Considering how you rely on your dental bridge for everyday biting and chewing, if it were to ever fail, it would truly be an unfortunate disaster! Knowledge is power when it comes to risks like this, though, and learning why bridges fail can help you avoid needing a prompt replacement. Keep reading for four things that tend to hurl dental bridges towards an early expiration date.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
There’s a good reason why dentists tell you to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. If you don’t maintain consistent oral hygiene habits, harmful bacteria will build up in your mouth and eventually lead to issues like gum disease and cavities.
Now, your dental bridge is inorganic, meaning that the restoration itself can’t develop these conditions. However, it does rely on the two natural teeth on either end of your dental gap for support. Bacteria can infect these pearly whites, and if decay occurs, your bridge will come loose.
2. Shifting Teeth
Depending on when you got your dental bridge, it’s possible your facial features are still undergoing some natural changes. Or maybe some other factor caused nearby teeth to shift out of their original positions. Either way, dental drift can affect how well your bridge fits in your mouth. Most often this creates discomfort or difficulties with chewing, but in severe cases, the situation can make the restoration fail.
3. Bad Dental Habits
Fixing a bad habit is easier said than done. Many of the ones typically related to teeth have to do with stress or nervousness, making them particularly hard to break. It’s in your best interest to try, though, because the excess strain will wear down both your natural enamel and inorganic bridge more quickly. Here are some examples of dental habits you should avoid:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth (a.k.a. “bruxism,” which can be treated with a custom nightguard)
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Biting your nails
- Using your teeth as tools for opening packages or bottles
4. Physical Injury or Trauma
Out of all the reasons that dental bridges fail, this one is perhaps the most common. Accidents happen, and just like how a forceful impact can break a natural tooth, it can also break a bridge. Since these circumstances are usually unexpected, they can’t always be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk of dental damage by taking careful safety measures, such as wearing a mouthguard while participating in rough sports or activities.
With good oral hygiene practices, a bit of mindfulness, and some pro-tips from your dentist, you can promote the longevity of your dental bridge. They’ve been known to last for 15 years or more with proper care, so taking a few extra precautions to avoid failure is well worth it!
About the Practice
Dr. Sivan Patel and Dr. Amir Danesh Sani are skilled dentists with advanced training in a variety of treatments. Their hands-on experience has taught them the value of patient education. If you get a dental bridge in Des Plaines, Dr. Patel and Dr. Danesh will make sure you’re well-informed about the best way to care for your new restoration. To contact their office for an appointment, call 847-297-0808.
