Caring for Your Dental Work: 7 Tips for Looking After Fillings, Veneers, Implants, Bridges, and Crowns

10/02/2025

Caring for Your Dental Work: 7 Tips for Looking After Fillings, Veneers, Implants, Bridges, and Crowns

When you’ve invested in dental improvements like fillings, veneers, implants, bridges or crowns, it’s essential to care for them properly so your smile looks good, your teeth retain their function, and your restorations last for years. 

Just like your natural teeth, dental work can become damaged or worn. This could mean further treatments, expenses, and potential health issues. 

Fortunately, caring for your newly restored smile isn’t challenging, and as long as you take a few simple steps and precautions, your crown, bridge, implant, veneers or fillings will last. 

In this article, we’ll explore some essential tips for looking after your restorations. 

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Just because your dental restorations are not natural teeth doesn’t mean they don’t require regular cleaning. Maintaining a thorough daily oral hygiene routine is crucial for the health of your restorations.

Brush Twice a Day

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle around your dental work to avoid damaging fillings, crowns, or veneers.

Floss Daily

Flossing removes food particles and plaque between your teeth and around your restorations. If you have implants or bridges, special flossing tools may be helpful to clean these areas effectively.

Use Mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria that may build up around your fillings, veneers, and crowns, helping to prevent gum disease and decay.

2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

While dental restorations are designed to be durable, it’s wise to avoid certain foods that can put unnecessary stress on them. Hard or sticky foods can damage or dislodge your fillings, crowns, or veneers.

Hard Foods

Ice, nuts, and hard-boiled sweets can crack or chip your restorations. Avoid chewing on anything too hard, especially on any side of your mouth where you have a restoration. 

Sticky Foods

Caramel, toffee, and chewing gum can cause fillings to loosen or even pull off crowns. While these foods may be tempting, they’re best avoided to protect your dental work.

3. Talk To Us About Teeth Grinding

If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), managing this habit is important, especially if you have crowns, veneers, or fillings. Constant grinding can wear down dental restorations, leading to damage or the need for early replacement.

Wear a Night Guard

If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-made night guard can protect your restorations from excessive pressure. Talk to us about having one made. 

Manage Stress

Stress is a major cause of teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques or stress management may help reduce grinding habits during the day.

4. Visit Us for Regular Dental Check-Ups

Even if your restorations feel fine, you should visit us regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.  We’ll spot any issues with your fillings, veneers, implants, or crowns before they become serious problems.

Check for Wear and Tear

Over time, dental restorations may show signs of wear, especially fillings or crowns. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to assess the condition of your restorations and recommend any necessary adjustments or replacements.

Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease can affect the integrity of your dental restorations. Regular cleanings help keep your gums and teeth healthy, preventing further complications.

5. Protect Your Restorations During Physical Activities

If you play contact sports or engage in activities that could cause injury to your mouth, it’s essential to protect your dental work with a mouthguard. A custom-fit mouthguard will protect your natural teeth and fillings, veneers, crowns, and implants.

6. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools

One of the most common causes of damage to dental work is using teeth to open packages, bottles, or other objects. Avoid using your teeth as tools, as this can put undue stress on fillings, crowns, and veneers, causing them to crack or become loose.

7. Monitor Any Changes or Discomfort

If you experience unusual discomfort like sensitivity or pain, it’s essential to seek advice from us as early as possible. 

Pain or discomfort could indicate an issue, such as a loose crown, a cavity under a filling, or an infection around an implant. Early detection of problems can often save you from more complex and expensive treatments later.

Caring for Veneers, Crowns, Implants, Bridges, and Fillings

Caring for your dental restorations will help them last longer while maintaining their function and appearance. We’re here to help. Our dentists and hygienists are on hand to advise you on the best ways to keep your smile looking great. 

Contact us today to book your next appointment. 

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