If you have damaged or decayed teeth, you don’t have to smile behind the pain because Dr. David Cannon can restore your tooth using a dental crown. Unlike veneers, a dental crown covers your entire tooth to improve its size, shape, color, and strength. This gives your tooth strength and durability just like before, if not better.
While dental crowns can be made from other materials, Cannon Dental Dentistry prefers porcelain because it is natural-looking and stain-resistant. It’s long-lasting, too. However, like most things, your dental crown isn’t made to last forever. So, learning about taking care of your dental crowns can extend their longevity.
Dental Care Tips for Long-Lasting Dental Crowns
Most dental crowns last between 10-15 years, but it’s not an unrealistic expectation to get 20 years of service from your crown. However, the lifespan of your crown depends on your oral hygiene practices and the amount of wear and tear subjected to your dental cap.
The durability of your crown starts with a proper fit. Dr. David Cannon ensures that your crown fits as it should by supervising everything from preparation to installation. Once your crowns are correctly seated on your tooth, here is how to take care of them:
- Brush and floss daily: While your crown isn’t vulnerable to decay, the tooth underneath and the gums around it are susceptible to decay and infections. Brush and floss your teeth daily to eliminate harmful bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
- Protect your crowns with an oral device: Are you active in sports? Do you grind your teeth at night? Talk to your dentist to give you a sports guard or night guard to protect your crowns and the entire smile.
- Stop bad habits: If you like chewing nails and biting hard substances like ice, stop these habits as they can loosen your crown. Besides, avoid tobacco use as it puts you at risk of gum disease, which is bad news for your crown.
- Keep up with your dental appointments: Don’t skip your bi-annual appointments if you want your crown to last for years. During dental exams, we check the state of your dental work and recommend corrective action before the matter gets out of hand.
Now that you know what it takes to extend the mileage of your crown, it’s time to restore your oral health with a crown for a long-lasting, healthy smile. If you are in Salt Lake City, Utah, please dial (801) 406-9985 to book an appointment with Cannon Dental Dentistry.