If you are investing in a crown or bridge, you want to know how long it will last. At Valley Dental Turlock, we tell patients that most crowns and bridges last about 10 to 15 years, and with excellent care many last even longer. How you care for them makes a real difference.
Here is what influences their lifespan and how to protect your restoration for years to come.
What affects how long they last
- Oral hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing protect the tooth and gum tissue supporting the restoration.
- Regular checkups: Routine cleanings and exams catch small problems early.
- Habits: Grinding, chewing ice, or biting hard objects can crack a crown or bridge.
- Materials and fit: A well-made, properly fitted restoration lasts longer.
- Underlying tooth health: Decay or gum disease under a restoration can shorten its life.
How to make yours last
Treat your crown or bridge like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss daily, taking extra care to clean under a bridge where food can collect. A floss threader or a water flosser makes it easy to reach beneath the false tooth of a bridge, an area that traps debris if it is ignored. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packaging and steer clear of very hard foods like ice and hard candy. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a nightguard to shield your restoration from excess pressure. Keeping up with regular dental visits lets us monitor everything over time.
Daily care checklist
A short routine protects your restoration for the long haul.
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day, using a threader or water flosser under a bridge.
- Limit ice, hard candy, and very sticky foods.
- Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind.
- Keep your routine cleanings and exams on the calendar.
Signs your restoration needs attention
Contact us if you notice sensitivity, pain, looseness, or a change in how your bite feels, or if you see any chips or cracks. A bad taste, a foul odor, or food that keeps getting caught in the same spot can also signal a problem at the edge of a crown or under a bridge. Decay can develop in the natural tooth beneath a crown, which is why regular exams and digital X-rays are so important. Addressing issues early often means a simpler fix and a longer-lasting result, so reach out at the first sign of trouble.
Replacing a crown or bridge
Even well-maintained restorations may eventually need replacing due to normal wear, a change in the supporting tooth, or gum changes over time. When that day comes, we will walk you through your options, which may include a new crown or bridge, dental implants, or other solutions, and explain financing so the next step is easy. You can book an appointment for an evaluation whenever you are ready.