A crown, also known as a dental crown or dental cap, is a durable, protective cover that helps your smile last for years. This type of dental restoration encases a damaged or weakened tooth. But to get your crown to last, you’ll need to follow these four important steps.

4 Ways to Make Sure Your New Crown Lasts

Dental crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of both. Overall, they’re an effective and versatile solution to restore damaged teeth, providing patients both functional and aesthetic benefits. Here’s how to keep them secure and your smile looking great. 

Floss Your Crown Daily

Most people are nervous about flossing around their new crown because they worry it will pull it off their tooth. Fortunately, that’s not the case. It’s crucial to floss your crown daily so that new bacteria don’t work their way underneath, causing the crown to come loose. Proper flossing keeps your crown secure for a long time. 

Wrap the floss around your crown in a “C” shape and gently wipe up and down against the side (including just under your gum tissues).

Wear a Night Guard (Bite Splint)

To extend the life of your new crown, consider sleeping in a bite splint. Custom mouthguards offer the best protection. If you tend to clench and grind during the night, a splint can help you prevent fractured porcelain and the need to replace other dental work.

Brush the Margins

The edges of crowns tend to be more prone to accumulating dental plaque. Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush to thoroughly clean all areas without damaging your gum tissues. A non-abrasive toothpaste works best.

Schedule Routine Checkups

By carefully monitoring the integrity of your dental work at each checkup, my team and I can help you lower the chances of new decay, leaks, or failing restorations. Plan to book an exam and cleaning at least every six months.