How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
There are many reasons someone might have a missing tooth: possibly an accident, tooth decay, congenital issues, gum disease, etc. Not only can it feel like a cosmetic problem, but it also affects how you speak, eat, smile, bite, etc. Having a missing tooth can also lead to further problems, such as periodontal disease, malocclusions (misalignment of teeth or an incorrect bite), or bone loss. To prevent those problems from becoming more severe is where a dental bridge comes in. There are a few different parts that make up a dental bridge: abutments and pontics.
Abutments are small screws that support the dental crowns. They provide stability and support to the crown and are custom to the crown’s position, allowing for better aesthetics. Abutments take about 4-6 weeks to heal, and it is very important to follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure they heal properly. There are three types of abutments: prefabricated, titanium, and zirconium. Prefabricated abutments are made in different shapes and sizes based on what the patient needs. Often they are made from stainless steel, zirconium, and titanium. Titanium abutments are considered the “gold standard” for abutments because they are very strong, durable, and biocompatible. Zirconium abutments are an alternative to titanium dental implants. They are known for their high resistance to cracking and are designed to be long-lasting. Zirconium abutments are considered to be more durable than titanium.
Pontics are artificial teeth that replace missing teeth, and they are designed to address the different needs as well as preferences of the patient. There are four different types of pontics commonly used: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.
- Traditional: This type of pontic is the most common and is attached to the crown, replacing the missing tooth. They can be made of various materials such as metal or porcelain.
- Cantilever: This pontic is designed for a patient who has only one healthy tooth next to the missing tooth. Therefore, this pontic extends from the crowned tooth, putting much more stress on it. Because of this, it is less common than a traditional pontic.
- Maryland: A Maryland pontic does not require crowns on the nearest healthy teeth. Instead, there are two small wings on the tooth that are bonded to the two outside healthy teeth.
- Implant-Supported: This is the most stable and long-lasting option. The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial root. It provides tremendous support and prevents bone loss.
Dental Bridge: Life Span
On average, a dental bridge can last between 5 and 7 years, and even 10 years with proper care and good oral hygiene.
There are a few factors that the dentist will consider to determine what type of bridge you require. They include, but are not limited to: age, number of missing teeth, size of gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, whether or not you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap, overall gum health, overall tooth health, and your personal preferences. Contact your dentist for more information.
Related Article: What is a Dental Bridge?