Although crowns are made with high-quality materials, they are not indestructible. You will eventually need to replace your dental crown with a new restoration, but there are a few things you can do to help your crown last, including:
- Watching what you eat: Avoid hard and sticky foods, which can damage or dislodge your crown.
- Practicing good oral hygiene: For the most part, you can care for a dental crown much like your natural teeth. However, be sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain. Floss front to back rather than up and down so that you do not dislodge your crown.
- Visiting your dentist regularly: During your biannual dental exam, your dentist can make sure that your crown is still in good shape.
- Minimizing wear and tear: If you grind your teeth, be sure to wear a nightguard to avoid excessive wear on your crown. You should also avoid habits such as opening packages with your teeth and biting your nails.
Poorly manufactured crowns are also more likely to break early on, which is why it is important to receive your crown from a reputable dentist. Your dentist should also ensure that your crown fits properly in your smile. Crowns are not designed to bear the brunt of your bite. If your bite force is not evenly distributed across your dental arch, your crown can sustain irreparable damage.