If you received restorative dental care, then you probably want to understand how long the restorative work will last and ways to maintain or keep it in good condition. Whether you recently visited a dentist in Windsor or are thinking about restorative treatment, learning about the longevity and care of crowns and bridges will help you protect your smile.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth or a weakened tooth. Crowns restore the shape, size, and function of the tooth and protect it from further damage. Crowns are commonly placed on a tooth following large fillings or root canal treatment, or they can be used for aesthetic purposes to enhance the changes of a tooth.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is used to literally “bridge” the gap between one or more healthy teeth or dental implants and secure the artificial teeth. Bridges will not only enhance your smile, but they will also help keep adjacent, surrounding teeth from shifting while providing an improvement in chewing and speaking.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years—or even longer if longevity is prioritized! The lifespan of your dental crown will be dictated by several factors:
- The material used-– different materials will have different durability levels. Porcelain, ceramic and metal crowns all have different levels of durability.
- Your oral hygiene habits-– brushing and flossing daily are important.
- The amount of pressure on it— tooth grinding and chewing hard objects can shorten a crown’s lifespan.
- Regular checkups-– catching any problems early can prevent costly repairs.
Recommendations to keep crowns healthy
Caring for your crown is not much different than caring for your natural teeth, but there are a few extra things to be mindful of:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Be sure to floss around the crown gently to remove food particles that are stuck.
- Caution should be used when chewing hard foods like ice and kernels of popcorn.
- If you grind your teeth at night, you may want to consider a mouth guard.
- Be sure to see your dentist regularly for cleaning and evaluation.
Maintaining a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge requires good oral hygiene and protection from excessive pressure. Follow these tips to keep your bridge in use and keep it from failing.
- Clean under the bridge—Floss threaders or interdental brushes may help gain access to under the bridge.
- Rinse—Use an antibacterial mouth rinse each day to help reduce plaque accumulation.
- Avoid sticky/recurrent foods – Caramel and chewy candies may pull on the bridge.
- Check for bite comfort – If you’re experiencing discomfort, notify your dentist sooner rather than later.
Lifespan and Local Care
Windsor residents can access durable dental crowns in Windsor to restore function and confidence; if you select the appropriate clinic, along with a proper care routine, they should last for many years to enjoy.
A Long-Lasting Smile Solution
Dental bridges in Windsor are used to support single tooth replacement procedures on either side of the adjacent teeth, restoring the bite and function of the mouth. They are an affordable option when they can be maintained with reasonable home care and routine dentist visits. Bridges can easily last for a decade, or even longer, to restore function to your mouth and your confidence. This makes long-lasting bridge services available in Windsor, an employed care option for oral care.
Why Visiting a Dental Clinic Near You Matters
Having a dental clinic near you means it’s easier to schedule checkups, get quick help if a crown or bridge feels loose, and receive care from a professional regularly. If you schedule your dental visit before there is a problem, that makes the difference between a minor adjustment and a costly replacement.
Keep Your Smile in Good Shape with Wonsch Dental
At Wonsch Dental, we make sure that our patients are enjoying strong crowns and bridges by providing careful placement, thorough instruction on home care instructions, and hopefully, follow-up appointments where routine visits or professional cleanings are on the to-do list. If you want to coax out the longevity of your restoration, the best way is by coming back regularly, getting the professional cleanings, and addressing a problem if it arises right away.
At the risk of sounding silly, your smile is an investment, so protect it! Book your next appointment with Wonsch Dental today and take the first step to keeping your crowns and bridges well serviced and as good as possible for the years to come. Call us today, and let’s ensure that your smile lasts as long as your confidence.