How to Care for Dental Crowns and Make Them Last

Many people have dental crowns as a result of tooth decay, chipped teeth due to accidents, or to address aesthetic concerns with their natural teeth.

Dental crowns are custom-made ceramic caps used to seal the visible portion of a damaged tooth or tooth that has undergone restorative dental treatments such as root canal therapy. While dental crowns are an excellent way to treat, protect, and enhance weakened/vulnerable teeth because of their high-stress resistance properties, they still require special care to ensure longevity.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Although dental crowns are considered one of the most durable and lasting treatment options in modern dentistry, they are not indestructible. Like natural teeth, they can chip, crack, and break if not properly cared for.

Dental Studio 101’s CEREC dental crowns in Scottsdale require only a single session to design, create, and install and have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, our CEREC crowns can easily last 25-30 years.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown

To lengthen the life of your dental crown, there are some things you need to do and some things you need to avoid. These tips will help you make the most out of your investment:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene.

Dental crowns are expected to last, but their longevity is also determined by how well you take care of your teeth.

Good oral hygiene is essential whether or not you have crowns, but it is a critical component of dental crown care. Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly will help reduce discoloration and remove any food particles stuck between your teeth or gums and the edges of your crown.

Get Rid of Bad Habits.

Dental crowns undergo natural everyday wear, such as that induced by chewing or eating, but this wear is magnified enormously when you have the habit of grinding/clenching your teeth or gnawing on your nails.

If you have the tendency to grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, using a night guard can help protect your crown from getting damaged or, worse, popping off entirely. A night guard resembles a retainer that prevents your upper and lower teeth from touching.

Never Use Your Teeth (or Crowns) as a Tool.

Just like a natural tooth, a crown can fracture when used inappropriately. Using your teeth to open a plastic bag or bite your nails is a no-no. Instead, use the appropriate tool, not your teeth!

Don’t Skip Your Dental Appointments.

Perhaps the most important step in keeping your crown in the good and functional condition is to schedule regular checkups and cleaning with your dentist. Getting your teeth cleaned every six months will help maintain the condition of your natural teeth and crowns. Moreover, if there are issues with your crown, your dentist will also be able to detect and resolve them before it gets worse.

Combining routine dental visits with also the other tips mentioned above will not only ensure the longevity of your crowns but greatly benefit your overall dental health as well. If your permanent crown comes off or in case of cracked/chipped crowns, your best course of action is to contact Dental Studio 101 and schedule an appointment immediately.