How long does a dental bridge last? 

Patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth have many options. To name a few, a dental bridge, a partial denture, or implants may be right for you. Consult your dentist for a complete evaluation. This article explains how long dental bridges last and explores some factors that could impact their lifespan.

If you have a bridge and suspect it’s damaged or loose or want to explore dental bridges to replace missing teeth, schedule an appointment today.

What is the typical lifespan of dental bridges? 

Dental bridges can last an average of 5 to 15 years, although you can stretch that lifespan even further with proper care and maintenance to keep them clean and slow wear and tear.¹ They are considered "permanent" because they can’t be removed. Only your dentist can remove them.

¹Sources: Dental Bridges. (2023). Cleveland Clinic.

Ways to make your dental bridges last longer 

Dental bridges last longest with proper care. Here are some ways to maximize the lifespan of your bridges, saving you money and improving quality of life:  

Brush and floss daily 

Even dental bridges can get bacteria and plaque trapped between the bridges and under the gumline. Left untreated, this can cause gum disease.

Daily brushing and flossing help clean plaque, bacteria, and food debris from your dental bridge. Use a fluoride toothpaste when brushing and take extra care to address the gumline. As for flossing, do so once daily, carefully working the floss between teeth to remove the debris.  Your dentist or dental hygienist will recommend a special type of floss to use around your bridge, called "super-floss.”

Visit your dentist regularly 

Dental visits let your dentist or hygienist examine and professionally clean your mouth and check your bridge’s condition. This helps extend your bridge’s lifespan by allowing the dentist to catch wear and tear on the bridge or decay on the surrounding teeth as early as possible. They may be able to fix any issues with minor adjustments if caught early enough. Dentists can also use X-rays to check on the supporting teeth and the bones under the gums. 

Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods  

Dental bridges are strong and durable but are weaker than your natural teeth. Eating hard foods could risk chipping, cracking, or breaking the bridge. These foods could loosen or dislodge the bridge as well. Meanwhile, sticky foods could get stuck to the bridge more easily. This can pull on the bridge, potentially loosening it over time.  Try to minimize hard or sticky foods.

Watch out for teeth grinding 

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is an often unconscious clenching of your jaw that causes you to rub your teeth together. This often happens at night, especially when stressed, since you cannot monitor your teeth grinding when sleeping. Either way, this can grind down your bridge and supporting teeth, dramatically reducing its lifespan and possibly causing damage.  

Fortunately, dentists can custom fit a mouthguard that fits precisely over your teeth, creating a barrier between upper and lower teeth. The mouthguard, or night guard, absorbs the grinding pressure to guard your bridge against it. This helps your bridge last longer, protects your other teeth, and reduces the risk of gum recession.  

What can cause dental bridges to fail? 

Bridges can fail for various reasons:  

Gum disease: Gum disease can weaken support teeth by loosening the bone underneath when not treated. Weaker support teeth may fail to hold the bridge properly.  


Tooth decay: Decay in supporting teeth weakens them, making them unable to support the bridge. This can cause the bridge to fail and may require the replacement of supporting teeth if decay is severe.  


Poor oral hygiene habits: Failing to brush, floss, and rinse daily allows bacteria to build, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.  


Lack of dental visits: Avoiding dental visits costs you the opportunity to get a professional cleaning and have your bridge examined for early warning signs of problems.  


Teeth grinding (bruxism): Bruxism wears down the bridge and support teeth through pressure and teeth grinding.

Hard and sticky foods: Hard and sticky foods can crack, chip, wear down, or loosen the bridge or support teeth.   
  


Physical trauma: Physical trauma, such as falls or blows to the face during contact sports, could damage or knock loose the bridge or supporting teeth. Protecting gear, such as mouthguards and helmets, is crucial where relevant.  


Tobacco use: Using tobacco products can accelerate tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can weaken supporting teeth and potentially reduce jawbone density. Both of these can reduce a bridge’s stability.   

Given the multiple threats your bridges can face, proper care and maintenance is of the utmost importance.  

When to call your dentist 

Contact your dentist and schedule an appointment right away if you experience any of the following:  

• Loose, chipped, or cracked bridge: A bridge that is loose or has visible chips or cracks requires an immediate dental visit. The longer you wait, the higher your risk of further dislodging, infection, or weakening.  

• Gum bleeding or inflammation: This could indicate gum disease. Gum disease is reversible in the early stage, called gingivitis, so contact your dentist immediately.  

• Pain or discomfort: Pain, discomfort, or sensitivity could indicate various dental issues. A dentist can evaluate the bridge and identify what’s causing the problems.  

• Difficulty chewing: Misaligned, damaged, or improperly installed bridges may make chewing more difficult. Your dentist can determine if the bridge requires adjustments.  

• Bad taste or odor: Trapped bacteria and tooth decay could each cause a bad taste or odor in the mouth. These problems could weaken support teeth or lead to gum disease.  
  
  

Dental bridge FAQs 

Can a dental bridge last a lifetime? 

Dental bridges seldom last for life. Eventually, you may need a replacement bridge. However, they are durable, lasting 5 to 15 years, and potentially longer with vigilance, excellent care, and regular dental visits. This can save you money and time on dental bridge replacements. 

What happens to dental bridges over time? 

Dental bridges wear and tear naturally through activities like chewing and teeth grinding. The supporting teeth can weaken over time, too, if gum disease or decay progresses. This could accelerate issues with the bridge itself, causing it to loosen or dislodge. 

Is replacing a dental bridge painful? 

Replacing a dental bridge may not cause much discomfort since dentists now use anesthesia and can provide nitrous oxide if needed for patients with dental anxiety. Patients generally feel little more than some pressure while the bridge is placed, thanks to the anesthesia.  

Moderate pain and soreness may appear after the procedure as the anesthesia wears off, but this fades within a few days. You can manage pain and swelling with over-the-counter medication and cold compresses. 

Dental bridges can last a long time with proper care and maintenance. Make sure to brush and floss daily, visit the dentist regularly, minimize hard and sticky foods, and watch out for teeth grinding. If you have any questions about dental bridges or think your bridge may be failing, schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental today.

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