At NYC Smile Design, we understand that dental crowns represent a significant investment in your oral health. Not only do they enhance the appearance of your teeth, but they also restore and protect them from further damage.
Proper care and maintenance are crucial to extending the lifespan of your crowns, ensuring that this investment continues to benefit your smile for years to come. In this blog, we will provide you with essential tips and best practices to help you maintain your dental crowns effectively. Whether you're considering getting crowns or already have them, these insights will aid you in keeping your crowns in prime condition.
Ready to ensure your dental crowns last as long as possible? Contact NYC Smile Design today to schedule your next appointment and get personalized advice from our expert dental team. Your smile deserves the best care possible!
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, often referred to as "caps," are custom-fitted protective coverings placed over a tooth or attached to dental implants. They play a crucial role in restorative dentistry, commonly used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a tooth that has been compromised by decay, or damage, or following a significant restorative procedure like root canal therapy.
Types of Crowns and Their Benefits
Crowns can be made from various materials, each offering distinct advantages depending on the patient's needs and the specific requirements of the tooth being treated:
- Ceramic Crowns: Made entirely from ceramic, these crowns are favored for their ability to mimic the natural translucency of tooth enamel, making them a popular choice for front teeth. They are entirely metal-free and a good choice for those with allergies. Ceramic crowns are highly aesthetic and are often used in situations where a cosmetic appearance is critical.
- Zirconia Crowns: Today, these are a popular and widely used type of crown.It is a restoration made from zirconium dioxide, which is classified as a ceramic material and inorganic metal oxide that is stronger than porcelain and some metal alloys. They are a great choice due to their durability, natural appearance, and biocompatibility. They can be customized to match your teeth and can also be layered with porcelain to create a more natural look
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns had been the go-to crown in the past, offering strength due to their underlying metal structure and esthetics with a porcelain layer fused over that metal, providing a more natural appearance than metal crowns alone. The metal core provides great strength and durability, while the porcelain coating is designed to match the color of the surrounding teeth, and traditionally offers a good balance between aesthetics and functionality. However, due to the advances in ceramic and zirconium technology, PFM crowns are not used as often as they were in the past.
- Gold Crowns: Known for their durability and strength, gold crowns were often recommended for back molars because they withstand biting and chewing forces exceptionally well and would not affect esthetics as much given they were placed in the back. Gold interacts well with natural tooth structures and wears down at a similar rate to natural teeth. However the price of gold can be prohibitive and due to advances in ceramic and zirconium technology, gold crowns are not used as often as they were in the past.
Essential Care Tips for Dental Crowns
Maintaining your dental crowns properly is crucial to extend their lifespan and ensure they continue to function effectively. Below are key guidelines to help you care for your crowns just as well as you would your natural teeth.
Daily Cleaning and Maintenance
Dental crowns need regular cleaning to prevent plaque buildup and decay on the underlying tooth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around the crown and along the gum line. Non-abrasive toothpaste should be used to avoid scratching the crown’s polished surface. Additionally, flossing daily is essential. Slide the floss rather than forcing it down, which can help prevent snagging on the edge of the crown that might dislodge it. Or better yet, invest in a water flosser, like Proclaim or the Oral B combined toothbrush/water flosser. These effectively and easily remove plaque at and below the gum line as well as in between your teeth without requiring flossing skills.
Eating Habits
While dental crowns are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible. It’s important to avoid biting down on hard foods like ice or hard candies, which can cause crowns to crack or chip. Similarly, sticky foods such as caramel or taffy can pull at crowns and weaken their bond with the natural tooth. Being mindful of what you eat and how you chew can significantly impact the longevity of your dental crowns.
Preventing Damage to Your Crowns
To ensure the longevity of your dental crowns, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect them from potential damage. Here are key practices to incorporate into your dental care routine.
Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to your dentist are vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your dental crowns. During these checkups, your dentist will examine the integrity and fit of your crowns, ensuring they are secure and functioning properly. These visits allow the dentist to catch and address potential issues such as crown loosening or gum disease around the crown before they develop into more serious problems.
Avoiding Bad Habits
Certain habits can put undue stress on your crowns, potentially leading to damage. Teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, is one of the most common issues that can threaten the integrity of your crowns. This can lead to cracking, chipping, or even complete dislodgement of the crowns. To protect your crowns from the effects of bruxism, consider using a custom-fitted night guard. This device is worn during sleep and acts as a barrier, distributing the pressure across your jaw and minimizing the direct force on your crowns.
Dealing with Problems
Maintaining your dental crowns involves not only routine care but also being vigilant about potential issues. Recognizing and addressing problems early can prevent further complications.
Identifying Issues Early
It’s crucial to stay attentive to any changes in the condition of your dental crowns and overall oral comfort. Signs such as discomfort, an unusual feeling when biting or a noticeable shift in how your crown fits could all indicate that your crown needs professional adjustment or replacement. Regular self-checks and being conscious of any new sensations or discomfort can help you catch issues before they require more extensive repairs.
What to Do If a Crown Fails
If your crown becomes loose or falls out, it's important to take immediate action to prevent damage to the underlying tooth and ensure the possibility of reattachment. Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Avoid using over-the-counter glues or temporary adhesives to reattach the crown yourself, as these substances can lead to further damage or complicate professional repair. Keep the crown in a safe place and bring it with you to your dentist appointment for potential reattachment. If you must use an over-the-counter adhesive, check in with your dentist for best practices on how to apply and use it.
Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Ensuring the longevity of your dental crowns requires an understanding of their lifespan and knowing when they might need to be replaced. Careful management can help extend their usefulness well beyond their expected lifespan.
The durability of dental crowns largely depends on the material from which they are made and how well they are cared for. Crowns made from porcelain or ceramic can last between 10 to 15 years on average, but with meticulous care, including proper oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits that could cause damage, some crowns can effectively last a lifetime.
Conclusion: Commitment to Dental Crown Care
Maintaining your dental crowns is crucial for prolonging their life and ensuring they continue to function as intended. Understanding the care requirements and committing to regular dental checkups are essential steps to protect your dental health investment. We encourage you to take proactive steps today by scheduling a visit with your dentist. At NYC Smile Design, our expert team is ready to assist you in assessing and caring for your crowns, ensuring they last as long as possible. Your commitment to crown maintenance not only preserves your smile but also your overall oral health.
Ready to ensure your dental crowns are cared for with the highest standard? Contact NYC Smile Design today to schedule your consultation and take a significant step towards lasting dental health.
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