How Can You Maximize the Life of Your Dental Crown or Bridge?
Restoring damaged or missing teeth with a dental crown or bridge is one of the best decisions you can make for your smile. At Highlight Family Dentistry, we deliver durable custom restorations that are built to withstand the test of time. However, no restoration is indestructible. The following are tips to safeguard your new crown or bridge and ensure its longevity.
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
A dental crown is a cap that fully encases a damaged or weak tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. We may recommend a crown to cover a deeply decayed, worn, or fractured tooth or one that has undergone root canal treatment. Dental crowns can also “cap” dental implants or support bridges, replacing one or more missing teeth. Aside from restoring compromised teeth, dental crowns can make cosmetic modifications, improving the size, color, shape, or overall appearance of your teeth.
When it comes to dental bridges, these fixed restorations are designed to replace one or more adjacent missing teeth. They anchor to natural teeth or implants on either side of the space, essentially “bridging” the gap in your smile with a lifelike prosthetic tooth.
At Highlight Family Dentistry, we offer high-quality dental crowns and bridges that closely match the color and texture of your surrounding teeth, leaving you with beautifully natural results. With proper care, our durable restorations can enhance your smile for 10 to 15 years or longer.
How Can You Ensure the Longevity of Your Dental Crown or Bridge?
The following are some ways to extend the lifespan of your new restorations:
Brush at Least Twice a Day: Make sure to keep up with regular brushing using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and a high-quality, soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your restoration. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can wear down the margins where your crown meets your natural tooth structure.
Floss Every Day: A dental bridge may require a little extra attention when it comes to flossing. A floss threader or water flosser makes it much easier to clean underneath your bridge properly. Consistent flossing prevents plaque from accumulating in these hard-to-reach areas, safeguarding your smile and your restoration.
Rinse with an Antibacterial Mouthwash: This helps keep bacteria levels low around the gumline, which is particularly important for a tooth with a crown. While decay can still develop at the margin of a restoration, incorporating mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine adds an extra layer of protection.
Watch What You Chew: Ice, hard candies, and sticky foods like caramels can crack or dislodge your restoration. The same goes for opening packages with your teeth or using them for tasks best suited for tools.
Keep Up with Your Dental Appointments: Regular dental exams and cleanings allow our team to monitor the condition of your dental work over time. We can professionally clean the areas that are difficult for you to reach at home and can also uncover potential concerns before they progress, protecting your smile and your restoration.
What If You Grind or Clench Your Teeth in Your Sleep?
Grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism, exposes a crown or bridge to enormous force night after night, leading to wear and damage over time. Our team at Highlight Family Dentistry may recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard known as a night guard to safeguard your restorations, ensuring they continue to enhance your smile for many years to come.
What Are Signs that Warrant a Call to Our Office?
Do not wait for your next scheduled visit if you notice any of the following:
- Sensitivity or pain around a crowned tooth
- A feeling that your bite has shifted or something feels “off”
- Visible chipping or cracking on the crown surface
- Looseness in the crown or bridge
- Gum swelling, redness, or bleeding near the restoration
If you experience any of the above, don’t wait. Call us for prompt care. The sooner a problem is addressed, the better the long-term outcomes for your smile.
Dental Crowns and Bridges Near Me in Hutto, TX
If you would like to learn more about caring for a dental crown or bridge, our team at Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto is here for you. We are always happy to answer your questions, address any specific concerns, and provide you with personalized tips and guidance to help ensure the longevity of your restoration. We invite you to call (512) 886-2644 to schedule an appointment or book one online today!