In cosmetic dentistry, crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, Invisalign’s, bonding’s, fillers, inlays, and onlays restore the full functionality of your teeth. However, each has its own unique treatment procedure and recovery process. With expert dentists, crowns and bridges are common dental treatment options with several benefits. So, how do you care for your new and old crowns and bridges? These are some of the standard dental recommendations.
The Top Tips and Tricks for Caring for Your Dental Crowns and Bridges.
– Always keep high dental hygiene standards: Dental crowns are not susceptible to decay and bacteria, yet the tooth structure beneath them still is. It’s vital for dental patients to have good dental hygiene at all times. These can include brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and using standard fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste helps protect the natural tooth structure from further decay and damage. Dental patients can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as hard bristles can scratch and damage the porcelain over time.
– Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: Dental crowns are strong and durable, yet they aren’t free from cracks or breaks. The types of food you eat can have a major impact on the long-term health of your restoration. Taking some sticky foods may remove the dental crown. Other foods or snacks, like hard candies, nuts, and hard foods, cause crowns to chip and crack. It is best to avoid these types of foods or use them in moderate amounts.
– Treat bruxism: Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding teeth together, whether in sleep or awake. The extra pressure applied can wear down and damage restorations over time. Bruxism is a result of many situations, either due to anxiety or stress. The issue is that, before you get new crowns, it is good to get custom oral appliances for patients with bruxism. The devices cushion the teeth and jaws by placing the jaw in a favorable position to protect your smile and teeth.
– Stop teeth affecting lifestyle choices: Besides avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, it’s vital to upgrade lifestyle habits that easily damage crowns. Take, for example, chewing gum, biting into hard surfaces, chewing and munching on hard and crunchy snacks, etc. It is important to evolve lifestyle food habits that never subject your dental crowns to extreme bite and chew tasks. Other habits can include tearing tags off merchandise or opening packages. Teeth are for chewing; they’re not intended to be used as tools.
– Ensure you go to your dentist often: Routine dental checkups and cleanings are vital to keep crowns and bridges healthy. Whereas brushing and flossing at home are steps that eliminate bacteria, regular dental checkups and thorough cleanings are required to ensure all teeth affecting bacteria are removed in hard-to-reach areas. It helps to eliminate plaque and tartar. The dental fluoride treatment provided by dentists keeps underlying tooth structures strong against decay and damage. Dental visits enable the dentist and hygienist to fully assess the state of your crowns and provide remedial hygiene measures. Good dentists give practical and expert advice on the best way to keep your crowns and bridges intact.