If you're about to get a dental bridge, or you've had one for a few years, you've probably asked yourself the same question we hear often at Hocking Dental Care: how long does a dental bridge last? It's a fair question, because a bridge is an investment in your bite, your smile and your day-to-day comfort. The honest answer is that it depends on a few things, but there are ranges we can talk you through, and plenty you can do to help your bridge go the distance.
In this guide we'll cover what a bridge actually is, what decides how long it lasts, how to clean under one properly, and the signs that mean it's time to get it looked at. We'll also touch on the Maryland bridge, a less common type some patients ask about.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It usually works by anchoring a false tooth, called a pontic, to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighbouring teeth are shaped and fitted with crowns to hold everything in place. Some bridges rely on just one supporting tooth, and others sit on dental implants instead of natural teeth.
At Hocking Dental Care, bridges and crowns are something we look after regularly, from the first assessment through to fitting and the check-ups that follow. You can read more on our bridges page or our combined crowns and bridges page to see how the process works.
How long does a dental bridge last?
There's no single number that applies to everyone, because so much comes down to your own habits and your mouth. That said, it helps to have a general range in mind. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental bridges can last at least five to seven years, and by practising good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups, a bridge could last over 10 years.
So if you're asking how long should a dental bridge last, or how long can a dental bridge last at the upper end, the fair answer is that a well looked after bridge, checked regularly and cleaned properly, tends to do better over time than one that's left to its own devices. We won't promise a set number of years for your particular bridge, because your gum health, bite and daily care all play a part. What we can do is give you a written estimate with item numbers before treatment starts, and keep an eye on your bridge at your regular check-ups.
What decides how long your bridge lasts
- How well you clean under and around it every day
- Whether you grind or clench your teeth at night
- The health of the natural teeth supporting the bridge
- Your diet, including how often you bite into hard or sticky foods
- How regularly you come in for check-ups so small problems get caught early
Gum disease around the supporting teeth is one of the more common reasons a bridge needs attention earlier than hoped. That's why we always check the teeth either side of a bridge, not just the bridge itself, at your regular visits.
How long does a temporary dental bridge last?
If you're having a bridge made, you'll usually wear a temporary one while the permanent version is being made in a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge is only meant to protect the area and keep things working for a short stretch, generally a few weeks, not for the long term. It isn't built with the same materials or strength as your final bridge, so it's worth avoiding hard or chewy foods on that side until your permanent bridge is fitted.
What is a Maryland bridge?
A Maryland bridge is a different style of bridge. Instead of full crowns on the teeth either side of the gap, it uses a thin framework bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth to hold the false tooth in place. It's generally considered for front teeth, where biting forces are lighter, and it keeps more of the natural tooth structure intact than a traditional bridge.
Like any bridge, how long it holds up depends on your bite, your hygiene routine and how it's cared for day to day. If you're wondering whether a Maryland bridge, a traditional bridge or another option suits your situation, that's exactly the sort of thing we talk through at an assessment, using our intraoral camera to show you the area on the screen so you can see what we're looking at.
How to clean under a dental bridge
Cleaning under a bridge is a bit different to cleaning your natural teeth, because the false tooth sits above the gum rather than growing out of it. Food and plaque can get trapped underneath if it's not cleaned properly, which puts the supporting teeth at risk.
A simple daily routine
- Brush morning and night as you normally would, including the bridge itself
- Use a floss threader, interdental brush or water flosser to clean underneath the pontic, where ordinary floss can't reach
- Clean carefully around the edges of the supporting crowns, since plaque likes to build up there
- Ask us to show you the technique that suits your bridge, as every mouth is shaped a little differently
If you've never used a floss threader or interdental brush before, it can feel fiddly at first. We're happy to show you in person at a check-up, and you're welcome to ask us to slow down or repeat anything if you'd like more time to take it in.
Signs your bridge needs a check
A bridge can feel fine day to day even when something underneath it is starting to change. That's one reason regular check-ups matter, but it also helps to know what to watch for between visits.
- The bridge feels loose, or moves slightly when you bite
- You notice a change in your bite, or your teeth don't meet the way they used to
- There's a bad taste or smell near the bridge that doesn't go away with brushing
- You see a gap opening up between the bridge and the gum
- One of the supporting teeth feels sensitive, sore or different to the others
- The bridge has chipped, cracked, or the surface looks worn
None of these mean something serious is definitely wrong, but they're worth mentioning at your next visit, or sooner if something feels off. If you ever get spreading facial swelling, a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won't stop, that needs urgent attention at a hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a regular appointment.
Caring for your bridge long term
Good daily cleaning and regular check-ups are the two things that make the biggest difference to how long your bridge lasts. Beyond that, a few general habits help:
- Avoid chewing ice, pens or other hard objects
- Mention teeth grinding to us if you notice it, especially if you wake with a sore jaw
- Keep up with your regular check-ups so we can look at the bridge and the teeth supporting it
- Bring up any change in fit, feel or appearance as soon as you notice it
At Hocking Dental Care we see the same dentists each visit, which gives you continuity if your bridge ever needs a check or an adjustment down the track. Appointments are booked with enough time that nothing feels rushed, and you'll always get a written estimate with item numbers before any treatment goes ahead, so you can check it against your health fund if you'd like. We're a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF, nib and Bupa, which usually means a smaller gap for eligible treatment, and we offer HICAPS claiming on the spot. If you're with a different fund, you can usually still claim, so just ask us and we'll help where we can. If you'd like to get a feel for how we work before your first visit, our new patients page is a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental bridge last on average?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental bridges can last at least five to seven years, and with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, over 10 years. Your own result depends on your hygiene, bite and how regularly the bridge is checked.
Can a dental bridge be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes, yes. A loose or chipped bridge can occasionally be adjusted or repaired rather than remade, depending on what's causing the problem. We'd need to have a look first to know what's realistic for your situation.
Does a dental bridge need special cleaning tools?
Ordinary floss usually can't get underneath the pontic, so a floss threader, interdental brush or water flosser is generally needed to clean that area properly. We can show you which tool suits your bridge at a check-up.
What happens if I ignore a loose bridge?
A loose bridge can let plaque build up underneath it, which raises the risk of decay in the supporting teeth and can shorten the life of the bridge. It's worth getting it checked sooner rather than later, rather than waiting for it to feel worse.
Is a dental bridge covered by my health fund?
Many extras policies include some cover for bridges, but the amount depends on your fund and level of cover. We're a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF, nib and Bupa, which usually means a smaller gap, and we'll give you a written quote with item numbers so you can check the details with your fund before you go ahead.
If you'd like your bridge checked, or you're weighing up your options for a missing tooth, our team at Hocking Dental Care is happy to help. Give us a call on (08) 9306 2755, or book a time online at a time that suits you.
