Caring for Dental Crowns and Bridges: Making Your Restoration Last
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Dental crowns and bridges represent significant investments in your oral health, both financially and in terms of the time spent in the dentist's chair. While these restorations are designed to be durable and long-lasting, their longevity depends largely on how well you care for them. With proper maintenance, crowns can last 10-15 years or longer, and bridges can serve you well for a decade or more. Understanding how to care for these restorations can help you maximize your investment and maintain a healthy, functional smile.
Understanding Crowns and Bridges
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically flawed tooth. Crowns restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Common reasons for crowns:
• Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
• Restoring a broken or severely worn tooth
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Holding a dental bridge in place
• Covering a dental implant
• Covering a discolored or misshapen tooth
• Protecting a tooth after root canal treatment
Types of crowns:
• Porcelain or ceramic (most natural-looking)
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (strong and aesthetic)
• Gold alloy (extremely durable, less aesthetic)
• Base metal alloy (very strong, requires less tooth removal)
• Zirconia (strong and aesthetic)
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap (abutment teeth) with a false tooth/teeth (pontic) in between.
Types of bridges:
• Traditional bridge: Crowns on both sides of the gap
• Cantilever bridge: Crown on only one side
• Maryland bridge: Metal or porcelain framework bonded to back of adjacent teeth
• Implant-supported bridge: Supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth
Daily Care for Crowns and Bridges
Brushing Technique
Crowns and bridges require the same diligent brushing as natural teeth, with some special considerations:
Frequency: Brush at least twice daily, ideally after every meal
Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the restoration or irritating gums
Toothpaste: Non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste protects both the restoration and surrounding natural teeth
Technique:
• Hold brush at 45-degree angle to the gumline
• Use gentle circular motions
• Pay special attention to the margin where crown meets gum
• Brush all surfaces: front, back, and chewing
• Don't scrub aggressively—this can damage the cement seal
Electric toothbrush: Excellent for crowns and bridges, but use gentle pressure and let the brush do the work
Flossing: Critical for Bridges
Flossing around crowns and especially bridges requires special technique and tools:
For crowns:
• Floss normally on both sides of the crowned tooth
• Be gentle at the gumline to avoid dislodging the crown
• Pull floss out sideways rather than up to prevent catching on the crown margin
For bridges:
• You cannot floss normally through the bridge
• Use a floss threader to get under the pontic (false tooth)
• Thread floss under the bridge and clean the underside of the pontic
• Also clean the sides of the abutment teeth
• This is the most critical area for preventing decay and gum disease
Specialized tools:
• Floss threaders: Flexible plastic needles that help thread floss under bridges
• Superfloss: Floss with a stiff end for threading, spongy section for cleaning, and regular floss
• Interdental brushes: Small brushes that clean under and around bridges
• Water flossers: Excellent for cleaning around crowns and under bridges
Water Flossers: A Game-Changer for Bridges
Water flossers (like Waterpik) are particularly effective for bridge care:
Benefits:
• Easily clean under pontics without threading
• Reach areas traditional floss misses
• Gentle on gums and restorations
• Reduce inflammation around crowns and bridges
• Faster and easier than traditional flossing for bridges
How to use:
• Aim tip at 90-degree angle to the gumline
• Trace along the gumline and between teeth
• Spend extra time under bridge pontics
• Use medium pressure setting
• Takes 1-2 minutes for entire mouth
Mouthwash Considerations
Fluoride rinse: Helps protect natural tooth structure under and around crowns
Antibacterial rinse: Reduces bacteria around margins and under bridges
Avoid: Alcohol-based rinses if you have temporary crowns or bridges, as alcohol can weaken temporary cement
Timing: Rinse after brushing and flossing for maximum benefit
Foods to Avoid or Eat Carefully
Foods That Can Damage Crowns and Bridges
Hard foods:
• Ice (never chew ice!)
