717 Newfield St. Middletown, CT 06457
Last Updated: August 4, 2026
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. John Pavlakis, Cosmetic Dentist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. John Pavlakis, DDS on August 3, 2026
While you should always take care of your teeth, it is especially important to practice good oral hygiene after you have had dental work done. Whether you have undergone dental procedures to get crowns, bridges, or dentures, knowing the right maintenance habits keeps your dental work functional and your smile looking its best for as long as possible.
Maintaining your dental work is essential to ensure long-lasting results, whether you have crowns, bridges, or dentures. At Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer guidance on how to care for your dental restorations, from daily hygiene routines to regular check-ups. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Pavlakis and his team have seen firsthand how proper maintenance can extend the life of your dental work, keeping your smile healthy and beautiful.
How Long Does Each Type of Dental Work Typically Last?
Every type of restoration has a different expected lifespan, and knowing what to expect helps you plan for future care.
These ranges assume consistent daily care and regular dental visits. Skipping maintenance steps below can shorten any of these timelines significantly.
Tips to Help You Maintain Your Dental Work
After you have spent time and money getting dental work done, knowing how to maintain it lets you keep enjoying the benefits of your new crowns, bridges, or dentures for as long as possible.
Ensure You Are Regularly Flossing
Whether you have dental crowns, bridges, or dentures, flossing regularly is extremely important for longevity. You may also use a soft pick that can get underneath these dental structures and keep plaque from building up. Your dentist can go over the correct technique for flossing and cleaning your specific dental work. Whether you use dental floss or a soft pick, this process should be done consistently two times a day after meals.
Consider Using a Waterpik
A Waterpik is a more advanced and effective way to floss. Waterpiks are water flossers that shoot out a targeted stream of water. Using a Waterpik allows you to remove large amounts of plaque from behind a dental bridge, crown, or around dentures, helping you maintain an overall clean mouth.
Your dentist will likely recommend that you use your Waterpik in the morning and at night to clean underneath the dental work you have had done. Because they tend to be messy, it is often a good practice to use your Waterpik in the shower.
Routinely Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth limits the amount of plaque in your mouth, keeping your mouth and gums healthy. This is especially important after you have had dental work done. If you do not brush regularly, or brush improperly, you may develop cavities or other oral health issues. A cavity underneath a crown or bridge can mean your restorative dentist has to remove the existing work and redo it once the cavity is treated. For this reason, and to prevent gum disease, it is important to talk with your dentist about the right brushing technique for your specific dental work.
Attend Regular Visits to Your Dentist
After having dental work done, keeping up with hygiene cleanings and check-ups is essential. To best maintain your oral health, you should get your teeth cleaned every six months, along with any additional check-ups your dentist recommends for your specific dental work.
Warning Signs Your Dental Work Needs Attention
Knowing when to call your dentist between regular visits can prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger, more expensive repair.
Sharp Edges or Cracks
A rough edge or visible crack on a crown or bridge should be checked before it worsens.
Looseness or Shifting
A crown, bridge, or denture that moves when you chew may need to be relined or recemented.
Pain or Sensitivity
New sensitivity around a restoration can signal decay or gum irritation underneath it.
Denture Fit Changes
Slipping, clicking, or sore spots often mean an adjustment is needed as your gums and jawbone change over time.
Protect the Dental Work You Invested In
Our team at Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can check the fit and condition of your crowns, bridges, or dentures at your next visit.
Keep Your Smile Beautiful and Healthy at Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Maintaining your dental work can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your smile looking its best. At Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide personalized guidance on how to care for your crowns, bridges, and dentures to help you achieve long-lasting results. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Pavlakis and our team understand the importance of regular cleanings, proper hygiene routines, and the right tools, like Waterpiks and soft picks, to help you protect your dental investment.
If you are ready to protect your dental work and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us at Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Call us at (860) 347-1227 or fill out our contact form to take the next step in caring for your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maintaining Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures
Can I use regular toothpaste on crowns, bridges, and dentures?
Standard fluoride toothpaste is fine for crowns and bridges since they are cleaned like natural teeth. Removable dentures should be cleaned with a denture-specific cleanser rather than regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive for the denture material.
Is a Waterpik really necessary if I already floss?
A Waterpik is not strictly required, but it reaches under bridges and around crowns more easily than string floss for many patients. Either tool works well when used consistently, so choose whichever one you will actually use twice a day.
Why does my bridge or crown feel loose even though it is not painful?
Looseness without pain can still mean the cement has weakened or decay has developed underneath the restoration. It is worth having it checked even without discomfort, since catching the issue early usually means a simpler repair.
Do dentures need to be removed every night?
Yes. Removing dentures overnight and soaking them gives your gum tissue time to rest and helps prevent irritation. Wearing dentures continuously without a break can also contribute to bacterial and fungal buildup.
Why does a denture that fit well start feeling loose over time?
Your jawbone and gum tissue naturally change shape over months and years, which can leave a well-fitted denture feeling loose. A relining or adjustment at your dentist’s office usually restores a secure fit without needing a full replacement.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. John Pavlakis, DDS
Lead Dentist, Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Middletown
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Pavlakis and the Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry team have seen firsthand how proper maintenance extends the life of crowns, bridges, and dentures. He earned his DDS from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Connecticut Dental Society.
Dr. John Pavlakis | Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. John Pavlakis, a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, brings years of expertise and a commitment to patient-centered care. Staying at the forefront of dental advancements, he is an active member of leading dental organizations. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Pavlakis ensures patients feel heard and comfortable, providing top-tier cosmetic and general dentistry at Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Middletown, CT.
