5 Tips for Taking Care of Dental Crowns
So, you’ve protected your teeth with dental crowns. But, how do you maintain your strengthened smile? At Dazzling Smiles, we know you deserve to be getting the most out of them. To understand the after-care required, it’s important to understand the procedure and the purpose of the crowns.
Procedure of Dental Crown
Dental crowns restore and protect damaged, decayed or otherwise, compromised teeth.
Your dentist will begin with an examination of your teeth and determine if a dental crown is suitable for you and what sort you may need. If a dental crown is the best option for you, the tooth will be prepared by removing any damaged or decayed areas and reshaping the remaining tooth structure to accommodate the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth will then be taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown will be made. The permanent crown will be carefully fitted and bonded into place, with your dentist making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and proper fit.
To increase the longevity and preserve the functionality of your dental crowns, there are five main needs that must be met, that we will share with you.
Brushing and flossing regularly
To conserve your dental crowns, ensure that you are brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Keeping your crowns clean and the plaque build-up in your teeth to a minimum is essential to preventing wear-and-tear, thus increasing the longevity of your crowns.
Avoid hard foods
Hard foods such as ice or hard candy are best to be avoided if you have dental crowns. Because of the force required to break hard foods such as these, your dental crowns can be threatened with chips or cracks.
Use a soft bristled toothbrush
The gentle option for brushing your teeth is most appropriate, as hard bristled toothbrushes may be too rough and damage your dental crowns or surrounding teeth.
Avoid teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause the crown to wear down or even break. If you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard may be a suitable, preventative measure.
Stay away from stains
Certain foods such as red wine, coffee and tobacco, can stain your teeth and crowns. To minimise staining, it’s best to limit your consumption of these items or brush your teeth immediately after consuming them.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining the health of your crowns. Your dentist will check for any potential problems that may have arisen between dental visits and clean your teeth and crowns to keep them in great condition.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
An estimate for how long dental crowns can last is roughly 10-20 years but the lifespan of a dental crown depends on several factors. These include the type of crown material used, the location of the crown and the patient’s oral hygiene habits, and other individual factors.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Australia?
Depending on which clinic you decide to book the procedure with and the complexity of your situation, the prices will vary. For an accurate estimate, it is recommended to contact the clinic for a better estimate of the cost for your specific procedure.
At Dazzling Smiles, we believe in assisting you with your oral health, in the dental chair and out of it as well! If you would like to obtain more information about dental crowns or prefer a consultation, contact our clinic and our supportive team will chat with you about your options.
