Dental bridge lifespan: How long does it last?

If yohave one or multiple missing teeth, your dentist may suggest getting a dental bridge. So, what’s a dental bridge and what is its lifespan?

What is a dental bridge?

Dental bridge is the ideal solution if you need to replace multiple missing teeth and fill the gap they created. Indeed, it is a set of interconnected crowns that can be attached to abutment teeth of fixed on dental implants. A dental bridge will give you the aesthetic of a natural looking smile and will allow you to eat comfortably again.

What is the dental bridge lifespan?

This dental solution is generally expected to last 10 to 20 years. However the dental bridge lifespan depends on the patient’s overall health, oral health and oral hygiene.

The different types of dental bridges

The EL CEDRO Barcelona dental clinic offers two types of dental bridge solutions: traditional dental bridges and dental bridges on implants. These two types of bridges are known to be the strongest, and longest lasting type of dental bridges.

Traditional Dental Bridges

A traditional dental bridge is the most common type of dental bridge. In order to get this type of bridge, the patient must have healthy, natural teeth in the area around the gap caused by the missing teeth.

The surrounding teeth serve as a support for the bridge. The traditional dental bridge is composed of a large crown glued to the two surrounding teeth with a fake teeth in between. This operation is performed under anesthesia by the dental surgeon and is completely pain free.

Traditional dental bridge is a fixed and long lasting solution. The average lifespan of a traditional dental bridge is 20 years. Excellent dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will guarantee the bridge’s durability.

Dental bridge on implants

Dental bridge on implants, also known as implant-supported bridge is another solution for replacing one or multiple missing teeth. Implants-supported bridges are a combination of dental implant and dental bridge. This solution is suitable for patients who don’t have healthy teeth surrounding the area of the gap caused by the missing teeth.

Like a traditional dental bridge, an implant-supported bridge has a lifespan of 20 years on average. Once again, to ensure this lifetime, it is essential that the patient rigorously applies the hygiene instructions recommended by the dentist.
Dental bridge on implants is an excellent technique for finding a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and natural looking smile.

Alternatives for dental bridges

Dental implants are the alternate solution for patients who wish to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Dental implants are composed of the implant, which is an artificial root, the crown and the abutment. A dental implant replaces the missing teeth with new natural looking artificial teeth.

How much do dental bridges cost?

Dental bridges may be classified under the most expensive category of dental care. It is a very costly solution to replace missing teeth, the cost of dental bridges pushes many patients to abandon their dental treatments. However, thanks to dental tourism, you can now find affordable dental bridges solution by traveling overseas, whilst receiving a high quality of care.

As an example, when a dental bridge on 2 implants cost 4 078 € in the UK or 4 650 € in France, its cost is of 2 950 € at the EL CEDRO Barcelona clinic. For a 3-unit dental bridge, the cost is of 2 796 € in the UK and 1 950 € in France, against 1 110 € in the EL CEDRO Barcelona clinic. You are then saving 40% on your dental bridge by following your dental treatment in Barcelona.

Dental bridges aftercare

A dental bridge serves to replace missing teeth with natural looking teeth, that have the same function. As natural teeth, a dental bridge can be damaged which can reduce its lifespan. These are some after care instructions that will help maintain and extend the dental bridge lifespan:

What can you eat with a dental bridge?

Just like natural teeth, there are foods that can affect your dental bridge. Avoiding this kind of foods can help extend the dental bridge lifespan.

Foods and drinks to avoid:

• Sticky Foods :
  Gum, caramel, and chewy candy can potentially damage the dental bridge. It is advisable to avoid sticky foods, especially during the first days, when the bridge is new and has not completely bonded to the adjacent teeth.

• Hard foods:
  Dental bridges are made of strong materials, but they can still be damaged because of hard foods such as nuts. Hard foods can damage the bridge’s structure and shorten its lifespan.

• Wine, Coffee, and Cola:
  Dental bridges are made of stain-proof materials, regularly consuming dark drinks such as coffee, cola, and wine can stain the dental bridge. In order to maintain an aesthetic white dental bridge, it’s recommended to avoid these types of drinks.

Q&A

Do dental bridges fall out when they get old?

Dental bridges are made from strong materials, however, they may fall out due to tooth decay, improper bite and many other reasons. A bad oral hygiene may also damage the dental bridge and may cause it to fall out.

Are dental bridges permanent?

Dental bridges are not a permanent solution, they can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Can a dental bridge be put back in?

If the dental bridge falls out and doesn’t break the dentist can put it back in. However, if the dental bridge is broken it must be replaced with a new one.