A dental crown acts as a guardian of your smile, preserving the health of your teeth and mouth. As with any guardian, it is important to understand its capabilities and limitations.
This article will explore the types of dental crowns available, their benefits and how long they typically last, as well as the factors that can affect their longevity and how to take care of them.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that completely encases an existing tooth, or a dental implant, in order to provide additional support and strength. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. Metal crowns are the most durable but can be visible due to their colour. Porcelain crowns are made to resemble natural teeth but are more prone to cracking and breaking. Temporary crowns are usually made from plastic and are used to cover a tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Proper care and oral hygiene are essential for the longevity of any dental crown. This includes regular brushing and flossing and professional dental care. With proper care, the average lifespan of a dental crown is five to fifteen years. In some cases, a crown may last even longer. However, if not maintained properly, a dental crown may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
When considering a dental crown, it is important to understand that proper care and maintenance are essential for a crown to last its full lifespan. With the proper attention, dental crowns can be an effective solution for protecting and restoring natural teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Different types of dental crowns can be used to protect and strengthen a tooth. Patients can choose from the following types of crowns:
- Gold Crowns: Gold crowns are made from alloyed gold and are considered to be the strongest type of crown.
- Ceramic Crowns: Ceramic crowns are made from porcelain and are often used when a natural-looking crown is desired.
- Porcelain-Fused to Metal Crowns: This type of crown is the most common and is made from a combination of porcelain and metal.
- Resin Crowns: Resin crowns are usually made from acrylic and are the least expensive type of crown.
Good oral health practices, such as regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene habits, are key to preserving the life of a dental crown. Crowns can be weakened by tooth decay, sticky foods, and weak teeth. Therefore, it is important to practice good oral health habits and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings in order to ensure your crowns last as long as possible.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can provide a number of benefits to a person who has a weakened or damaged tooth. Crown placement is a common restorative dental treatment used to strengthen a tooth, protect it from further damage, and improve its appearance. Crowns can also help to maintain the integrity of the jawbone and can be used to replace missing teeth by anchoring a dental bridge.
The lifespan of a dental crown will depend on the type of crown and the dental health of the recipient. Poor oral hygiene and lack of regular dental visits can all contribute to crown failure.
When a crown is placed, the tooth must be prepared by removing any decay, and a root canal may be necessary. The type of crown chosen will be determined by the condition of the tooth and the patient’s budget. Porcelain crowns are popular because of their natural appearance, but they are more expensive than other types of crowns. Metal crowns are strong and durable but may not be the best choice for front teeth.
For a crown to last as long as possible, the patient should maintain a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene. Regular dental visits and proper care of the crown can help ensure that it remains healthy for many years. To get the most out of a dental crown, choosing the right type and size for the tooth is important. Depending on the crown type, a crown can last up to 15 years or longer.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown typically depends on the type of crown and the individual’s oral hygiene habits. Proper diagnosis and successful treatment with dental crowns depend on the type of material used and the extra care taken to maintain the crown. Traditional crowns are usually made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. Zirconia crowns are a newer type of crown available that are more aesthetic and durable. Tooth crowns may also be made from gold or other metals. The type of material used and the dental crown material determine the longevity of the crown, with metal being the most durable and gold being the least durable.
Harmful habits such as smoking, drinking sugary beverages, and not brushing and flossing regularly can significantly reduce the lifespan of Dental crowns. Additionally, crowns used in dental implant procedures may not last as long as those used for other treatments. Therefore, it is important to take extra care when caring for the crown and to follow the dentist’s instructions for successful treatment.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Dental Crowns
Various factors can affect the longevity of dental crowns. These include the original state of the tooth, whether it is broken or decayed, the periodontal health of the patient, the material used to create the crown, and the experience of the dentist who applies the crown.
For instance, when replacing a broken tooth, a crown made of metal alloys may last longer than one made of a porcelain-fused-to-metal structure. Similarly, a partial crown used to cover a decayed tooth may be less resilient than a full crown and require more frequent maintenance.
Additionally, the dental restoration material used to attach the crown to the original tooth, as well as the dental cement used to affix the crown to the tooth, can also affect the longevity of the dental crown. Gold alloy crowns, for example, are stronger and more durable than crowns made of other materials.
Finally, the experience of the dentist who applies the crown is also an important factor. Experienced dentists will be better able to ensure that the crown is fitted properly and that the crown is bonded securely to the original tooth.
Taking Care of Your Dental Crown
Proper maintenance of a dental crown is essential in order to ensure its longevity. To achieve this, a patient must practice diligent home care habits, such as brushing and flossing, and receive regular dental checkups. A night guard should be worn to protect the crown from damage caused by bad habits, such as teeth grinding. If gum disease is present, it should be treated immediately, as it can cause the crown to become loose and require replacement. It is also important to seek expert installation of the crown to ensure a successful procedure.
Permanent crown placement is generally made of composite resin or porcelain and can last up to 15 years. However, the duration of the crown’s lifespan will depend on the patient’s home care habits and the quality of the installation. If a patient follows the instructions provided by their dentist and maintains a proper oral hygiene routine, they can help ensure their dental crown lasts as long as possible.
When Should You Replace Your Dental Crown?
A dental crown replacement may be necessary if proper care and maintenance are not adequately followed. Dental Crowns must be assessed regularly at dental appointments to ensure their ongoing durability and functionality. A root canal treatment, porcelain or composite resin crown may need to be exchanged if there is damage to the crown, such as metal allergy, excessive wear, or damage to the crowns.
Regular checkups are recommended to properly check the tooth structure and crowns for any signs of wear or damage. If the tooth structure has changed, the crown may no longer fit properly and may need to be replaced. In addition, if the crown has become loose or has worn down due to grinding or excessive use, a new crown may be needed.
Overall, it is important to properly care for and maintain your dental crowns. Regular checkups and cleanings are essential to ensure the crowns remain in good condition and last as long as possible. While there is no set time frame for when you should replace a dental crown, proper maintenance and care can help to extend its lifespan.
Key Takeaways
Dental crowns are a great way to restore and protect teeth that have been damaged or weakened. With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years. On average, dental crowns last between five and fifteen years, depending on the type of crown and the level of oral care. However, research indicates that certain types of crowns, such as those made of porcelain-fused-to-metal, can last up to twenty years or more.
Taking the time to care for your dental crowns properly can help maximise their longevity. It is important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure your dental crowns remain in good condition.
At Berwick Smiles, located in Berwick, VIC, we understand the importance of taking proper care of your dental crowns. Our experienced team of dentists in Berwick are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to help ensure your crowns last for many years. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect and maintain your dental crowns.
