4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Dental Crown

If you recently learned you need a dental crown to protect a weakened tooth, you likely have many questions. Whether you want to know how it will look or how much it will cost, there’s a good chance you’ll be asking about the lifespan of your crown and how often you’ll need to have it replaced. A dentist in Oshkosh is here to answer your questions and provide helpful tips on what you can do to take care of your smile and extend the lifespan of your customized restoration. 

What is the Average Lifespan of a Dental Crown?

The typical dental crown can last anywhere from 10-15 years. These customized restorations are designed specifically with your smile in mind. Made from durable porcelain or traditional metal, the size, shape, and color will function alongside the rest of your teeth, making it possible to enjoy a healthier, happier smile in the long run. But to ensure its longevity, you must take optimal care of your crown. This may mean changing your lifestyle habits and breaking those that could potentially harm or damage your real and artificial teeth. 

4 Ways to Prolong the Life of a Dental Crown

If you want to make sure your dental crown remains strong and in place for as long as possible, you should adopt these four tips:

• Do not chew on inanimate objects like pens or pencils, bite your nails, or use your teeth as tools to open packages or containers. Also, eating ice and hard foods (i.e., candy, hard bread, etc.) can damage your restoration, causing it to wear down much faster.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes as well as flossing at least once a day and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash can minimize the potential for bad bacteria and food particles to get underneath your crown and reach the weakened tooth.
• Inquire about a mouthguard if you are prone to bruxism. Grinding your teeth at night cannot only harm your real tooth enamel, but it can also easily break down your dental crown. A custom-made mouthguard worn while you sleep can create a barrier between your teeth, allowing you to better protect your smile in its entirety.
• Continue to see your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Allowing your dentist in Oshkosh to examine the restoration during these twice-yearly visits is essential. Should any minor problems develop, they can be addressed immediately instead of waiting until it’s too late.

By applying these tips to your daily life, you’ll enjoy a restoration that looks better and lasts longer. With the right maintenance, your crown may be able to last for 20+ years, which is great for both your smile and wallet.

About the Practice
Dr. Bob Heil has more than 20 years of experience working in dentistry, and he graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. In addition to completing a General Practice Residency at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, he is certified by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) certification for sedation dentistry. Dr. Heil and his team at Oshkosh Complete Dentistry are here to deliver beautiful restorations should you need one as well as provide helpful tips to ensure the longevity of your crown, bridge, or denture. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to extend the life of your artificial teeth, contact us at (920) 235-0320.