Dental bridges are the perfect replacement option for patients missing multiple teeth in a row. Essentially, your dentist will place a crown on the pearly whites at both ends of your smile gap, using them as “anchors” for the replacement teeth that will fill the empty space.
Overall, it’s a durable and reliable restoration – but it can fail or break if you’re not careful. Keep reading to learn what can cause this and how you can take good care of your bridge.
What Can Cause a Dental Bridge to Fail
A dental bridge can fall out or break for a couple of different reasons. Here’s a simple list of possibilities:
- Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities or gum disease, which will weaken the nearby teeth or gums that your bridge relies on for support.
- Biting down on hard substances like popcorn kernels or bottle caps can chip or crack your bridge.
- If your pearly whites or your bite is misaligned, you may be exerting uneven pressure on your teeth. Your bridge might not fail immediately, but this can shorten its lifespan due to premature wear.
- Similarly, patients who grind or clench their teeth risk damaging the bridge material over time.
- Hard impacts and injuries can break or dislodge natural teeth, and they can certainly do the same for restorations like dental bridges.
As you can see, some of these issues are related to poor oral health, while others have more to do with unconscious habits or accidents. Whatever the case may be, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They’ll want to help you – not judge you!
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
By taking good care of your bridge and protecting it from excessive force, you can avoid failure and enjoy your restoration for years to come. Here’s what dentists recommend:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily and flossing once per day.
- Be careful when eating hard foods, and don’t use your teeth as tools.
- Consider treatments that can correct dental or bite misalignments, such as Invisalign.
- Ask your dentist for a customized nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing high-impact sports and use safety gear like helmets as necessary.
You may not be able to prevent unforeseen accidents, and your bridge will need to be replaced eventually. However, following these care tips can reduce your risk of complications and help it stand the test of time for 15 years or more! Proper maintenance and precautions are well worth it.
About the Practice
Dr. Tony Nguyen and Dr. Bradon Baird are passionate about helping their patients maintain good oral health – and promoting their general health in the process! A faulty bridge can make it difficult to enjoy these two benefits, so if you’re experiencing complications with your restoration or would like more care advice, please call their office at 972-723-1148.