Dental crowns are often successfully used as an installation to repair damaged teeth and provide durability, protection, and aesthetic quality. A question most patients ask themselves is, “How long do dental crowns last?” Well, that depends on a lot of factors such as the type of crown, the quality of care you give it, and, more importantly, your oral health.
What are Dental Crowns?
A crown is basically the cap on a damaged tooth to return its original shape, size, and strength and also make it appear attractive. They are most commonly applied to severely weakened teeth brought about by decay, cracks, or root canal treatment. They can hold on to a dental implant, or it could be the base where the dental bridge sits. The purpose would be to provide an entirely functioning tooth that has a natural appearance.
Dental crowns, when well maintained, can last from 10 to 15 years, and in most cases, the period can be stretched further. A number of factors contribute to their durability. Once you know them, it will help you extend the life of your dental crowns.
The Material the Crown is Made of
The type of material the dental crown is made up of determines how long it will last. These are some of the common materials:
- Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are mostly famous for their great aesthetic and natural appearance. From the aesthetic perspective, porcelain is an excellent choice for front teeth. They are not the sturdiest crowns of all but chip much more easily than other crowns. This does not make them the best for people grinding their teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: These crowns offer the aesthetic brilliance of porcelain and the strength of metal. PFM crowns are versatile, strong, and appropriate both for front and back teeth.
- Zirconia: This is a particularly strong crowning which has excellent wear resistance. It offers one of the stiffest materials available to patients with long-lasting needs in their molars.
- Gold alloy: Although not as popular as they used to be, gold crowns are very strong and can last for decades. Nevertheless, they are only used on molars because it doesn’t bond well with any other form of teeth.
Oral Hygiene and Care
One of the most important elements in determining the life span of dental crowns is adequate oral hygiene. They resemble natural teeth quite closely and will need to have daily brushing and flossing to keep up the prevention of plaque, which can lead to serious gum disease or decay of the underlying structure of a natural tooth.
The dentist recommends that you use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush for your hair and crowns. To keep check of the crown condition, regular check-ups and cleanings are also very important so that any problems will be detected at an early stage. Patients visiting us for Dental Treatment in Mt Vernon, NY are given individual oral hygiene instructions which help in preserving their crowns for as long as possible.
Crown Position
The location of the crowns in your oral cavity also determines its longevity. Crowns for molars get worn out much faster than those for your front teeth due to the pressure from chewing and grinding through molars much longer than at the front teeth. If you have a crown on one of the back teeth, it may even need to be replaced earlier because it takes extra force.
Front teeth have relatively minor pressure; most of the wear and tear on them is less common. This happens, quite often, when crowns on these teeth last longer, especially with good oral care.
Bite alignment and teeth grinding
When you grind your teeth, the dental crowns will wear down faster. Grinding puts unbelievable forces on your teeth and causes cracks and chips or wears the crowns, thereby shortening the duration of crowns. An improper bite also affects the longevity of your crown. Poorly arranged teeth distribute uneven pressure over the crown, shortening its lifespan. Bite alignment problems can sometimes be addressed before your dental crowns are functional for an extended period.
Lifestyle Choices and Habits
There are certain habits and lifestyle choices that may make a huge difference in the lifespan of your crowns. For example, not consuming hard foods such as ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels will help prevent chips and fractures. It is also important that one should not open any packages and should not be biting on non-food objects.
Smoking or smoking anything shortens the lifespan of your dental crown. Tobacco causes gum recession in most smokers, and this can expose the edge of a crown to decay. Quitting smoking will prolong the life of crowns and improve the environment within your mouth and body.
What to Expect If a Crown Needs Replacement
Even the most resistant crowns will eventually wear out and must be replaced. If you experience any of the following symptoms, expect to have your crown replaced:
- Visible wear: If your crown becomes chipped, cracked, or exhibits some rough spots, then it’s probably time to replace it.
- Pain or sensitivity: If the underlying tooth is exposed or has deteriorated in such a manner that the crown presents spaces, then you are most likely to be sensitive or feel discomfort.
- Loosening: If the crown becomes loose, then a gap has room for bacteria entry and potential decay.
By the time you get to Aurora Smiles for dental treatment in Mt Vernon, NY, those symptoms have already made their way to you so that your crown is replaced as soon as possible and as effectively as possible.
Conclusion
Conversely, where many are concerned over the durability and long-lasting of dental crowns, the reality is that they can last if oral hygiene and lifestyle are properly maintained. This crown, literally speaking, can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer with regular dental visits.
Dr. Amul Patel is your dentist at Aurora Smiles, providing personalized care and the latest technological developments for such procedures as Dental Crowns in Mt Vernon, NY, for patients in Vernon, NY, and Dental Treatment for beautiful, long-lasting crowns.
Come see us at Aurora Smiles for further information or to schedule a consultation. Dr. Amul Patel and his team are dedicated to providing you with a healthy, beautiful smile.