Dental crowns are one of the most versatile dental restorations out there. Dr. Nelams uses them to fix cracks and breaks, and severe decay or sometimes to cover cosmetic issues like stained or misshapen teeth. When used with dental implants, they can even replace missing teeth. The durable materials we use for crowns should last at least a decade with proper care. However, the proper care part is important!
Your crowns will last longer if you pay attention to our tips for keeping them in great shape:
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
- Watch What You Eat
- Practice Good Daily Oral Hygiene
- Get Regular Professional Cleanings
- Protect Teeth With Mouthguards
Remember, Your Teeth Aren’t Tools
Like tooth enamel, the materials we use for crowns are very strong. However, both crowns and natural teeth can be chipped, cracked, or even broken by biting down on hard substances. Don’t chew on popcorn kernels or ice. If you bite your fingernails, stop. And don’t use your teeth to open packages or perform similar tasks.
Be Careful With Certain Foods
Popcorn, with its hard kernels, isn’t the only food that can damage dental crowns. Suck on hard candies, don’t bite down on them. Avoid sticky or very chewy foods like caramels or taffy – or at least use care when consuming them. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are healthy choices, but they can pose a danger to crowns. It’s a good idea to cut apples, carrots, and similar foods into smaller pieces before eating.
Brush and Floss Daily
Just like natural teeth, dental crowns benefit from daily brushing and flossing. Bits of food can get stuck in between crowns and adjacent teeth or crowns and your gums. Good oral hygiene removes the bacteria and plaque that causes decay.
You’ll want to avoid flossing with a temporary crown to avoid displacing it, but you need to resume this habit once you receive your permanent crown. It’s best to use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for brushing. We’re happy to offer suggestions for both.
Dental Crowns Last Longer With Regular Dental Cleanings
You should see us every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. We’ll remove the plaque you may have missed with home brushing to help keep your mouth free of cavities and gum disease. We’ll also examine your teeth and your dental restorations like crowns to ensure they are in good shape. If we find small chips or cracks on a crown, we can often repair it using composite resin (the same material used for fillings).
Avoid Damage to Dental Crowns With Mouthguards
If you play sports, especially contact sports, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your dental crowns – and your other teeth – from dental damage. We can take dental impressions that are used to create a custom mouthguard. Since fits better than one purchased from a store, you won’t mind wearing it. Instead of filling your mouth with goop, we use mess-free digital scanning technology to take impressions.
We can also fit you for a mouthguard you can wear at night to keep you from grinding your teeth. This damaging habit not only causes premature wear and tear on your dental restorations and teeth, it can also cause jaw and facial pain.
At Family Dental Care, we’ll help you take good care of your dental crowns. Call 409-206-1763 today for an appointment in our Lumberton, TX office.