Need a dental crown procedure for a cracked tooth or missing tooth? Find out how to care for a dental crown to help you keep your temporary or permanent crown healthy, strong and beautiful. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your dental crown lasts for many years.
Do Crowns Need Maintenance?
Yes! Just like natural teeth, permanent crowns require regular maintenance to stay healthy and functional. Although crowns are designed to be durable, they can still suffer from decay or damage if not adequately cared for and need proper maintenance to last longer.
Learn How to Properly Care For Dental Crowns
Dental crowns help strengthen cracked and worn down teeth, improving appearance and protecting the inner important parts of weakened teeth. They are fixed, look and function like normal teeth and can last for many years with proper care. However, there are some things you need to know to keep looking their best. Here are our best tips on how to care for a dental crown.
Dental Crown Cleaning
Poor oral hygiene is a major cause of dental crown damage, so keeping your crowns clean is essential. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. This will help to prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other issues that could affect the longevity of your dental crowns. When brushing and flossing, use gentle motions to avoid damaging the crown or restoration. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is recommended. An electric toothbrush may also be helpful for cleaning around the crown, as it can provide a gentler and more effective cleaning.
Avoid Eating Hard or Sticky Foods That Can Damage Your Crowns
Knowing how to care for a dental crown means being aware of the types of foods that could damage it. Hard or sticky foods can be tough on crowns, as they can dislodge them or cause breakages. Avoid eating hard candy, ice, nuts, crunchy snacks, and sticky foods like gum and caramel. Chewing ice can also be damaging to the surface of your teeth, as well as the dental restorations. Eating softer foods is the best way to ensure that your crowns and restorations stay in good condition for as long as possible.
Avoid Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause damage to your dental crowns and other restorations. If you grind their teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a custom night guard to protect them while you sleep.
See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is essential for keeping your dental crowns in good condition. During these visits, your dentist can assess the crown quality and identify potential problems before they become more serious. They can also advise on how to better care for your restorations and recommend any necessary treatments.
When Will a Crown Need To Be Replaced?
Dental crowns usually last between five to fifteen years, depending on how well they are taken care of. However, certain signs may indicate it’s time to replace your crown. These include visible chips or cracks in the material of the crown, along with discolouration or staining. Additionally, if your gums start receding or your mouth experiences pain when biting down on something hard, these could also be signs that it’s time for a replacement.
How Long is a Crown Supposed To Last?
A temporary crown is typically made from acrylic and is designed to last anywhere from a few days up to six months. Metal or resin crowns can last anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on how well they are taken care of. Proper maintenance includes brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Also, make sure you avoid eating overly hard foods such as ice cubes or hard candy so as not to damage the material of the crown itself. Doing all these things will help ensure that your dental crown lasts its entire lifespan without needing replacement too soon.
The difference between a natural tooth and a dental crown is that while a natural tooth is covered in enamel, a dental crown has been artificially created to cover the entire surface of the damaged tooth. Therefore, you must take extra care of your dental crowns to keep them looking and functioning at their best for as long as possible.
Taking care of your new dental crown is essential for maintaining good oral health. To ensure that your crowns last as long as possible, brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Additionally, avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage your crowns and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep. With proper care, you can keep your dental crowns strong and in good condition for many years.
Get Your Dental Crown in One Visit
Many people avoid booking cosmetic dentistry work because they don’t have time for multiple appointments. Great Alpine Dental offers in-house CEREC technology that saves you time. You can get your crown or bridge in one visit.Book an appointment today.
