At first, you only noticed that your dental bridge was starting to “wiggle” a bit whenever you chew. Now it feels like it’s threatening to fall out, and you can’t imagine how mortifying this would be if you were with friends or family or eating with work colleagues. It used to be so stable, so what changed? There are a few reasons why this might be happening, and fortunately, bringing security back to your bite is fairly straightforward.
Potential Cause: Your Mouth Has Changed
When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone that used to support it starts to gradually shrink. This is because it relies on the tooth’s stimulation to receive blood flow and remain strong. Without it, the body naturally starts to resorb the bone, sending nutrients to other places. While getting a dental bridge can help close a gap in your smile, it can’t stop this process. As a result, the gum and bone tissue that used to support your bridge may have changed, allowing it to shift around.
Potential Cause: Your Bridge Has Changed
On average, a dental bridge can last about 10-15 years before needing to be replaced. That’s because even well-made prosthetics can become worn down over time due to the stress of daily chewing. Unconscious habits like teeth grinding can accelerate this process.
Potential Cause: Accident
Did you drop your bridge while cleaning it? Did you experience a strong impact while playing sports? Did you bite into a really hard piece of food? All of this and more can damage a bridge, warping the underlying structure so that it doesn’t fit like it used to.
The Solution: Call Your Dentist
No matter what is troubling your bridge, the solution is very simple—reach out to your dentist. You can’t repair the prosthetic on your own (nor should you try), and your dentist can either fix your bridge or give you a replacement if necessary. If you’re unsure what caused the problems you were experiencing in the first place, they can offer some insight into this as well.
The best kind of dental bridge is one that you never have to think twice about, whether you’re eating or spending time with loved ones. If it has been on your mind more and more lately, that probably means it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Pretty soon, you won’t have to give it a second thought.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.