Do you want your porcelain crown to last long and maintain its stunning appearance? This article has got you covered. Various factors play a role in the lifespan of your porcelain crowns, such as proper oral care, eating habits, and much more.
Read on to learn all the essential tips for maintaining your beautiful, long-lasting porcelain crown smile.
Proper Oral Hygiene for Porcelain Crowns
Your porcelain crowns may be sturdy, but proper oral hygiene is crucial to ensure longevity. A consistent oral care routine, flossing, and using toothpaste specifically designed for those with crowns will make a significant difference.
Brushing Techniques
Like natural teeth, porcelain crowns require frequent and thorough brushing to remove plaque and prevent stains. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, and brush twice daily for two minutes. Remember to brush the gum lines gently to ensure overall oral health.
Flossing Methods
Flossing is essential to eliminate food particles and debris that can get trapped between the crown and natural teeth. When flossing, gently move the floss up and down, and be careful not to put too much pressure on the crown. Keeping the surrounding gums and teeth clean is crucial to avoid potential issues.
Using Specialized Toothpaste
If you experience tooth sensitivity around your crown, feel free to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. It will help maintain your crown’s sparkle while relieving sensitive gums and teeth.
Benefits of Maintaining a Proper Oral Care Routine
Keeping a proper oral care routine is beneficial not only for your crowns but also for your overall dental health. Brushing and flossing protect your teeth from decay, gum disease, and stains, extending the crown’s lifespan and maintaining a beautiful smile.
Avoiding Harmful Food and Drinks
While porcelain crowns are durable, they aren’t indestructible. It’s essential to avoid certain foods and drinks to promote longevity and prevent damage to your crowns.
Sticky Foods to Avoid
Sticky and chewy foods like caramel or taffy should be avoided, as they can weaken or loosen your crown. In some cases, they can even lift it off the tooth, causing discomfort and requiring a visit to the dentist for repair or replacement.
Hard Candies and Risks
Chewing on hard candies, ice, and other hard foods can crack or chip your porcelain crowns. It’s best to avoid these foods either or consume them cautiously to protect your crowns and maintain their durability.
Hot or Cold Foods Causing Sensitivity
Although porcelain crowns cover your tooth’s surface, sensitivity from hot or cold foods can still occur. Consuming these foods mindfully is essential, and using toothpaste is designed for sensitive teeth if needed.
Staining and Whitening Considerations
Porcelain crowns are designed to resist staining, which also means they can’t be whitened like your natural teeth. Before getting your crown, consider having a professional teeth whitening treatment so your crown matches your teeth at their brightest. Avoid foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and wine that could stain your natural teeth and cause a color difference with your crown over time.
Breaking Bad Oral Habits
Bad oral habits can lead to damaged crowns and adversely affect your natural teeth as well. Thus, breaking these habits is crucial to ensure the longevity of your porcelain crowns.
Nail-biting
Biting your nails can weaken your crown and introduce large amounts of bacteria into your mouth. Therefore, it’s essential to curb this habit to protect your dental health.
Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewing on pencils, pen caps, or other hard objects can chip your porcelain crowns and your natural teeth. It also exposes your teeth and gums to potential splinters and the risk of infection.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding during sleep or clenching in stressful situations can put excessive pressure on your porcelain crowns, increasing the risk of damage. A night guard could efficiently solve this problem, as discussed later in this article.
Using Teeth as Tools
It’s critical to avoid using your teeth to open bottles or cut materials. Such activities can lead to broken or cracked crowns and damage to your natural teeth. Use proper tools to prevent unnecessary dental damage.
Protective Measures for Your Crowns
Using a Night Guard
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom night guard can be an excellent solution. Night guards help distribute the pressure evenly over your teeth and protect your porcelain crowns from the excessive force that could cause fractures.
Dental Implants
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, a single tooth implant can be a viable option for individuals who want a stable and long-lasting solution. Dental implants are designed to preserve the jawbone and provide a secure foundation for replacement teeth—the perfect combination for maintaining a beautiful smile.
Dental Exams
Regular dental examinations are crucial to ensure the overall health of your teeth and crowns. Establishing a good relationship with a reliable and trustworthy dentist, such as Legacy Dentistry of Virginia, helps maintain your dental health and address any potential issues or problems that may arise with your porcelain crowns.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
There might be instances where your Restoration will require a combination of a dental crown and bridge. Understanding the differences between the two is essential, and working with your dentist to choose the best solutions for your specific needs. Both tooth crown and bridges can be an excellent component of a comprehensive dental restoration plan to regain your natural, beautiful smile.
Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Maintaining a healthy relationship with your dentist and having dental checkups and cleanings every six months are crucial for your overall oral health. These visits will help monitor the health of the gums surrounding the crown, keeping your supporting teeth healthy. Moreover, your dentist will also be able to check if your porcelain crown is still seated and fitting correctly, ensuring it lasts for years to come.
The Takeaway
Maintaining porcelain crowns entails proper oral care, avoiding hard and sticky foods, breaking bad habits, using protective measures, and having regular dental checkups. With these essential tips, you’ll be well-equipped to take excellent care of your crowns, ensuring they continue providing you with a beautiful, long-lasting smile.
