A dental crown in Wilson is one of the most requested restorative treatments in the dental industry. It’s an artificial crown ingeniously crafted to replicate the visible portion of your tooth. The versatility of dental crowns is what makes them extremely popular because they not only restore the function of your tooth but also protect it against further damage while at the same time improving its appearance.
Thanks to these artificial crowns, almost any dental problem can be fixed affordably. The average longevity of well-maintained dental crowns is up to 15 to 20 years. But, if you don’t know how to care for them, you won’t be able to reap their maximum benefits. How should you take care of your dental crowns?
Caring For Your Dental Crowns
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a hollow, customizable tooth-shaped cap that serves multiple functions. Besides strengthening a weakened or damaged tooth, a dental crown can be used to improve the color of a badly stained tooth that does not respond to teeth whitening treatments. It can also alter the shape and alignment of your tooth. Some patients are advised to get a dental crown to cover an implant.
It can be made from various materials. The choice depends on the purpose of the crown. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, your dentist may recommend porcelain or composite resin as it matches the shade of your natural teeth, giving you an even smile.
If you’re after durability and functionality, you may want to consider gold, amalgam, or porcelain fused to metal crowns. To help you decide, we suggest you consult with your dentist so you can discuss your goals and concerns.
Are Dental Crowns Durable?
Dental crowns are durable, but they could break if you’re not careful.
How Should You Care for Your Dental Crowns?
#1 Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Despite your dental crowns’ strength and durability, they are not indestructible. Just like your natural teeth, they can also chip and break. One of the most important things to keep in mind when wearing dental crowns is to avoid eating hard and sticky foods.
People who ignore this advice will end up with damaged crowns and have no choice but to spend on repairs or replacements. When you consume chewy and sticky foods, your crowns can weaken or loosen. It can also cause food debris to get trapped between your gums and dental crown.
#2 Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Your new crowns may be artificial, but the teeth underneath them aren’t. Proper dental hygiene is paramount to preserving the beauty and function of your artificial crowns and natural teeth. Many contest that it doesn’t make sense since the crown fully encases your tooth. However, plaque, food particles, and bacteria can still wreak havoc if they make their way between your gums and dental crown.
Proper dental hygiene consists of regular brushing and flossing. You’re expected to brush your teeth twice daily using a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride for added protection. In addition, flossing daily is a must.
Take a clean strip of floss as you work on each tooth. Use a gentle, sliding motion to dislodge food particles trapped between your teeth effectively.
#4 Quit Unhealthy Habits
It’s not uncommon for people to bite their nails or grind their teeth when bored or anxious. Some even chew on hard objects like pencils or pens, while some use their teeth as tools to open bottle caps, remove tags, and tear open packages.
Unfortunately, if you don’t break these unhealthy habits, they will take a toll on your teeth and, more so, on your dental crowns. You should stop making these habits if you want to protect your investment.
#5 Consider Wearing a Night Guard
There are two types of bruxism, one is when you’re awake, and the other is when you’re asleep. For awake bruxism, dentists typically offer counseling about triggers and teach relaxation techniques, botulinum toxin type A injections, and occlusal splints.
But if you grind your teeth and are unaware that you’re doing it, your dentist will recommend you use a night guard to stop your teeth from rubbing against each other. If you continue to grind and clench your teeth, your dental crowns will break over time.
#3 Visit Your Dentist
It’s also vital to visit your dentist regularly for an oral exam and routine teeth cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends you see your dentist once every six months. This also allows your dentist to check your crowns and assess if they are correctly fitted so they can last for years.
Make an Appointment for a Dental Crown in Wilson!
At Tyron Family Dentistry, we are proud to use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to provide you with superior quality dental crowns that can last for years. If you want to learn more about caring for your crowns, we can help. Book an appointment today!
