 years with an 85% success rate in a healthy patient.
At the 15 to 20-year mark, the success rate of dental bridges drops to about 75%.
Bridges can last 40 years with proper care and quality materials.
Decay or cavities under the bridge edge is a primary reason for bridge failure.
Natural tissue recession can lead to a gap between the bridge and the bone or tissue.
Decay can develop at the gum line, potentially requiring bridge replacement.
Wear and tear from the mouth's tough environment can damage bridges.
Bridges may need to be replaced if a cavity eats away at the structure.
Dental bridges require special attention and care with dental hygiene to maintain the health of the area.
Bridges can create small nooks and crannies that require extra cleaning.
Bridges can affect speech and eating habits, usually in a positive way.
Adjustment period for a new bridge may involve tongue and cheek biting.
Reading out loud and practicing in front of a mirror can help with speech adjustment after getting a bridge.
Bridges are made of hard, strong materials friendly to opposing teeth.
Avoid chewing ice as it can damage the teeth and the porcelain on bridges.
Transcripts
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