Missing several teeth can be a major source of embarrassment and make you less likely to smile around friends and family. Fortunately, a dental bridge can “bridge the gap” left by consecutive missing teeth. This popular restoration offers a wide range of benefits, including strength and durability. However, despite their reliability, dental bridges can still sometimes fail. Keep reading to learn five major factors that contribute to dental bridge failure in Superior and how you can care for your replacement teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Practicing excellent oral hygiene is an essential part of keeping your bridge in great shape. If you fail to brush twice a day, bacteria may accumulate under your bridge and cause decay in your abutment teeth. You should also floss at least once a day and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to protect your oral health and extend the lifespan of your restoration.
Insufficient Abutment Teeth
Abutment teeth are the natural teeth on either side of a dental gap that support a bridge. If your abutment teeth are not healthy, they may not be able to withstand chewing forces from a bridge. Any instability from weak teeth can result in trauma that causes dental bridge failure.
Bad Habits
You may have bad habits that you don’t realize put your dental bridge at risk. Nail biting, teeth grinding, chewing on pencils and pens, frequently eating hard, sticky foods, and munching on ice cubes can all contribute to dental bridge failure in Superior. If you catch yourself doing any of these, cut it out immediately.
Skipping Dental Visits
Be sure to visit your dentist regularly if you want to avoid dental bridge failure. Biannual dental checkups are an opportunity for your dentist to make sure your dental bridge is still in excellent shape. Your dentist or dental hygienist will also remove plaque and tartar buildup around your abutment teeth.
How to Care for a New Bridge
Dental bridges can last over ten years with proper dental care! Follow these tips to ensure your restoration lasts as long as possible:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily
- Consider getting a special floss threader to clean effectively under your bridge
- Use fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial mouthwash
- Eat a mouth-healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Visit your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups
If you have several missing teeth in a row, dental bridges are an excellent solution to restore your smile and confidence. Ask your dentist for more tips to ensure your restoration lasts for many years into the future.
About the Author
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III has over 15 years of experience rebuilding patients’ smiles with high-quality restorations. The proud Marquette University School of Dentistry graduate has completed additional training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. To learn more about how to avoid dental bridge failure in Superior, visit the Hill Avenue Dental website or call 715-392-5161.