Dental crowns are a common restorative dentistry solution, with over 20 million being placed every year. A dental crown is a custom-made prosthetic device designed to cover the visible portion of a tooth in order to improve its strength, shape, and appearance.
This article provides an in-depth look into dental crowns, including information on how long they last and factors that impact their longevity. Additionally, it will discuss proper care and maintenance for your dental crown and when you may need to replace it.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a restoration that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It is a type of dental care that can provide long-term protection and support to a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns may be temporary or permanent and come in various materials, such as gold, ceramic, and zirconia. The choice of material depends on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for keeping a dental crown in good condition. It is important to brush and floss regularly and visit a dentist for routine checkups. This will help maintain overall oral health and ensure that any problems with the crown are addressed promptly.
When cared for properly, a dental crown can last for many years. However, it is important to keep in mind that no crown is permanent, and it may need to be replaced at some point due to wear and tear. It is also important to note that crowns can fail prematurely due to poor oral hygiene or lack of care. Therefore, taking good care of your crown is important to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Types of Dental Crowns
Different materials are used in the fabrication of dental crowns. Proper care and regular dental visits can help to ensure that a dental crown lasts for years. The entire tooth is covered by a dental crown, providing a long-term solution for dental health concerns. Types of dental crowns range from metal alloys to porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-ceramic crowns. The material used for dental crowns will depend on the patient’s unique needs and desires.
Metal alloys are a popular choice for dental crowns as they are strong and durable. They are also less expensive than other materials. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. All ceramic crowns provide a natural-looking solution and are ideal for front teeth.
Dental crowns require extra care to ensure they last. Proper brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, will help to keep the crown in good condition. Eating habits should also be taken into consideration, as certain foods can damage or discolour a dental crown.
Dental crowns are an effective dental restoration for many individuals. Choosing the right material for a dental crown will depend on the individual’s needs and desires. With proper care and regular dental visits, a dental crown can last for many years.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The longevity of a dental crown is dependent upon the level of care and regular maintenance. Natural teeth can last for a lifetime by practising oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing. On the other hand, metal crowns, porcelain crowns and other dental restorations have an average lifespan of five to fifteen years. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, as well as consuming sugary or sticky foods, can lead to tooth decay and weaken the original tooth, thus reducing the lifespan of the crown.
Good oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining oral health and the lifespan of a dental crown. For metal crowns, brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent plaque buildup and the development of cavities. Porcelain crowns require gentle brushing with a toothbrush to avoid cracking and chipping. Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco can also help to keep dental crowns in the best condition. Regular dental visits can help diagnose any problems and allow the dentist to check the condition of the crown.
Factors That Impact the Longevity of Dental Crowns
Factors impacting the longevity of dental crowns include oral hygiene habits, type of crown, and avoiding harmful habits. Proper diagnosis and treatment of broken teeth, decayed teeth, and root canals can help ensure that a crown will be placed in the best possible condition and is more likely to last longer. The type of material used in the crown, such as gold alloy, composite resin, or dental porcelain, can also affect the lifespan of the crown. Experienced dentists can help ensure that the crown is placed correctly and that the crown and underlying tooth are healthy. Regular checkups with a dental professional can also help detect any damage to the crown or signs of additional tooth decay.
The type of crown chosen, whether a partial crown, dental bridge, or full crown, can make a difference in its lifespan. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are often chosen for their aesthetics, while metal crowns may be better for back tooth crowns. When considering the choice of crown material, it is important to consider the cost, the strength of the crown, and its aesthetics.
It is possible for a dental crown to last for many years with proper care and regular dental checkups. However, a variety of reasons can cause a crown to become loose or need replacement, such as gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and daily habits. Proper care and regular checkups can help ensure a long-lasting dental crown.
Proper Care and Maintenance for Your Dental Crown
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure a long-lasting dental crown. Night guards can help to protect the crown from teeth grinding, which can cause the crown to wear down over time. Adequate gum tissue and successful treatment of any underlying dental issues before a dental crown procedure is completed is also important, as this can help increase the crown’s longevity. Composite resin crowns should be cleaned properly and regularly to avoid discolouration. Root canal treatment should also be completed prior to the crown procedure, as the finest cement is used for crowns.
Regular dental appointments and a good oral hygiene routine are also key to maintaining a dental crown. It is essential to brush and floss regularly and avoid staining foods and drinks. A metallic colour may be visible in the crown as time passes and should be checked at every office visit.
When to Replace Your Dental Crown
It is essential to understand when to replace a dental crown, for it is an important aspect of proper care and maintenance. Expert installation of a traditional dental crown is important because the crown can fail if not installed correctly. Depending on the type of dental crown, the longevity of the crown may vary. Porcelain crowns with a metal underlay may last anywhere from 5 to 15 years with proper care. Porcelain crowns without metal are known to last about 10 to 15 years. Silver tooth caps are known to last the longest, up to 15 to 20 years.
In some cases, root canal therapy may be required before a new crown is placed. Root canal therapy can help ensure that bacteria is not present in the area and that the new crown will fit correctly. Furthermore, if the dental crown needs to be replaced due to excessive wear or discolouration, it is important to find a dental office that matches the dental crown’s natural colour.
In the event that the dental crown fails, a dental implant procedure is available. Dental implants are a great option for those who want a longer-lasting solution. Dental implants are known to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years and require very little maintenance. With the help of a dental professional, one can decide if a dental implant is the right choice for them.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits to patients requiring dental restoration. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps made of composite material that fits over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. A well-made crown can provide a solid and long-lasting fit and can protect and strengthen a weakened or misshapen tooth. Crowns can also improve the health of a tooth by protecting it from further damage. Crowns can also be used to cover a discoloured or stained tooth or to replace a large filling when a little tooth structure remains.
Crowns can also be used to support a bridge, cover implants, or cover a tooth that has already had root canal therapy. Crowns are a great way to make a tooth look and function like a regular tooth. They are also a great way to protect a tooth’s enamel and restore a tooth’s functionality. With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years, offering patients a permanent tooth that looks and functions like a real tooth.
Key Takeaways
A dental crown offers many benefits, but it is essential to understand that all dental crowns will eventually need to be replaced. It is important to be mindful of the factors that can impact the longevity of a dental crown, such as the type of material used and the patient’s dental hygiene habits.
With proper care and maintenance, a dental crown can last for years, but eventually, it will need to be replaced. While the initial glow of a dental crown may diminish over time, the benefits of a dental crown are sure to endure, making them a worthwhile investment.
If you are considering a dental crown and want to ensure that you receive the best possible care and results, be sure to make an appointment with EDentist Bentleigh East, VIC. Our experienced dentist in Bentleigh East will be able to assess your needs and provide you with the right solution to ensure that your dental crown will last for years. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier smile.
