I am proud to say that I have all my own teeth at the age of 65. While that may not sound unusual to some people, everyone in my family who is my age or older wears dentures. I always tell people that that flossing is the key to good dental health. I have arthritis in my hands, but I don't let it keep me from flossing every day. My trick is to use those little "flossers" you can buy at the drug store. They have plastic handles floss stretched out on top of the handle. These make flossing easier on days when my arthritis is acting up. I started this blog to let other people know that they can keep their teeth healthy into old age when they take care of them. If you have hand pain, find ways to make flossing easier, like I did.
Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing
Dental Bridges: What Causes Them To Fail And How To Prolong Their Life
Francis Miles
When you are missing a tooth in your mouth, it can be embarrassing and can lead to other dental problems; however, there are ways to fix this problem. If you do not want to invest thousands of dollars for a dental implant, the next best solution is choosing a dental bridge. Dental bridges can also be expensive, but they can last a very long time if you care for them properly. Here are some things you should know about dental bridges, including tips to help yours last as long as possible.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges come in various forms, but the most common type is considered a traditional bridge. This type of bridge is made up of two main components:
- An artificial tooth – This is a tooth created out of porcelain (or another material), and it is designed to replace the tooth you are missing. A dentist can make it to match the other teeth in your mouth, and it will be custom-made to fit perfectly in the space where your tooth is missing.
- Two crowns – To hold the artificial tooth in place, your dentist will make two dental crowns that will fit over the teeth directly next to the missing tooth. These crowns are permanently attached to the artificial tooth, which means that the entire piece is completely connected.
Dental bridges are usually fixed, which means they are cemented into place in your mouth; however, there are times when dentists use removable bridges.
How Long Do They Last?
Dental bridges can last up to 15 years in some cases; however, there are times when they only last five years or so. On average, dental bridges only last five to seven years, though. There are a number of factors that can affect the length of time they last, including:
- The material used to make the bridge – Porcelain bridges with metal abutment tend to hold up well compared to other options.
- The way it was installed – Dentist must make sure they build the bridges properly in order for them to last.
- The time and money you spend on oral care habits and procedures – Taking care of your teeth and your bridge is vital for it to last long.
While you cannot control some of these factors, there are many you can control.
What Causes Bridges To Fail?
If you take good care of your bridge and teeth, you may be able to make your bridge last up to 15 years, or possibly even longer. First, you should realize what causes bridges to prematurely wear out, and there are several things:
- Failing to take care of your teeth – According to Colgate, the major thing that causes bridges to fail is cavities. If you develop cavities on the teeth that are supporting the bridge, your bridge is likely to fail quickly. To avoid bridge failure, you must take good care of your teeth. If you develop any problems with your teeth, get them fixed as soon as possible.
- Living with bad habits – Your habits can also cause your bridge to fail, and this includes biting your nails and clenching your teeth. To avoid problems with your bridge, you will need to try to break these habits.
- Eating the wrong foods – The things you eat can also cause failure of a bridge. If you have a bridge, you should avoid eating things that are excessively hard, sticky, or crunchy.
If you are planning on spending a lot of money to replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge, you must take the right steps to care for it. By doing this, it will last longer, and you will be able to avoid needing additional dental work. To learn more about bridges, contact a dentist in your area today. Visit sites like http://rosecitydental.com/ for additional info on dental bridges and dentists you can help you.
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