When you’ve taken the time and resources to improve your smile with dental treatments like crowns, bridges, veneers, or cosmetic enhancements, protecting that investment is essential. At Pennsauken Family Dental, we help patients maintain the beauty, function, and longevity of their dental restorations through education, prevention, and personalized care.

Whether you’ve had dental bridges placed in Pennsauken Township or worked with a cosmetic dentist to enhance your smile, ongoing care is what determines how long those results last.

Why Maintenance Matters for Cosmetic and Restorative Work

Dental work doesn’t last forever without the right support. While modern materials like porcelain and zirconia are highly durable, they’re still subject to wear, damage, and even decay in the supporting teeth if hygiene or habits fall short.

Brushing and flossing are just part of the picture. Maintaining regular checkups and cleanings—and making small adjustments in your lifestyle—can significantly extend the lifespan of your restorations.

Home Care Tips for Long-Lasting Dental Restorations

To protect your dental bridges, veneers, or crowns, start with your at-home routine. Even restorations that don’t get cavities can accumulate plaque, leading to gum disease or problems with the surrounding teeth.

Here’s how to maintain your dental work:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth and under any bridgework.
• If you’ve received cosmetic treatments like bonding or veneers, avoid harsh whitening products and abrasive toothpastes that can dull their surface.
• Consider a water flosser if traditional floss is challenging to use, especially around bridges.

We can also recommend tools that make cleaning easier around dental bridges or cosmetic dental work. Our team is happy to tailor suggestions to your unique smile.

Avoid These Habits to Prevent Damage

Certain lifestyle habits can reduce the lifespan of your dental work. If you've recently had bridges placed in Pennsauken Township or received cosmetic enhancements, you’ll want to avoid:

• Biting into very hard foods (like ice or nuts)
• Opening packaging with your teeth
• Clenching or grinding your teeth—especially at night
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Skipping regular dental visits

If you’re prone to grinding, we may recommend a nightguard to protect your restorations and natural teeth.

Why Regular Checkups Are Critical

Even if your teeth feel fine, routine visits to your dentist can catch issues early. We’ll monitor your restorations to ensure they’re still sealed properly, aligned correctly, and not causing stress to other teeth or your bite.

We also assess your gum health, which is a key factor in the long-term success of crowns, veneers, and bridges. Gum disease can weaken the foundation of your restorations, leading to instability and failure over time.

How Long Should Dental Work Last?

With good care, most cosmetic and restorative treatments can last many years. Porcelain veneers, for instance, can last 10–15 years or longer. Dental bridges typically last 7–10 years, though they may last much longer with excellent hygiene and regular checkups.

Of course, accidents and normal wear can still happen. That’s why knowing how to respond—and when to reach out to your dentist—is so important.

At Pennsauken Family Dental, we want your dental work to look and feel great for as long as possible. Our team will work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you enjoy your healthiest smile.