Caring for Fillings, Crowns, and Veneers

Dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, and veneers are common treatments used to repair damaged teeth, improve the function of the mouth, and enhance the overall appearance of your smile. These restorations can be essential in maintaining good oral health and preventing further dental issues. However, just like your natural teeth, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure they last for as long as possible. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your fillings, crowns, and veneers to extend their longevity and ensure optimal oral health.

Caring for Fillings

Dental fillings are used to repair cavities or damaged teeth. They come in various materials, including amalgam (silver fillings), composite (tooth-coloured fillings), gold, and ceramic. Although fillings are durable, they require proper care to maintain their functionality and prevent further damage.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

• Brush twice a day: Brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush gently around the area where the filling is placed, as brushing too hard can over time wear down the filling material, especially if it is a composite or amalgam filling.
• Clean interdentally daily: Clean using an interdental brush between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque that could accumulate around your filling. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can lead to further tooth decay.
• Use a soft toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for cleaning your teeth and fillings. Hard bristles may cause damage to your fillings, particularly composite or porcelain ones, over time.

2. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

• Hard foods: Foods such as ice, boiled sweets, or nuts can put excessive pressure on your fillings, particularly if they are made of composite or amalgam material. Biting down on hard objects could potentially crack or dislodge fillings.
• Sticky foods: Avoid sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum. These can pull on fillings, resulting in them becoming loose or damaged.

3. Address Sensitivity

Some people experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods after getting a filling. This is often temporary, but if sensitivity persists, contact your dentist. In some cases, the filling may need to be adjusted.

4. Regular Dental Check-ups

It’s important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist will check the condition of your fillings and ensure that no decay is present around them. They will also check for any wear and tear, and can replace or repair any damaged fillings if needed.

Caring for Crowns

A dental crown is a ‘cap’ placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. Regardless of the material, crowns need proper care to last for many years.

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

• Brush and clean interdentally regularly: As with fillings, it’s crucial to brush your teeth twice a day and use interdental brushes daily. Cleaning around the crown is especially important to prevent plaque buildup that could lead to decay around the base of the crown. In some instances, it may be easier to use floss around a crown if you have tight contact points. Your dentist or hygienist can advise on the best cleaning method for you.
• Use non-abrasive toothpaste: While brushing, it’s essential to use non-abrasive toothpaste, especially if your crown is made of porcelain or ceramic. Abrasive toothpaste can scratch the surface of the crown, causing it to lose its shine or colour over time.

2. Avoid Chewing Hard Objects

• No chewing on hard objects: Crowns, although durable, can still be damaged by excessive force. Avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails. This is especially important for crowns that are made of porcelain or ceramic, as they can be more prone to cracking under pressure.
• Be cautious with sticky foods: Foods like caramel, chewing gum, or sticky toffees can get stuck under the edges of the crown, leading to potential damage or decay. Additionally, sticky foods can dislodge or loosen the crown over time.

3. Be Mindful of Teeth Grinding

• Protect your crown from grinding: If you grind your teeth (bruxism), particularly at night, this can put excessive pressure on your crowns and cause them to wear down or crack. Consider using a nightguard to protect your crowns and natural teeth from the effects of grinding.

4. Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular check-ups are essential to ensure the integrity of your crown. Your dentist will check that your crown fits properly, doesn’t show signs of wear, and that the tooth beneath it remains healthy. Your dentist can also check for any gaps between the crown and the tooth, which could allow bacteria to enter and cause decay.

Caring for Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve appearance. Veneers are typically used for cosmetic purposes, such as correcting chipped, discoloured, or misaligned teeth. Proper care is essential to ensure they stay in good condition.

1. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

• Brush gently: Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth twice daily. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, as it can scratch and dull the surface of your veneers.
• Floss carefully: When flossing, be gentle around your veneers to avoid pulling or loosening them. Flossing or using interdental brushes helps remove plaque and debris from between the teeth and around the edges of the veneers, where bacteria can accumulate.

2. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks

• Limit staining foods and drinks: Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but over time, excessive consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or foods with artificial colouring can lead to staining around the edges of the veneers. It’s advisable to reduce your intake of these items, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. Composite material is more prone to staining.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use can cause staining on veneers, especially around the edges, and can impact the aesthetic quality of your restoration. If you smoke, it’s advisable to stop to preserve both your veneers and overall oral health.

3. Be Careful with Hard or Sticky Foods

• Avoid hard foods: While veneers are durable, they can still crack or chip if you bite down on hard objects, such as ice, nuts, or boiled sweets. Be mindful of what you bite into to protect your veneers.
• Be cautious with sticky foods: Sticky foods, like chewing gum or caramel, can get stuck to your veneers and may cause damage if removed forcefully. They can also pull at the edges of the veneers, causing them to lift or become loose.

4. Protect Your Veneers from Grinding

• Wear a nightguard if necessary: If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to protect your veneers. Teeth grinding can exert significant pressure on veneers, potentially leading to cracks or chips.

5. Regular Dental Visits

It’s essential to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure your veneers are in good condition. Your dentist can check the bond between the veneer and the tooth and ensure that no decay has occurred underneath the veneer. If there is any sign of damage or wear, your dentist can address it promptly.

General Tips for All Restorative Treatments

While caring for fillings, crowns, and veneers individually is important, there are some general tips that apply to all restorative treatments:

• Avoid grinding and clenching: Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can significantly damage fillings, crowns, and veneers. A custom-made nightguard can help prevent damage caused by grinding.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps maintain saliva flow, which aids in the natural cleaning of your teeth and restorations.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools: Avoid using your teeth to open packages, bite nails, or perform tasks that could damage your dental work.
• Be patient with your new restorations: It can take time to adjust to having fillings, crowns, or veneers. Be gentle and patient with your dental work, especially in the first few weeks after placement.