Dental crowns provide an exciting solution for individuals with damaged, broken, or decayed teeth. The crown provides support for the natural tooth and its neighbors, giving you the confidence to feel great about your smile again. Before undergoing the process, many patients wonder how long dental crowns will last. According to Mainwaring John D DDS, a New Haven County destination for general and cosmetic dentistry, the lifespan can be anywhere between five and 15 years — but that largely depends on how well you take care of it.

As you can imagine, dental crowns are exposed to a high amount of wear and tear during everyday life, whether it’s through chewing, biting, or clenching. Beyond that, dental crowns and their surrounding natural teeth need proper hygiene habits to stay healthy. You can extend crown longevity by making a good brushing and flossing regimen a part of your daily routine.

In order for your crowns to last a long as possible in optimal condition, it is important to avoid certain habits that can cause premature wear. Biting your fingernails is extremely damaging for crowns, so if you’re looking for a reason to quit the habit, this is it. It is also important to avoid chewing ice, which can damage or crack natural teeth and crowns. Furthermore, remember that teeth should never be used to open things, such as packets, bottles, or any type of packaging.

Teeth grinding is also detrimental to dental crowns, but because it can happen during sleep, it’s a much harder habit to address. If you suspect you might grind your teeth at night, talk to Dr. Mainwaring about obtaining a mouth guard to protect your pearly whites while you sleep. You may also be able to eliminate the source of the problem by reducing stressors, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, and relaxing your jaw muscles during the day.

Do you have more questions about dental crowns? The staff at Orange, CT’ s Mainwaring John D DDS will be happy to help. To get in touch, call (203) 799-6625 or visit the clinic’s website. You can also connect with the dental team on Facebook.