A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side. It restores your smile and your bite, and with the right care a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Why bridge care is a little different
A bridge is joined together as one piece, so regular floss cannot slide between the replacement tooth and its neighbors. Plaque can collect under the bridge and around the supporting teeth, which can lead to decay or gum disease that threatens the whole bridge.
How to clean under a bridge
- Floss threaders: Thread floss under the replacement tooth and slide it along the supporting teeth.
- Super floss: Pre-cut floss with a stiff end and spongy section designed for bridges.
- Interdental brushes: Small brushes that fit under and around the bridge.
- Water flosser: A stream of water flushes debris from under the bridge.
Clean under your bridge at least once a day, and brush all surfaces twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Foods to be careful with
You can eat most foods with a bridge, but very hard items like ice and hard candy can crack porcelain, and sticky foods like caramel can loosen it. Cut tough foods into smaller pieces.
Signs your bridge needs attention
- A bridge that feels loose or moves
- Pain or sensitivity in a supporting tooth
- Bad taste or odor around the bridge
- Swollen or bleeding gums near the bridge
- A chip or crack in the porcelain
Bridges vs. implants
Bridges are a proven, cost-effective choice. If the supporting teeth are healthy and do not need crowns, an implant may be an alternative worth discussing because it does not rely on neighboring teeth. You can learn more from the American Dental Association at MouthHealthy.org.
Dental bridge FAQs
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge commonly lasts 10 to 15 years or more with good home care and regular checkups.
Can a dental bridge be repaired?
Small chips can sometimes be repaired, but a loose or damaged dental bridge often needs to be replaced.
Bridge care near Elkhart and South Bend
Learn more on our dental bridges page or schedule a checkup at Michiana Family Dental, 3575 Portage Ave, Suite A, South Bend, IN. We serve patients from Elkhart, Bristol, Mishawaka, and across Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.