Doctor Hirsh made a 10 tooth dental bridge for me in 2003 it took 1 year out of my life (for all my appointments), and $18,000 out of my pocket. In October 2007. The bridge came loose( due to "washout" & decay my family dentist said) I was under the impresion that a fixed bridge would last at least 10 years.The bridge is now unusable and needs to be replaced at a cost of $16,000 +. i am somewhat reluctant to do it again & I'm considering getting implants instead ($50,000). Had Dr. Hirsh informed me that her bridge could fail in such a short period of time, I would have considered getting the implants in the first place. As a side note I visit my dentist at least 4 times a year for cleaning and exams.