When it comes to making the right investments for your oral health, especially if your teeth have significant permanent damage or decay, you might have already heard of dental crowns and dental bridges. They are two of the best ways to help restore both the function and the appearance of your teeth.
Dental crowns and bridges are dental restoration procedures that are minimally invasive and cost-effective as they are meant to last a long time, making them a popular option for adults with a permanent set of teeth.
However, before thinking of whether a crown or a bridge is for you, you have to be ready to take on the maintenance that both require to help you achieve a new and better smile.
Let’s look into long-term maintenance solutions for dental crowns and bridges in our blog here!
What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Before getting into maintenance tips, it’s helpful to know what dental crowns and bridges are.
Dental crowns are coverings placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength. Dental bridges, on the other hand, fill in gaps where teeth are missing, using crowns to hold the artificial tooth in place. Both are made to match your natural teeth, but they need regular care to stay in good shape.
Caring for your Dental Crowns and Bridges
Have Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is key to taking care of your dental crowns and bridges.
Plaque buildup can cause gum disease and decay around the edges of your crowns or the teeth supporting your bridge. To avoid this, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to clean along the gumline, too, where plaque often gathers.
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Floss Regularly
Flossing is just as important as brushing.
Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth and around your crowns and bridges. For bridges, you might want to use a floss threader or a water flosser to get underneath the bridge and remove trapped food and plaque. Regular flossing helps prevent decay and gum disease, keeping both your natural teeth and restorations healthy.
Avoiding Hard and Sticky Foods
Although dental crowns and bridges are strong, they aren’t indestructible.
Chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies can damage them, while sticky foods like caramels or gummy candies can pull out your crowns and bridges. To make your dental work last longer, be mindful of what you eat and avoid foods that could cause damage.
If you tend to chew on non-food items like pencils or your nails, it’s important to stop. These habits can put extra pressure on your crowns and bridges, leading to chips, cracks, or even causing them to come loose.
Get Regular Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for keeping an eye on your crowns and bridges.
During these visits, your dentist will look for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or decay around your dental work. They’ll also do professional cleanings to remove plaque or tartar from hard-to-reach areas.
It’s important to deal with any issues with your crowns or bridges right away. If you notice discomfort, changes in fit, or any damage, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Taking care of problems early can prevent more serious issues, saving you time, discomfort, and extra costs.
Know When to Replace Your Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are built to last for many years, but they won’t last forever. Over time, they might need to be replaced due to damage or changes in your dental health. Regular dental visits help your dentist keep an eye on your restorations and suggest replacements when needed.
Replacing a crown or bridge promptly is important for keeping your oral health in check. Delaying replacement can cause issues like decay, infection, or the shifting of nearby teeth.
Read: Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures in Australia
Looking to Restore your Teeth?
Taking care of your dental crowns and bridges is crucial for keeping your oral health in good shape and ensuring your restorations last. Try sticking to a regular oral hygiene routine, flossing daily, avoiding damaging foods, and addressing any problems quickly—these tips can keep your crowns and bridges in great condition for a long time.
Don’t forget that regular dental check-ups are also essential for monitoring the health of your restorations and catching any issues early. With the right care, your dental crowns and bridges can help maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for the long term.
At Bellevue Hill Dental, we make sure our dental crown & bridge solutions are tailored to help every individual with their needs, making sure we carefully assess each patient and their condition.
Call us at (02) 9158 1530 or book a consultation online, so our experienced dentists can help you with your dental problems.
