With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years right around the corner there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate in the coming weeks. Naturally, along with those big events there will be plenty of big meals too!  But if you wear dentures, you may not be able to enjoy the same foods you always did in seasons past. Don’t put your smile at risk this year: beware of these denture dangers that could damage your prosthetics!

If there’s not enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, they can become impacted, meaning they get trapped under the gums. Not only can this be very painful, but if the wisdom teeth aren’t removed as promptly as possible, they could start causing additional oral health problems. Below are 4 examples of consequences you might experience if you don’t have your impacted wisdom teeth extracted.

If you’ve lost a tooth or two, a dental bridge is an effective solution to fill the gap. Bridges have been used for generations to treat tooth loss. They are made to withstand the test of time, but they don’t last forever. Traditional fixed dental bridges have a 90% success rate after 5 years. It’s not unusual for bridges to last for 10 years or more with the proper care, but many factors can influence their lifespan. Here’s how to ensure your bridge serves you for many years.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges are designed to last for a decade or longer, but several things can affect the duration of your results, like:

• Type of Bridge: The average lifespan of a traditional fixed bridge is about 10 years. An implant-supported solution can last for 30 years or more.
• Quality of Materials: High-quality materials tend to last longer than cheaper options.
• Length of Bridge: A dental bridge can replace 1 or more lost teeth in a row. However, most dentists recommend replacing no more than 3 teeth with a traditional bridge because longer restorations may not be as stable. 
• Diet Choices: Eating hard, crunchy, and chewy foods often can put additional wear and tear on your bridge, damaging it over time. Sugars and starches can lead to tooth decay, which can cause your bridge to fail.
• Oral Hygiene Habits: Poor brushing and flossing habits increase your risk of cavities, which can cause dental bridge failure.
• Lifestyle Habits: Certain lifestyle habits can also damage your bridge, like chewing on your fingernails, grinding your teeth, or smoking.

How to Get the Most from Your Bridge

You can ensure your dental bridge lasts for several years by committing to good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss your teeth every day. Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist every 6 months. They’ll keep your mouth healthy and check your bridge at each appointment to ensure it is functioning as intended.

Eat nutritious foods that are limited in sugars and starches. Avoid any foods that are hard, chewy, or crunchy. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, ask your dentist for a nightguard to protect your smile. Keep inedible objects out of your mouth, including your finger.

If you prefer a longer-lasting solution, ask your dentist about the benefits of adding dental implants to your bridge.

About Dr. Alan Rauchberg

Dr. Rauchberg has over 30 years of experience in dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry and has pursued continuing education to provide the latest dental solutions, including tooth replacement methods. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. If you need a replacement bridge, request an appointment through his website or contact his office at (973) 233-4603.

When it comes to addressing tooth loss, dentures are a tried and tested way of restoring the appearance and function of smiles. You probably know that dentures have been around for a while, but do you know how dentures got started? This prosthetic is much older than you may expect. Continue reading to learn more about dentures and have they have evolved through the years to be what they are today.

Many people are surprised to learn that dental insurance coverage doesn’t always include dental implants. As a result, these patients put off their treatment, not knowing how to use their coverage to their advantage. Every year, cases like these lead to approximately $100 billion in unused dental benefits across the US! If you’re considering dental implants, continue reading. You’ll learn why it’s a good idea to understand what your insurance covers and how you can maximize your benefits before they expire.

People often form a first impression of you based on an initial meeting or an online profile photo, and if your teeth look more yellow than white, you’re less likely to make a positive impact. Although plenty of commercially available products claim to be able to lighten them, there’s no guarantee that you’ll achieve the desired results. To make matters worse, some patients also develop sensitivity from inaccurate applications or overexposure to bleaching agents.

Fortunately, your dentist can provide professional whitening services that can help! However, there are different types of dental discoloration, and not all of them can be treated topically. Read on to learn more about the types of stains and how they’re usually handled!

In 2009, Dental Hygiene Awareness Month was created with the goal of reminding people of the importance of oral health as well as how to prevent tooth decay and other common problems. If you’re just now hearing about it, that’s okay – it’s never too late to take a look at your dental care regimen and make improvements where needed. If you’re not sure where to start, then read on for five tips!

If your child needs braces, the cost could worry you a bit. That’s only natural – orthodontics is known to be pricier than other kinds of oral care. You could even ask yourself, “Will dental insurance cover orthodontic treatments?” Still, the good news is that your Parsippany dentist can address this and similar concerns. Simply keep reading to learn about dental insurance, whether it covers orthodontics, and other ways to save money on treatment.

Though dentures may fit well at first, they could need adjustments over time. Your mouth’s shape changes as you get older, after all. The issue could even make you want to reline your dentures yourself to save money. However, you really shouldn’t try DIY repairs when it comes to your smile. Doing so would likely ruin your prosthetics and your oral health as well. To learn why, here’s a primer on denture relining and why you should leave it to dentists.

Even if you’ve lost teeth, dental implants can seem like a hard sale at first. They often cost more than dentures and dental bridges, so you may wonder if a different option makes more sense. You could even ask yourself,” Are dental implants worth their price?” All that said, these replacement teeth do justify the extra expense. Your Parsippany dentist will even show you how that’s possible. So, here’s a primer on dental implants’ priceless perks and potential long-term savings.