Crowns and Fillings Don’t Last Forever — But Here’s How toMake Them Last Longer

Crowns and Fillings Don’t Last Forever — But Here’s How toMake Them Last Longer

By Dr. Cohen, DDS

Crowns and fillings are designed to restore and protect your teeth—but they’re not indestructible. Over time, they can wear down, crack, or fail, often because of everyday habits patients don’t realize are causing damage.

The good news? Three simple secrets can dramatically extend the life of your dental work.

Secret #1: Treat Your Crowns and Fillings Like Real Teeth

Crowns and fillings still sit in your mouth alongside natural teeth—and they need the same care.

That means:

• Brushing twice a day

• Flossing daily

• Keeping plaque and bacteria away from the edges of restorations

Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to decay around crowns or fillings, which is one of the most common reasons they fail prematurely.

Secret #2: Identify If You Clench or Grind Your Teeth

Many patients grind or clench their teeth without realizing it—especially during sleep.

Grinding places extreme pressure on crowns, fillings, and natural teeth. In severe cases, it can:

• Crack a crown

• Break a filling

• Even fracture a tooth

If you grind or clench, a custom night guard can help protect your teeth and dental work by absorbing that pressure and reducing long-term damage.

Secret #3: Be Careful What You Chew (and What You Use Your Teeth For)

Hard foods and bad habits can shorten the lifespan of dental restorations.

Be cautious with:

• Hard candies

• Ice

• Nuts or very hard foods

And remember—your teeth are not tools.They’re not scissors, bottle openers, or tear-open devices. Using your teeth this way increases the risk of chips, cracks, and broken restorations.

Your Habits Matter More Than You Think

You may only see your dentist every six months, but what you do every single day has the biggest impact on how long your crowns and fillings last.

Good habits protect your investment—and your smile.

If you have questions about your existing dental work or want to know how to protect it long-term, we’re always happy to help.