Overall Health Concerns

Most dental bridges are made from porcelain fused to a metal alloy, giving them strength while still looking like natural teeth. All porcelain or ceramic bridges are available for a more aesthetic look, especially for front teeth. Metal alloys such as gold can also be used but are not as popular today.

With proper care, a typical dental bridge can last up to 15 years. Longevity depends on maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding grinding habits, and getting regular dental checkups. The adhesives and materials used also impact durability.

The main alternatives include:

Dental implants  – these artificial tooth roots are surgically placed in the jaw to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

Partial dentures  – a removable device with artificial teeth that replaces multiple missing teeth.

Bridges offer a permanent, non-removable solution to tooth loss that restores your smile and ability to chew and speak properly. They prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position and maintain the proper shape of your face.

Bridges require altering adjacent abutment teeth by having their enamel removed to accommodate crowns. They don’t last as long as dental implants. Cleaning around bridges can be challenging, and care must be taken with sticky or hard foods.

Bridges require the same conscientious oral hygiene as natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss once daily, use an antiseptic mouthwash, get professional cleanings every six months, and avoid biting into excessively hard foods/objects.

It’s possible but not ideal since excessive grinding forces can dislodge or fracture the bridge over time. Your dentist may recommend wearing a nightguard appliance to protect the bridge and natural teeth.

There is no age limit for getting dental bridges if you are otherwise in good oral and general health. Many older adults have dental bridges to restore their smiles and maintain dental function.

It’s best to get any gum disease (periodontitis) stabilized first through scaling and good oral hygiene before getting a dental bridge. Otherwise, the disease can compromise the anchoring teeth that support the bridge.

Modern dental bridges, especially all-ceramic ones, look incredibly natural. The color, translucency, and shape allow the pontic teeth to blend seamlessly with your teeth.