Whether you’ve recently invested in dental crowns, veneers, implants, or fillings, maintaining your dental work is essential to keeping your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful. At Robinson Dental in Lynnwood, WA, we help patients protect their restorations through expert care, tailored advice, and modern techniques. If you want your dental work to last, here’s what you need to know.

Why Maintenance Matters for Dental Work

Even the best dental restorations are not invincible. Over time, crowns can chip, fillings may wear down, veneers can stain, and implants require ongoing hygiene to prevent surrounding gum issues. Without proper care, your investment can quickly lose its value — both in terms of appearance and function.

At our Lynnwood office, we see patients every day who want their dental work to stand the test of time. Whether it’s a single crown or a full set of dentures, our goal is to help every patient walk out with confidence and keep their smile strong for years to come.

Understanding the Lifespan of Restorations

Each type of dental work comes with a general life expectancy:

• Crowns and bridges: 10–15 years with good care
• Veneers: 10+ years, depending on habits
• Fillings: Composite fillings typically last 5–10 years
• Implants: Can last a lifetime with proper maintenance
• Dentures: Around 7–10 years before needing a reline or replacement

However, these timelines can vary dramatically based on how well you care for them. Lifestyle choices, oral hygiene, and regular dental visits all influence the longevity of your restorations.

Brush and Floss Daily (and Correctly)

Good oral hygiene is your first defense. Just like natural teeth, your restorations need to be brushed at least twice a day and flossed daily. It’s not just about keeping things clean — it’s about preventing the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease, decay at the margins of restorations, and even implant failure.

We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Aggressive brushing can damage your restorations or cause gum recession. When flossing around crowns, bridges, or dental implants, use threaders or specialized implant floss to clean effectively.

Schedule Regular Teeth Cleanings

Visiting your Lynnwood dentist for professional teeth cleaning is essential to the maintenance of your dental work. Even if your teeth feel fine, plaque and tartar can build up around crowns, veneers, and implants, especially in areas that are hard to reach with brushing alone.

Routine visits allow your hygienist to keep your restorations in top shape and your dentist to catch any signs of wear, damage, or decay early. If you’re wearing dentures, regular checkups are just as important — to ensure proper fit, avoid sore spots, and assess for bone loss or changes in your bite.

Avoid Harmful Habits

Certain habits can shorten the lifespan of your dental work. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Grinding or clenching (bruxism): Can cause fractures or wear on crowns and veneers
• Chewing on ice or hard foods: May crack restorations
• Using teeth as tools: Such as opening packages
• Smoking: Increases risk of gum disease and implant failure
• Drinking excessive coffee or wine: Can stain certain restorations

If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to protect your restorations — especially if you’ve had veneers, crowns, or implants placed.

Use a Nightguard If Recommended

Nightguards are especially important for patients with cosmetic or restorative dental work. Grinding during sleep can wear down veneers or chip a crown — and you may not even realize it’s happening. A properly fitted nightguard from Robinson Dental can dramatically reduce this risk.

Unlike generic store-bought versions, a custom nightguard is designed specifically for your bite, offering maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

While most dental restorations allow you to eat comfortably, it’s still smart to make tooth-friendly food choices. Sticky, hard, or overly sugary foods can damage fillings and crowns or pull at veneers. On the flip side, foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins help maintain the strength of your teeth and support gum health.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also helps wash away bacteria and food particles that could compromise your restorations.

Take Action If You Notice a Problem

If your crown feels loose, your veneer chips, or your implant site feels irritated — don’t wait. Small issues can turn into costly complications. Call your dentist in Lynnwood as soon as something feels off. We offer emergency care and same-day treatment when needed, so you never have to wait long to protect your smile.

Protect Your Investment with Robinson Dental

As one of the best dentists in Lynnwood, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your dental care. From dental crowns and bridges to implants, veneers, and fillings, our team works with precision and attention to detail — and we’re here to guide you on how to protect your restorations for life.

When Was Your Last Check-Up?

If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, it’s time to schedule your next cleaning. We’ll evaluate your current restorations, check your gum health, and help you build a personalized plan to keep your smile in top shape. Whether you’re a new patient looking for quality care or a returning one who values a trusted provider, Robinson Dental in Lynnwood, WA is here for you.