Crowns are synthetic caps that strengthen, protect, and restore damaged teeth, as well as replace missing ones. Once in place, crowns look just like natural teeth and can even improve the appearance of teeth with cosmetic issues. Dental crowns are extremely durable, but it is possible for one to be broken. Dr. Shanean Michelle Anderson, the skilled dentist at Smile Sculptors of Wake Forest, can repair your broken dental crown.
Causes of Broken Crowns
Dental crowns are strong and durable, but they can break if not cared for properly. One simple way to care for your crowns is to practice effective oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing daily. Brushing and flossing help clear away harmful bacteria and acids.
In addition to developing a good oral hygiene routine, another way to care for your dental crowns is to avoid certain activities or habits that can damage them. For example, eating extremely hard candies can lead to a chipped or cracked crown so it is best to avoid such foods. It is also helpful to take precautions, such as wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or wearing a nightguard when sleeping if you tend to grind your teeth. Common causes of broken dental crowns include:
- An injury to the mouth or face
- Biting into hard or sticky foods
- Habitual teeth grinding or clenching
- Chewing on the ends of pens or pencils
- Biting the fingernails
- Chewing on ice cubes
How We Can Help
If you have a broken crown it might be possible to repair it rather than replace it. Chipped or cracked dental crowns can often be fixed by applying a resin material to the problem area. The resin permanently bonds with the rest of the crown as it dries. Once the resin is completely dry, the crown will be restored and the damaged area will no longer be visible. In cases of severe damage, it is often best to replace the broken crown. The experienced dentist at our office in Wake Forest can examine your dental crown and determine if repair is possible.
If you have a broken crown, we can help. In many cases, it is possible to repair the damage without replacing the crown. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson to discuss the possibility of repairing chipped or cracked dental crowns by calling Smile Sculptors of Wake Forest at (919) 825-1795.