How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

If you’re missing a couple of teeth, dental bridges are capable of making you feel back to normal virtually no time at all. These small restorations can replace anywhere from one to four teeth, and if they’re done right, they can look stunningly realistic. In fact, you might eventually begin to forget that they aren’t your real teeth!

That said, these restorations won’t necessarily last forever. You might wonder how long you can expect your dental crowns to stick around and what you can do to increase their lifespan. Here’s what you should know.

How Long do Dental Bridges Usually Last?

As you can imagine, this answer is different for everyone. On average, a dental bridges will last anywhere from 5 to 7 years before needing to be replaced, at least according to data from the Cleveland Clinic. However, they can last over ten years if you take care of them well, and there are some instances of them even sticking around for a lifetime!

Factors that Affect a Dental Bridge’s Lifespan

You might wonder why it’s so difficult to let you know how long dental crowns last, and it’s in part because there are a lot of variables that can potentially change it. For one, not all dental bridges are the secured in the same way; some are attached to natural teeth, while others are held in place by thin metal posts implanted into the jaw. The latter, called implant bridges, tend to last longer.

The location of the dental bridge in the mouth also makes a difference. The molars are under greater pressure, which means that they will usually fail faster. Material also matters, with metal lasting slightly longer than tooth-colored bridges.

How to Increase the Lifespan of a Dental Bridge

However, arguably the most important components to your dental bridges expected lifespan are the things that you have control over. Taking good care of your dental bridge through consistent dental hygiene will allow it to stick around for as long as possible, so if you brush and floss yours consistently you’ll be able to enjoy your new teeth for a long time to come!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Eskridge has been in dentistry for nearly 20 years, and he can confidently say the work that he does will never get boring. Being able to use the art of dentistry to complete his patients smiles with beautiful restorations always inspires him to learn and grow in his field. Dr. Eskridge completed his dental degree at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and he has trained extensively with the prestigious Dawson Academy.

If you have any questions about dental bridges, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (614) 792-0063.