According to the experience of our experts, as many as 80% of adults do not brush their teeth properly. What concerns us even more is that a large percentage of people do not properly maintain the hygiene of their crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, and dentures. The belief that teeth and gums no longer need care after prosthetic restorations have been placed is completely wrong. In fact, regular and thorough hygiene of prosthetic work requires even more careful and intensive care than natural teeth.

Food debris can accumulate on all prosthetic restorations—whether crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, or dentures—and it must be cleaned thoroughly. The bigger problem is the buildup of debris in areas we cannot easily see, such as between the crown and the gum, between the crown and a natural tooth, and on the surface areas around implants. These deposits create the ideal environment for bacteria that can lead to serious dental problems.

What proper maintenance of prosthetic restorations looks like

As with brushing natural teeth, the best results when cleaning prosthetic restorations are achieved when the toothbrush is held at a 45-degree angle. First, the outer surfaces should be brushed, then the inner surfaces, and finally the chewing surfaces of all teeth.

It is important that brushing includes every tooth, every prosthetic restoration, and every surface of each restoration. The tongue should not be forgotten, and the gums should also be gently massaged using light circular movements. It is equally important to use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean the spaces between teeth and between prosthetic restorations.

Interdental brushes can be used dry, dipped in chlorhexidine gel, or with a mouth rinse. There are also special types of floss designed for cleaning underneath the body of a dental bridge. You can ask our experts about these, and they also recommend gently massaging the gums while brushing.

In addition, mouthwash should be used to further reduce the bacteria that collect on and between the teeth and prosthetic restorations. Are you able to brush your teeth like this twice a day? Do you brush correctly and for long enough—two to three minutes?

Sonic technology does the work for you

For many adults, everyday oral care and brushing technique with manual toothbrushes are simply not effective enough. This is where modern technology becomes extremely helpful. After placing crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, or dentures, our experts recommend Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes, powered by sonic technology.

This technology uses powerful sonic vibrations that transform toothpaste into microbubbles that remove plaque and then drive those bubbles deep between the teeth and along the gum line. It directs fluid into interdental spaces that a traditional toothbrush cannot reach, no matter how thoroughly you brush.

When using this technology, all the spaces between prosthetic restorations and the gums, as well as the surface areas around implants, can be cleaned far more effectively. To be completely sure that every corner between your teeth and crowns or bridges—and the surface areas around implants—has been cleaned, you can also use Philips interdental flossers, which help prevent tooth decay in hard-to-reach spaces. Even after the very first use of Philips Sonicare toothbrushes and interdental flossers, you will notice a completely new feeling of cleanliness.

Your dentist will notice the difference too

Proper oral hygiene, supported by modern electric toothbrushes powered by sonic technology, will improve the appearance of your smile, help prevent dental problems, and make your dentist’s job easier at your next visit. Regular check-ups, along with professional cleaning of prosthetic restorations at the dentist once a year, are another key factor in extending the lifespan of crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, and dentures.