Thanks to technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain crowns are today indistinguishable from natural teeth. They provide a durable and comfortable replacement for broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth so you can have a full smile. Usually, you get porcelain crowns Boynton Beach in two appointments. Your dentist removes the damaged part of your tooth and creates an impression for your crown during the first visit.
When you visit next, they remove the temporary crown placed in the first appointment and install your permanent crown. What happens next is mostly up to you – your habits can determine how long your crowns last. Here are five aftercare pointers to help you get the most out of your new teeth.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Like your natural teeth, dental crowns need to be protected from bacteria and other harmful substances. This means you need to clean them as you would your teeth by flossing at least once and brushing at least twice daily. If you still have a temporary crown, be careful when flossing around it so you do not dislodge it. You do not have to worry about this with permanent crowns, however.
Steer Clear of Problematic Foods
Porcelain crowns are very strong but they can be damaged. Your dentist will usually recommend you avoid especially crunchy or hard foods like candy, nuts, or ice, which can crack or chip your crowns. Additionally, sticky foods can dislodge your crowns and force you to get a replacement. If you cannot avoid these foods completely, try eating them in moderation.
Treat Teeth Grinding
Some people grind their teeth either in their sleep or unconsciously during the day. Also called bruxism, teeth grinding exerts way more pressure on your teeth than the 200 pounds your teeth typically exert when you chew. This extra pressure can wear down, crack, or break your crowns over time. If you discover that you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard.
Break Bad Habits
As you grow up, you pick up bad dental habits that you sometimes continue in adulthood. Many people, for example, use their teeth to open packages or bottles, bite their nails, or chew on pen caps. These habits can expose your crowns to a lot of wear and tear, potentially damaging them. And while they may be difficult to break, doing so can help your crowns last longer.
See Your Dentist Regularly
The final piece of the puzzle is to keep regular appointments with your dentist. You can clean your teeth every day but your dentist is better equipped to clean the hard-to-reach places of your mouth and remove tartar and plaque. Moreover, they can address any post-crown procedure concerns you may have, such as lingering pain or an ill-fitting crown.
Get the Best Out of Your Dental Crowns
In addition to ruining your smile, damaged, broken, or chipped teeth can cause a lot of pain. They can make it difficult for you to chew or expose your tooth pulp and roots to infection. Porcelain dental crowns prevent these pitfalls while restoring your smile. However, getting them is not a foolproof solution to the perfect smile – you still need to care for them as you would your teeth. A key part of this is seeing your dentist regularly. If you want to get crowns or would like to schedule a cleaning, call your dentist today to set up an appointment.
