How to Keep Your Dental Crowns in Good Condition and Make Them Last Longer

By visiting our dentist office, you can help to keep your dental crowns in good condition for a longer period of time.  Crowns are an excellent option in restorative dentistry because they surround your damaged tooth like a cap. They provide complete coverage and protection so that your tooth can remain in place even after becoming cracked or chipped.  We use this procedure on a regular basis and are experts at creating crowns that look natural.

It starts by taking an impression of your mouth.  When creating a crown in the dental lab, it must be a perfect fit for the shape and size of your tooth. Additionally, the ridges in the top of the crown need to be perfect so that it doesn't interfere with your bite and how your teeth fit together.  This takes paying attention to every detail and by spending time doing so, we can make sure that your crown will fit perfectly and feel great.

Once your crown has been bonded to your tooth it should remain in place for years.  It will provide the protection that your tooth needs since nothing will touch the tooth directly but will instead, touch the crown.  By taking care of your dental crowns, they can last for a long time and continue to look amazing.  How long they last depends in part on the type of material that they are made of.  For example, all-metal crowns last the longest and are known to last for over fifteen years.  They are typically placed on back teeth since they stand out in appearance and don't look natural.  All-porcelain crowns look the best because they look like natural teeth. The challenge is that they can break more easily and tend to only last for five to ten years.  Porcelain-on-metal is a good alternative because it combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain.

It is important to pick the material that you feel will accomplish your goals.  For example, an all-porcelain crown is not a good option for back teeth since it won't provide enough durability.  Simultaneously, all-metal crowns are not a good solution for front teeth since they completely stand out.

Once your dental crowns are in place, you can take specific steps in order to keep them in good condition. This includes brushing and flossing throughout the day and visiting the dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned. This way your gums and teeth will stay free from infection and your crown will stay healthy.  After all your crown is on top of your tooth so if your roots become infected, that will impact the crown.

Additionally, you can protect your crowns and your other teeth by wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.  Tooth injuries are extremely common, and this simple step can prevent many of them.  If you want to stay safe and prevent crown damage keep your teeth out of harms way, brush regularly, eat a healthy diet and don't grind your teeth. These simple steps will keep them in good condition.