How Long Do Dental Bridges Last And What Makes Them Fail?
September 14, 2026
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
If you have a missing tooth, a dental bridge can be a good option. The NHS dental guide explains that a bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth and is supported by the surrounding teeth.
Dental implants can also replace missing teeth and may support crowns or bridges. Although implants can initially be more expensive and treatment can take longer, they may provide a long-term alternative for suitable patients. Conventional dental bridges do not last indefinitely, and their lifespan depends on factors such as the health of the supporting teeth, the materials used and how well the bridge is maintained.
Durability of Bridges
Estimates of conventional dental bridge durability vary. With good care, a bridge can last for many years. The Oral Health Foundation advises that maintaining the health of the supporting teeth and attending regular dental appointments can help prolong a bridge’s life.
Implant-supported bridges can also provide a long-term solution, although their lifespan varies between patients. The health of the gums and tissues surrounding the implants is particularly important.
Care of Bridges
One of the main challenges with a bridge is keeping the area beneath and around it clean. Food debris and plaque can accumulate around the supporting teeth and gums, potentially increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Your dentist or hygienist may recommend special floss, interdental brushes, or other cleaning aids. For implant-supported bridges, implant hygiene guidance recommends personalised cleaning techniques, which may include interdental brushes, implant floss and single-tufted brushes. More.
A water flosser such as Waterpik® may also help some patients, but the best cleaning method depends on the bridge design and the spaces around it. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate the best technique for your individual bridge.
Cleaning Bridges
Clean your bridge every day, paying particular attention to the gumline, the supporting teeth, and the area underneath the false tooth. Special bridge floss, floss threaders and interdental brushes can help reach areas that ordinary brushing may miss.
The more effectively plaque is controlled, the better the chances of keeping both the bridge and the adjoining natural teeth healthy.
Regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments are also important. No single recall interval suits everyone. NICE dental guidance recommends basing the interval between oral health reviews on each patient’s individual dental health and risk of disease.
Reducing sugary foods and drinks can also help protect the natural teeth supporting the bridge from tooth decay.
Types of Bridges
There are several types of dental bridge:
- Conventional bridge: a false tooth is attached to crowns placed over neighbouring supporting teeth.
- Cantilever bridge: the replacement tooth is supported by a natural tooth on only one side. These bridges are suitable only in selected circumstances because of the forces placed on the supporting tooth.
- Adhesive or Maryland bridge: the false tooth is supported by a framework or wings bonded to the back of one or more neighbouring teeth, usually requiring less preparation of the natural teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge: the bridge is supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. This can be particularly useful when several adjacent teeth are missing.
The most appropriate type depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the neighbouring teeth and gums, your bite and the amount of available bone.
Bridge materials can include metal alloys, porcelain bonded to metal and modern all-ceramic materials. Different materials have different advantages in terms of appearance, strength and suitability, so your dentist will recommend an option based on where the bridge will be positioned and the forces it needs to withstand.
Considerations
After a bridge has been fitted, two of the most important factors affecting its long-term success are maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting the supporting teeth from decay and gum disease.
Try to avoid biting excessively hard objects that could damage the bridgework. Maintaining a balanced diet and limiting frequent sugary foods and drinks can also reduce the risk of decay affecting the natural teeth supporting the bridge.
If a bridge becomes loose, painful, damaged or difficult to clean, contact your dentist for an assessment rather than waiting until your next routine appointment.
Similar Treatments
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a sequence of removable clear aligners to gradually move the teeth. Each aligner is custom-made and is normally worn for a specified period before progressing to the next aligner in the treatment plan.
You can usually remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Patients normally need to wear them for most of the day and night, according to the instructions provided by their dentist or orthodontist.
Am I suitable for Invisalign?
The best way to find out whether Invisalign is suitable for you is to have an orthodontic assessment. Clear aligners can treat many cases of crowding, spacing, and bite problems, although more complex cases may require alternative orthodontic techniques.
Once treatment is complete, retainers are normally required to help prevent teeth from moving back to their previous positions. The British Orthodontic Society explains that retainers help keep newly aligned teeth in position following orthodontic treatment.
If you would like to find out whether Invisalign is suitable for you, contact us to arrange a consultation.