3 Things That Can Cause a Dental Bridge to Fail

Are you missing one or more consecutive teeth? If so, your dentist may recommend replacing them with a dental bridge. Dental bridges close the gap between your pearly whites with a dental crown over the two teeth at either end of it or over dental implants. Though bridges are a sturdy, long-lasting solution to missing teeth that can last over a decade with proper care, there are a few things that can cause them to fail. Read on to learn how to prevent three common causes of dental bridge failure.

#1: Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the most common reason why bridges fail. Bacteria can get under the crowns on the teeth that support the bridge and cause cavities to develop. This weakens the teeth until they can no longer support the bridge. This may also lead to an infection in the gum tissue beneath the restoration. Luckily, taking care of your bridge requires little more than brushing twice per day and flossing under it. You may want to consider purchasing a water flosser to effectively clean the area.

#2: Not Going to Regular Dental Checkups

Biannual dental checkups are an important part of maintaining good oral health. No matter how diligent you are about brushing and flossing, there are still parts of your mouth where plaque can build up that are hard to reach without professional intervention. If plaque is left on the teeth for too long, it will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by your dental team. To extend the lifespan of your bridge and prevent infections and cavities from developing, make a point of visiting your dentist twice per year to have it cleared away.

#3: Bad Habits

There are certain bad oral habits that are more likely to cause dental bridges to fail. Some of the most common ones include:

• Biting hard objects – Fingernails, pen tips, ice, and other hard objects can damage your dental bridge and cause it to fail. Eating crunchy foods like chips and crackers can also loosen or dislodge your bridge.
• Chewing sticky or crunchy foods – Snacks like nuts and gummy candy can get stuck to your bridge and tug on it.
• Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw – Bruxism, which is characterized by unconsciously grinding or clench your teeth, often happens while patients are asleep and can lead to dental bridge failure. A custom nightguard can provide cushioning between your top and bottom teeth to prevent damage.

With the above in mind, you should be able to avoid damaging your bridge or causing it to fail. By putting in a little extra care, you’ll be able to keep your bridge in good condition and maintain a healthy, happy smile!

About the Author

Fort Worth’s oral health is in good hands with Dr. Christopher Duong, Dr. John Kuan, Dr. Khoa Pham, and their highly qualified team at Renaissance Dental. They strive to make patients feel respected and well-cared for throughout their appointment and offer tooth replacement options like dental bridges to close the gaps in your smile. Call Renaissance Dental at (817) 289-5200 or visit their website for information on how to prevent dental bridge failure or to set up an appointment.