How Can I Take Proper Care of My Dental Crowns at Home?
1/21/2023
Dental crowns are some of the most versatile restorations available today, offering patients the opportunity to correct both cosmetic and functional concerns in a variety of ways. Dental crowns can be placed over individual teeth, attached to a dental implant, or even bonded together to create a larger appliance, like a bridge. At Advanced Smiles in Frisco, TX, Dr. Ernest De Paoli helps patients achieve the strong, healthy, and beautiful smile they deserve with a full suite of cosmetic and restorative dentistry services, including dental crowns. Review the information below to better understand how you can care for your dental crowns at home to help keep them looking and functioning their best for up to a decade or longer.
Who needs dental crowns?
Dental crowns can benefit men and women with a wide array of cosmetic and/or functional concerns about their teeth, including:
- Stained teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Uneven tooth length
- Damaged tooth
- Tooth with large filling
- Failing filling
- Tooth that has undergone a root canal
- Sensitive teeth
- Weakened teeth
How are dental crowns placed?
The process of getting dental crowns typically requires a series of 2 – 3 appointments. Following an initial consultation and exam, patients will return to have their teeth prepared for treatment. This may involve reducing some natural tooth material to create space for the crowns. An impression will then be made, and the new crowns will be manufactured in an off-site lab. Patients will wear temporary crowns during this time. After about 2 – 3 weeks, patients will return once again to have their provisional crowns removed and their completed crowns bonded to the teeth. Dr. De Paoli will ensure a proper fit and bite, and make any adjustments necessary to ensure the patient is comfortable with the look and feel of their new restorations.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care and healthy habits, most patients can expect their dental crowns to last for ten years or longer. Should a crown break, crack, fall off, or become otherwise compromised before that time, it can be replaced.
What can I do to keep my crowns looking brand new?
There are a number of important care instructions for keeping your dental crowns as strong, healthy, and beautiful as possible. In addition to visiting the dentist regularly for semi-annual dental cleanings and exams, use these at-home tips for caring for your dental crowns:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss regularly
- Brush the gumline
- Do not smoke
- Only chew sugar-free gum
- Avoid hard, crunchy foods
- Avoid sticky, gummy foods
- Avoid staining beverages, like red wine and coffee
- Brush or rinse after drinking staining beverages
- Wear a nightguard
By committing to a proper dental and oral care routine at home – as well as attending your regularly scheduled dental appointments – you can enjoy your beautiful, healthy new smile for years to come.
Get the custom smile you’ve always wanted with dental crowns in Frisco, TX
At Advanced Smiles, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy, bright, beautiful smile they can feel confident about. Take the first step toward getting your dream smile today by calling to schedule your one-on-one consultation with premier Frisco, TX dentist Dr. Ernest De Paoli.