Dental crowns and bridges offer life-changing solutions for people with damaged or missing teeth. These custom-made restorations bring back your confident smile and let you eat your favorite foods again. Crowns act like protective caps for weakened teeth, while dental bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth using strong artificial replacements.
People come in with tons of questions about these treatments. They include things like:
- Will my crown or bridge look natural with my other teeth?
- Can I eat normally with a crown or bridge?
- How much maintenance do they need?
Another common question: how long do these dental restorations last? CCED is here to answer all of them, show you how long dental bridges and crowns last, and give you a few tips on how to maintain their lifespan.
The Expected Lifespan of Crowns and Bridges
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last 10-15 years. Some patients keep their restorations for over 20 years when they maintain excellent oral health habits. The materials used make a big difference. For example, porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-ceramic crowns typically show great durability. For dental bridges, the strength of the abutment teeth (the natural teeth supporting the bridge) plays a crucial role in longevity. Modern materials and techniques have dramatically improved how long these restorations serve patients with missing teeth or tooth decay.
The Biggest Contributing Factors to Your Restoration’s Lifespan
Plenty of daily habits and conditions impact how long your crowns and bridges last. Teeth grinding puts extra stress on dental work, potentially shortening its lifespan. Poor oral health habits can lead to gum disease around your restoration. What you eat matters, too, as very hard or sticky foods might damage crowns and bridges over time. Your bite alignment affects how evenly pressure gets distributed across your dental work. Regular dental check-ups help spot any issues early before they cause bigger problems.
Taking Control of Your Crown and Bridge Care
You have more power than you might think over the length of time your dental restorations last. Good habits can make a real difference in protecting your investment in oral health.
Your Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining proper oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay extra attention to the areas where your crown or bridge meets your gumline. Thread floss carefully around your restoration and use interdental brushes to remove trapped food particles. Complete your routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria and keep your gums healthy.
Protection During Sleep
Your dental work needs protection while you rest. Using a custom-fitted night guard creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage from grinding or clenching. Position your head slightly elevated during sleep to minimize acid reflux that could harm your dental work over time.
Smart Food Choices
Making thoughtful decisions about your diet helps protect your dental restorations. Avoid extremely hard foods like ice and hard candies, which could crack your crown or bridge. When eating chewy or tough foods, take smaller bites and chew carefully. Reduce your intake of sugary sodas and acidic beverages, which can compromise the strength of your natural teeth and potentially affect your restoration’s stability.
Regular Professional Care
Professional dental visits are key to maintaining your restorations. During these appointments, your dentist will thoroughly clean around your crown or bridge, take necessary X-rays to check the fit, and examine the surrounding teeth and gums for any signs of problems. These check-ups allow for the early detection of potential issues before they become serious complications.
Quick Response to Problems
Being proactive about potential issues helps extend the life of your dental work. Contact your dentist if you notice any changes in how your crown or bridge feels when biting down, experience new sensitivity, or spot signs of wear. Addressing minor problems quickly prevents them from developing into major complications that could require the replacement of your restoration.
Protecting Your Smile Investment
Your crowns and bridges play an important role in your daily life, helping you eat, speak, and smile confidently. At Center City Emergency Dentist, we offer premium dental restorations designed to serve you well for many years. Beyond crowns and bridges, we provide solutions for missing teeth, including dental implants and custom dentures. Want to protect your smile or explore restoration options? Book your visit with CCED today, and let’s keep your dental work looking and feeling great for years to come.