Dental crowns are a popular prosthetic solution for repairing damaged or failing teeth. Although they’re often placed on top of your existing natural teeth, they can also cap dental implants. They are also commonly found supporting replacement teeth or ‘pontics’ as part of a dental bridge.
Your replacement crown will look like the real thing. We use natural-looking porcelain crowns that are crafted to match the colour and contours of your smile. Once in place, nobody will realise they’re not your own teeth!
Crowns are hardwearing and hold up well against stains. That said, just like your real teeth, it’s essential to take proper care of your new crowns.
In this guide, we’ll run through some important care tips to help you care for your new dental crown.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
You’ll want your new crown to last for as long as possible. So how long can you expect your crown to last?
Dental enamel is tough. Your permanent teeth can last a lifetime. Although your replacement teeth aren’t as strong, they are designed to be long-lasting.
Typically, with the proper care and attention, you can expect your crown to last for at least 15 years.
Brush Your Teeth
First and foremost, keeping your crown clean will help preserve it longer. Fighting plaque bacteria will help keep that area of your mouth healthy so your crown won’t be compromised.
Brushing your teeth twice daily using a good soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will help keep your smile healthy. While brushing, ensure you’re covering the entire mouth. Don’t ignore the backs of your teeth or your less-visible molars.
Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between the gaps in your smile. This removes bacteria from even the most hard-to-reach areas. Mouthwash will also help you keep bacteria at bay.
Turn Your Back On Bad Habits
While your teeth are tough, they’re not indestructible. When you bite down on something hard, it could cause damage. And while porcelain crowns are durable, they’re not as tough as your natural teeth. This means you need to avoid certain habits.
Don’t bite pen lids or your nails, and don’t chew ice. Any hard items like these could chip or crack your crown, affecting its appearance while letting bacteria inside where it could harm the tooth below.
Be Careful While Eating Hard or Sticky Food
Similarly, hard or particularly sticky food could also harm your crown. Hard foods could cause cracks, while chewy or sticky foods could get stuck to your crown and dislodge it.
That doesn’t mean you need to change your diet, but it’s important to bite or chew carefully. Chewing on the other side of your mouth can help, as can using less force.
Visit Us for a Checkup
We’re not just here to care for your natural teeth. Our thorough checkups will ensure your dental crowns are in good condition.
Additionally, you may also want to consider coming in for an appointment with our dental hygienist. A thorough professional cleaning will help combat bacteria that could compromise your crown.
When you see us; we’ll give you great advice to help you care for your dental crowns.
Dental Crowns at SmileMore
At SmileMore, we don’t just place dental crowns; we help you take care of them too. Once we place your life-enhancing crown, we’ll support you so your smile stays healthy for life.
Whether you need a new dental crown, or need help caring for those you already have, call us today to schedule your appointment.
