When your dentist in Mackay might recommend crowns

There’s an old saying that ‘over time smiles fade’ and this is true, as we get older our teeth can start to discolour, become cracked or suffer from damage brought on by poor hygiene, diet or just accidently through a trip or fall.

On the outside this may seem like the death knell for your once bright smile, but this is where crowns can be a potential solution to get you smiling again. This procedure, provided by your dentist in Mackay, can help you save and smarten up that smile.

What are crowns?

They are essentially a small cap comprised of porcelain or usually ceramic, that’s placed over a part of your tooth, or teeth, depending on the situation, to cover it and give it a nicer appearance. This covering can also help strengthen the tooth against future wear and tear as well as lending structural support to any loose fitting or misaligned neighbours when you bite or chew.

When would your dentist recommend crowns?

Generally your dentist in Mackay would recommend you for this treatment if your teeth are damaged or cracked. It can also be used as a solution for covering holes in a tooth to keep out bacteria, or for aesthetic reasons if the damage is near the front or it’s noticeable when you talk or smile. It also tends to be used when a tooth is in a state where an implant or removal isn’t a consideration yet and covering it would work just as well.

At Northern Beaches Dental in Mackay, our team will shape and mould your custom crown to provide you with a natural looking cover that will smarten up your smile.

Aftercare advice

After leaving the practice there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that your new crown stands the test of time.

First of all, it can be cleaned like any normal tooth as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Although, it’s generally recommended that you don’t press too hard on the crown with your brush as you may dislodge or damage it. This is vitally important immediately after the procedure as the bonding adhesive may not have completely solidified yet and may need extra time to cure, so be gentle with it.

Also, if you floss, avoid pulling too deep around the treated tooth as you may catch or tug on the crown, which could potentially damage it. Finally, if you use mouthwash brands, it’s advised that you avoid using any for a while after treatment. This is because some of the chemicals in mouthwash have a chance of damaging the adhesive that holds your crown in place.

How long does a crown last?

Crowns are hardy prosthetics, so as long as you look after it correctly you should find that it lasts a number of years before a follow up is needed. However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid your six month check-ups, as these allow us to chart your overall progress.

These are just a few interesting titbits about crowns and when your dentist may recommend them for you. If you would like to know more about this procedure or how it could benefit you, then contact our team at the practice for a chat.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.