Teeth that are weak, damaged, or decayed can be restored with dental crowns. These restorations are custom made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, metal, and zirconia. Crowns are versatile and can restore natural teeth as well as dental implants.

Our Coffs dentists place dental crowns at Magic Smiles. Our surgery proudly serves Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, and surrounding communities. Here, our team will offer tips and tricks for prolonging the life of your new restoration.

On average, crowns last between five and 15 years. However, as dental materials continue to advance, crowns are lasting longer and longer. In fact, with appropriate care and maintenance, dental crowns can last 30 years or longer.

Part of preserving your dental crown is taking good care of it. In the sections that follow, we’ll discuss how to properly clean your restorations. We’ll also offer some recommendations for reducing the risk of damage.

Fortunately, dental crowns don’t require a lot of additional maintenance. However, there are certainly some guidelines that can help your restoration last a long time:

• Brush two to three times a day. Whether you have restorations or not, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you have porcelain or zirconia crowns, however, it’s important to choose a toothpaste that won’t damage the surface. Some toothpaste formulas have harsh ingredients, which cause micro-scratches in the crown. It’s best to choose a formula without baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
• Floss daily. Clean between the teeth every day. This can be done with traditional dental floss, but there are other tools available as well, such as interproximal brushes and dental picks. If your crown is supported by a dental implant, be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate proper flossing techniques.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash. While crowns don’t decay, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable to cavities. An antibacterial rinse can help protect the teeth from harmful bacteria and promote overall oral health.
• Visit your dentist regularly. You should see your Coffs dentist routinely for exams and cleans. During these visits, we can assess the health of your crown and ensure it’s still in good condition. Professional cleans will also remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas.

In addition to oral health recommendations, there are a few other tips and tricks that will help prolong the life of your crown:

• Avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Hard foods like nuts and popcorn can actually damage your crown. Taffy, caramels, and other sticky foods can dislodge or loosen your crown. It’s best to avoid these foods altogether. But if you must eat them, try to chew in an area that doesn’t have a crown.
• Never use your teeth as tools. Opening packages or tearing tags off of clothing can seriously damage your crowns, not to mention your natural teeth.
• Quit bad habits. If you chew on ice, pen caps, or pencil erasers, it can eventually damage your restorations. In the same way, biting your nails can be detrimental to your oral health.

Tooth loss can be devastating to your smile and your oral health. Whenever you lose a tooth, it’s important to explore your replacement options as soon as possible. At Magic Smiles, our team offers a wide range of restorative treatments, including dental bridges and dental implants. But which one is right for you? In this informative article, we’ll compare these two treatment options and explore the pros and cons of each.

A dental bridge is a multi-unit restoration carved from a solid piece of material. Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, ceramic, zirconia, and more. They consist of two dental crowns on the end with artificial teeth (pontics) in the middle. Dental bridges can replace a single missing tooth or up to three teeth in a row.

When Are Dental Bridges Recommended?

Dental bridges are appropriate for just about anyone who is interested in replacing missing teeth. Candidates must have at least one healthy tooth on each side of the space. These natural teeth serve as anchors, which will hold the restoration firmly in place.

This type of treatment is nonsurgical, so it may be ideal for patients who cannot undergo oral surgery for medical reasons. Patients who consider dental bridges must also be free from gum disease. This type of infection can seriously impede treatment. Therefore, periodontal health should be addressed first.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges have been around for a long time. They are predictable, and in many cases, they are more affordable than dental implants.

However, bridges only last about five to 15 years on average, so they will likely need replacing at some point. They also require the alteration of natural tooth structure, which could increase the risk of problems in the future.

Unlike bridges, which only replace the crowns of missing teeth, dental implants replace the roots as well. This is significant since roots play a major role in preserving bone density.

Implants are tiny, threaded posts made from surgical-grade titanium. They are placed into the jaw during an outpatient surgical visit. During the healing process, the surrounding bone tissue fuses to the implant post, offering maximum stability. Finally, a dental crown is added. Once treatment is complete, an implant can be used just like a natural tooth.

When Are Dental Implants Recommended?

Dental implants are considered the longest-lasting, most successful teeth replacement option. They are recommended any time an individual loses one or more teeth.

Implants can only be placed in individuals who have fully developed jawbones. Therefore, patients should be at least 18 years old and in good oral and overall health.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants may have a higher up-front cost than dental bridges. However, they can last a lifetime with proper care. For this reason, implants are considered a fantastic investment.

Unlike dental bridges, implants require oral surgery. Patients who do not want to undergo a surgical procedure may wish to pursue other options. However, most individuals agree that the benefits of dental implants far outweigh the risks.