In essence, dental crowns are “caps” for damaged teeth. Dental crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Apart from helping strengthen damaged teeth, dental crowns are also used to enhance the teeth’s appearance, shape, or alignment.
Dental crowns may be recommended to:
- Replace a large filling (especially when there’s not enough tooth remaining)
- Prevent weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a tooth that’s fractured
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a poorly shaped or discoloured tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
- Cover a dental implant
Caring for Dental Implants Accordingly
In terms of restoring one’s smile, crowns can be extremely versatile and can correct a vast array of cosmetic flaws apart from adding strength to teeth that have been damaged by trauma or decay.
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest benefits dental crowns offer is their durability: with proper care, crowns can last for many years. The key to their longevity however is knowing the steps to take to ensure any possible damage to the crowns are prevented.
Regardless if you have one or several crowns to look after, observing the following tips can help warrant they last for a very long time:
Avoid hard and sticky foods
While crowns are strong and durable, they can still be damaged just like the natural teeth. Chewing on hard food, candies, and even ice can cause your dental crowns to crack, chip, or break.
Sticky and very chewy foods might also cause problems as it can either loosen or weaken the crown. Once the crowns get loose, food bits can get trapped between the gums and the crown so it is recommended that they are avoided at all cost.
Brush and floss regularly
While your crown is considered artificial, it is still crucial that proper (and regular) brushing and flossing is observed so plaques are prevented. Regular flossing is also recommended to ensure food particles are not trapped between the crown and the neighbouring tooth.
Also, while the tooth is covered by a crown, some will experience sensitivity issues when consuming hot or cold foods. For those who have sensitive teeth, using a toothpaste that’s especially made for sensitive teeth is considered ideal.
Kick bad oral habits
Do you chew on ice, pencils, and other hard objects? Do you like biting your nails? Do you use your teeth to open bottle caps? If you have dental crowns, consider it best to kick those bad habits if you want your dental crowns to last for a very long time.
If you’ve tried breaking those habits but in vain, it is recommended that you double down on your efforts. Your gums and teeth will not only thank you, you are also guaranteed the money you invested in your crown will not go to waste.
Use a night guard
While occasional grinding and clenching won’t really do much damage, severe grinding and clenching can do significant damage to the teeth including the dental crowns. If your bed partner informs you that you grind or clench your teeth regularly, ensure you visit your dentist right away.
Your dentist can help create a custom night guard to help ensure your natural teeth as well as your dental crowns are protected accordingly while you sleep.
Visit your dentist regularly
Routine dental visits at least every 6 months is considered ideal if you want to keep the gums healthy and your dental crowns in peak shape. Visiting your dentist is also important to ensure the crown is still fitted as it should so it continues to last for many years.