02
May
Long Live Your Crowns: 4 Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Porcelain Crowns
A dental crown is a restorative appliance that replaces the outer layer of the tooth enamel. Dental crowns in Westminster, Colorado, might be the right treatment for you when you have missing or extensively damaged teeth.
In the past, patients only had metal crowns as the only crown option. Advancements in science have enabled our office to use all-ceramic crowns. At Jepsen, Murphy & Associates Dental, we offer porcelain dental crowns because of their functional and aesthetic benefits. What about their longevity? Porcelain crowns can last 15-plus years, but you must take optimal care of them. Read on to discover essential tips for maintaining your dental crowns.
Dental crown maintenance tips
Although dental crowns won’t last a lifetime, proper maintenance can ensure they last many years. (Hint: Dental crown maintenance is straightforward—in fact, it’s not different from caring for your natural teeth).
Observe the tips below to ensure crowns stay healthy and beautiful.
- Optimal oral hygiene: Even though dental crowns are artificial, they require maintenance similar to your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are essential to prevent plaque and harmful bacteria from affecting your crown’s durability. Moreover, consider discussing the use of an alcohol-free mouthwash with your dentist for added protection.
- Bi-annual dental exams: Don’t forget about regular dental exams. During your appointment, we will inspect the condition of your crowns and take remedial actions before it’s too late. We also professionally clean your teeth to remove built-in plaque and tartar.
- Watch what you eat: Although dental crowns are strong and durable, what you put in your mouth can affect their longevity. Avoid acidic and sugary foods, as they can damage your teeth. Additionally, refrain from eating hard and chewy foods as they can dislodge your crown. Lastly, don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or cut fingernails.
- Wear a mouth guard: Do you brux your teeth? Teeth grinding forces are strong enough to dislodge your crown. So, you should talk to a dentist about a bespoke mouthguard to protect your crown and entire smile. Similarly, consider a sports guard to protect your crown from injuries if you participate in contact sports.
Want to learn more about dental crowns, including maintenance? Call (303) 452-4556 to talk to the friendly team at Jepsen, Murphy & Associates Dental.