How long can I expect a dental bridge to last?

Replacing missing teeth can be achieved in many different ways. While there is no “one size fits all” solution for patients who have lost one or more teeth, there are solutions that restore the smile’s function and appearance. One option for patients at Hiebert Smith Dental Group is that of dental bridges.

How does a dental bridge work?

Dental bridges are perfect for patients who are missing one or more than one tooth within their upper or lower dental arch. The bridge itself is a porcelain restoration that is made with crowns on each end. The crowns are placed over the prepared adjacent teeth and hold the false tooth, called the pontic, over the gumline in-between. The false tooth replaces the previous tooth while using the crowns for support. This restores function and beauty to the smile, ensuring patients can eat, speak, and smile with ease.

How long will a dental bridge last?

Dental bridges will not last a lifetime as other solutions, such as dental implants, might. Instead, these restorations will typically require specialized care over time to last a decade or more. However, patients who have poor oral health habits may find their restorations will not last as long. Maintaining longevity requires patients to visit their dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation, and provide proper home care habits such as brushing and flossing after every meal.

Who is a candidate for a dental bridge?

Most patients missing teeth with adjacent teeth present may be candidates for dental bridges. To determine if a bridge is right for you, a consultation appointment and initial evaluation should be completed with the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group.

Call Hiebert Smith Dental Group today!

Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith in the Saint Helens, OR area believe in offering patients solutions for their smile, including restorations for lost or extracted teeth. If you are interested in discussing the advantages of a dental bridge with one of our team members, we welcome you to call (503) 397-6144 for an appointment. The practice, located at 1550 Saint Helens Street, is open to new and existing patients.