Many people have imperfect teeth, due to tooth loss, cavities, or improper alignment. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers several solutions. A dental crown restores a damaged tooth by capping it with a sturdy, custom-fitted covering. Crowns help maintain the structure of your teeth and mouth, protect the affected tooth against further damage and decay, and improve your smile in the process. The following tips can help you get the longest and most dependable life out of this type of restoration.

Do:

Brush and floss as usual.

Crowns are held securely in place with strong, nontoxic dental cement, so you don't need to worry about changing your regular brushing and flossing habits. A crown won't loosen or fall out with regular daily brushing and flossing. Keeping the crown clean minimizes bacteria and protects the tooth underneath from decay and cavities.

Tell your dentist if the fit isn't right.

There may be an adjustment period as you get used to the feeling of the new crown in your mouth. However, if it interferes with your ability to bite down evenly, chew comfortably, or speak clearly, don't hesitate to let your dentist know. Fitting a crown is both an art and a science, so it may need to be slightly reshaped to provide the proper fit. Reshaping a crown won't impact its strength or lifespan in any way.

Don't:

Overdo it on hard or crunchy foods.

Crowns are strong, but they're not as strong as natural teeth, which means they can be damaged when chewing overly hard materials. While you certainly don't need to give up hard or crunchy foods entirely, it's important to exercise care and caution when consuming them. However, chewing ice, hard candy, and nuts should be minimized as much as possible.

Grind your teeth.

Many people grind their teeth unconsciously or when they are asleep, but a dentist can usually tell if you grind your teeth. Teeth grinding can damage crowns, with the increased pressure and repeated movements exerting significant stress on the restoration. If this is a concern, your dentist can prescribe a mouthguard to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.

Keep your dental crown in ideal condition with routine services from Gregory Sy, DDS, & Associates in Amherst, OH. Serving clients throughout Lorain County, Dr. Sy and his team offer general and cosmetic dental services, including exams, fillings, crowns, and teeth whitening treatments. Visit the website for more information on dental crowns, or call (440) 282-9550 to schedule an appointment.