All dental restorations have a limited lifespan, which is hardly surprising when you consider that the mouth is quite a hostile environment. Each day, your dental restorations and your teeth must exist alongside disease-causing and acid-producing bacteria. Every time you enjoy a hot drink or a cold ice-cream, the temperature changes dramatically. When you bite or chew food, the forces can be more than 100 pounds per square inch. However, there are some things you can do to help your dental restorations last a little longer.

Dental Fillings

Fillings are necessary if you develop a cavity in a tooth, and most modern dental fillings in Newcastle are made from a tooth-coloured material called composite resin or from porcelain that has been milled to create a precision fitting restoration. Although these products are durable, the procedure to place them requires more attention to detail. It is essential to ensure the filling is placed into a dry cavity, and that a good seal is created between the filling and the tooth, sealing out disease-causing bacteria. If the filling starts to separate from the tooth even a tiny bit, it can let in bacteria, beginning the process of tooth decay all over again. When the seal is broken, the filling must be replaced.

It’s essential to have a good daily oral hygiene routine to help fillings to last for longer. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once-a-day reduces disease-causing bacteria. Composite resin fillings can absorb stains, especially from beverages like coffee and tea and wine. If you have noticed your fillings are becoming discoloured, it could be worth reducing your consumption of highly coloured drinks. Some people will choose to replace their composite resin fillings more frequently to refresh their smile, even if the filling is still protecting the tooth.

Veneers

Veneers are excellent for rejuvenating the appearance of worn and discoloured teeth. They consist of thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of the tooth entirely. One major advantage of opting for dental veneers in Clarington is that they do not discolour like a composite resin filling. Although the bond between the veneer and your tooth is strong, habits such as crunching on ice or nail biting can cause chipping.

Another problem is teeth grinding or bruxism. It’s essential that if you grind your teeth to wear a custom-made night guard during sleep. This is a comfortable device that fits over your upper teeth, preventing them from contacting your lower teeth and we can easily create a night guard here for you at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Gum recession is a common problem and is something you need to be aware of when you have veneers as it can expose your tooth roots and which are almost always darker than your veneers. If you have severe bruxism or have a history of gum disease or tooth decay, it’s possible you may benefit from another solution other than dental veneers, for example, dental crowns which cover the entire tooth.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns protect the entire tooth, covering it completely and are often used to restore teeth severely damaged by tooth decay or which have received root canal therapy. The latest crowns are all-ceramic and precision-made to ensure an excellent fit that seals out bacteria and are extremely strong and durable. To ensure they last longer, it is essential to clean around the crown thoroughly by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.

Each time you visit our dentist in Courtice, we can carefully evaluate and monitor the condition of your restorations and will suggest they are replaced as needed.