Whether you’ve had one placed to restore a damaged tooth, protect a root canal, or improve your smile cosmetically, crowns are designed to be durable and functional. But like any investment, they require a little care to ensure they last as long as possible.
The good news? Keeping your crown in excellent condition doesn’t require drastic changes to your lifestyle. Instead, with some thoughtful habits and regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your dental crown and keep it looking great for years to come.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap or shell that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are typically made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and they’re designed to look exactly like your natural teeth.
Tips for Making Your Crown Last Longer
While crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer, they aren’t immune to wear and tear. The way you care for your teeth can be the key to maximizing the durability of your crown.
Brush and Floss With Care
Just because a crown isn’t a natural tooth doesn’t mean you can skip brushing and flossing. Bacteria and plaque don’t discriminate. They are just as likely to accumulate around crowns as they do on your natural teeth. Failure to properly clean a crowned tooth could lead to gum disease, cavities in surrounding teeth, or decay beneath the crown, all of which may compromise its stability.
Be sure to brush twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle but thorough to clean all surfaces of your crown and the gumline. Also, floss daily. Consider using floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes for hard-to-reach spaces.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams
You know routine checkups are important for oral health, and they’re especially important when you have a dental crown. During these visits, your dentist will examine the crown to ensure it’s still securely bonded and free of chips or cracks as well as clean the area thoroughly to remove any plaque or tartar buildup you might have missed. We also monitor the underlying tooth to check for signs of decay or infection beneath the crown.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Although crowns are built to handle chewing most, if not all, foods, certain choices can put excessive stress on your crown, leading to chips, cracks, or loosening over time.
Limit hard foods, like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies, as well as sticky treats, such as caramel, taffy, or chewing gum. Cut tougher foods into smaller pieces (like apples or crusty bread) to make chewing more manageable and reduce stress on your crown and surrounding teeth.
Address Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Tooth grinding or clenching can be harmful to your natural teeth and your dental crowns. The repetitive strain caused by grinding can increase the risk of fractures, loosen your crown, or cause wear over time.
Talk to your dentist about nightguards, which act as a barrier to reduce the force on your teeth while you sleep. In addition, practice relaxation techniques, like mindful breathing or jaw stretches, to ease tension if you clench during the day.
Don’t Ignore Issues
If you notice anything unusual about your crown, such as sensitivity, movement, or cracks, don’t wait to address it. Issues that seem minor can escalate quickly, leading to more complex problems like infections, fractures, or complete crown failure.
Love Your Dental Crown
Is it time to show your crown (and the rest of your smile) some love with a dental checkup? Schedule an appointment today!