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Dental bridges and crowns are great solutions for restoring your smile and bite while improving oral health. But like your natural teeth, they require proper care to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. 

Over time, your crown or bridge may become worn, discoloured, or cracked and chipped. This not only impacts its appearance but also impacts your oral health. And when you have dental work like this, you expect the results to last. 

So, what can you do to look after your crowns and bridges to maintain their look?

In this guide, we’ll share some of the best ways to keep your dental work in tip-top shape.

Daily Cleaning: The Foundation of Good Care

Just because your bridge or crown isn’t a natural tooth doesn’t mean you can skimp on cleaning! Regular brushing and flossing are crucial.

Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay extra attention to the area where the crown or bridge meets your gum line. Brush for two minutes each time. 

Floss daily: This is especially important for bridges. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under and around the bridge.

Consider an electric toothbrush: Electric brushes help give you a more thorough clean without the effort. Many have timers to help you brush every part of your smile equally. 

Improve Your Diet

While bridges and crowns are durable, they’re not indestructible. Be mindful of what you eat.

Avoid sticky foods: Toffees, chewing gum, and other sticky treats can potentially dislodge your dental work.

Be careful with hard foods: Nuts, ice, and hard sweets can chip or crack crowns and bridges.

Limit sugary and acidic foods: These can lead to decay around your dental work.

Regular Check-ups: Come and See Us Often!

We are your best ally in maintaining your dental work. Schedule regular check-ups every six months or as recommended. During checkups, we can spot potential issues early and ensure your bridge or crown is functioning properly.

In addition to checkups, we also offer professional hygiene services. These simple treatments help keep your smile looking and feeling fresh while fighting gum disease and decay. 

Additional Tips for Long-lasting Dental Work

Grinding your teeth can strain or crack crowns and bridges. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a night guard to protect your dental work.

Don’t use your teeth as tools! Opening packages or bottles with your teeth can damage both natural teeth and dental work. 

Smoking can stain your dental work and compromise your overall oral health. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting. We can signpost you to resources to help you quit. 

When to Seek Help

Your bridge or crown should keep your smile looking great for many years to come. However, issues can arise, and it’s essential to seek help if they do. 

If you notice any of the following, book a checkup with us promptly: 

• Pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing
• A loose or wobbly feeling in your crown or bridge
• Chips, cracks, or other visible damage
• Changes in your bite

We may be able to repair your restoration before any further damage occurs. 

Crowns and Bridges at NuDental

With proper care, your dental bridges and crowns can last for many years, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile. If you have any questions about caring for your dental work, we’re always happy to help you maintain your oral health.

Contact us today to book your next appointment.