• Hard candy
• Nuts (especially hard shells)
• Popcorn kernels
• Hard bread crusts
• Bones in meat
Sticky foods:
• Caramel
• Taffy
• Gummy candies
• Dried fruit
• Chewing gum (sugar-free gum is usually okay)
Why these are problematic:
• Can crack or chip the restoration
• May dislodge or loosen crowns
• Can pull bridges away from teeth
• Stress the cement bond
Safe Eating Practices
• Cut hard foods into smaller pieces
• Chew carefully and slowly
• Distribute chewing across both sides of mouth
• Don't use teeth as tools (opening packages, cracking nuts)
• Be cautious with temperature extremes (very hot or cold)
• Remove pits from fruits before eating
Protecting Your Investment
Night Guards for Teeth Grinders
If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), you're putting enormous pressure on your crowns and bridges:
Risks without protection:
• Cracking or chipping porcelain
• Loosening crowns
• Stressing bridge abutments
• Accelerated wear
• Potential restoration failure
Solution: Custom night guard from your dentist
• Protects restorations from grinding forces
• Distributes pressure evenly
• Extends life of crowns and bridges
• Prevents damage to natural teeth too
Sports Mouthguards
If you play contact sports or activities with risk of facial impact:
• Wear a properly fitted mouthguard
• Custom guards offer best protection
• Protects both restorations and natural teeth
• Prevents costly damage from impacts
• Essential for protecting your investment
Regular Dental Visits
Professional Cleanings
Frequency: Every 6 months minimum, more often if you have gum disease
Why it matters:
• Removes plaque and tartar you can't reach at home
• Cleans thoroughly around crown margins
• Removes buildup under bridges
• Prevents gum disease that can compromise restorations
• Allows early detection of problems
Tell your hygienist: Always inform them about your crowns and bridges so they can pay special attention to these areas
Regular Examinations
Your dentist will check:
• Integrity of the restoration
• Seal between crown and tooth
• Gum health around restorations
• Bite alignment
• Signs of decay at margins
• Stability of bridges
• Condition of abutment teeth
X-rays
Periodic x-rays help detect:
• Decay under crowns
• Bone loss around bridge abutments
• Root problems in crowned teeth
• Cement washout
• Issues not visible during visual examination
Warning Signs: When to Call Your Dentist
Immediate Concerns
Contact your dentist right away if you experience:
Crown or bridge feels loose: Don't wait—early intervention can often save the restoration
Crown falls off:
• Save the crown
• Clean it gently
• Call dentist immediately
• Don't try to recement it yourself with household glue
• Temporary dental cement from pharmacy can hold it until appointment
Pain or sensitivity:
• Around the crowned tooth
• When biting down
• To hot or cold
• Persistent throbbing
Visible damage:
• Chips or cracks in the crown
• Dark lines at the gumline
• Gaps between crown and tooth
Other Concerns
Gum problems:
• Swelling around crown or bridge
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Recession exposing crown margin
• Bad taste or odor from restoration area
Bite issues:
• Crown feels too high
• Difficulty chewing
• Jaw pain when using restoration
Common Problems and Solutions
Sensitivity After Crown Placement
Normal: Mild sensitivity for a few days to weeks after placement
Management:
• Use desensitizing toothpaste
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Give it time to settle
When to worry: Sensitivity that worsens or persists beyond 2-3 weeks
Dark Line at Gumline
Cause: Metal showing through in porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, especially if gums recede
Solutions:
• Usually cosmetic, not a health concern
• Can be replaced with all-ceramic crown if bothersome
• Prevent further recession with gentle brushing
Decay Around Crown Margins
Cause: Plaque buildup at the junction of crown and tooth
Prevention:
• Meticulous brushing at the gumline
• Daily flossing
• Fluoride rinse
• Regular professional cleanings
Treatment: May require crown replacement if decay is extensive
Bridge Abutment Tooth Decay
High risk area: Teeth supporting bridges are vulnerable to decay
Prevention:
• Thorough cleaning under pontic
• Flossing around abutment teeth
• Regular dental checkups
• Fluoride treatments
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Restoration
Expected Longevity
Crowns: 10-15 years on average, often longer with excellent care
Bridges: 10-15 years, depending on oral hygiene and abutment tooth health
Factors affecting lifespan:
• Oral hygiene quality
• Material used
• Location in mouth (back teeth endure more force)
• Grinding or clenching habits
• Diet and eating habits
• Regular dental care
• Overall health conditions (diabetes, dry mouth)
Best Practices for Longevity
1. Impeccable oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss daily (especially under bridges)
2. Regular dental visits: Professional cleanings and exams every 6 months
3. Protect from trauma: Night guard for grinding, sports guard for athletics
4. Smart eating: Avoid hard, sticky foods that stress restorations
5. Address problems early: Don't ignore sensitivity, looseness, or damage
6. Maintain gum health: Healthy gums support crowns and bridges
7. Control systemic conditions: Manage diabetes, dry mouth, and other health issues
Special Considerations
Temporary Crowns and Bridges
While waiting for permanent restoration:
• Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods
• Chew on the opposite side
• Brush gently
• Floss carefully (pull out sideways, don't lift up)
• Call dentist immediately if it comes off
• Don't use the temporary as you would a permanent restoration
Implant-Supported Crowns and Bridges
Similar care with some differences:
• Can't get decay in the implant itself
• Still need excellent hygiene to prevent peri-implantitis (gum disease around implants)
• Use special implant floss or interdental brushes
• Water flosser highly recommended
• Regular professional cleanings essential
The Bottom Line
Dental crowns and bridges are sophisticated restorations that can restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. While they're designed to be durable, they're not indestructible and require conscientious care to maximize their lifespan.
The key to long-lasting crowns and bridges is treating them like your natural teeth—actually, even better than your natural teeth. Meticulous daily hygiene, especially around margins and under bridges, combined with regular professional care and smart lifestyle choices, will help your restorations serve you well for many years.
Remember that the tooth structure under a crown can still decay, and the teeth supporting a bridge are under extra stress. Your investment in these restorations deserves the investment of a few extra minutes each day in proper care. With the right approach, your crowns and bridges can provide you with a beautiful, functional smile for a decade or more.