Dental crowns are prosthetic devices used to restore the shape and structure of teeth that have been damaged or decayed. This restoration helps to protect the natural tooth and enhance its appearance.
While dental crowns are designed to be durable, how long they last depends on several factors, such as the type of crown used, proper care and maintenance, and avoiding habits that may damage the crown.
This article will provide an overview of different types of dental crowns, discuss factors that can impact their lifespan and what steps can be taken to ensure they last for many years.
In addition to providing information about how long a dental crown lasts, this article will also explain when it is time for a replacement and what steps need to be taken to succeed.
With proper care and regular visits with the dentist, a dental crown can provide many years of protection for a person’s natural teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Different types of crowns exist, ranging from traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns to all-ceramic and gold alloy crowns.
Porcelain fused with metal dental crowns is often the most popular choice due to its ability to blend seamlessly with natural teeth. The porcelain part acts as a veneer and covers the metal base, making it look like a natural tooth.
All ceramic or zirconia dental crowns are another type of dental crown made entirely from solid ceramic material. These types of crowns provide a more natural look and feel than other types of materials and also do not contain any metal, making them ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities to metals.
Gold alloy dental crowns are yet another type of dental crown that is very durable and last longer than any other type of material but require more maintenance over time due to its softness compared to other materials used for dental cementing.
No matter which type you choose, each has its average lifespan depending on factors such as the patient’s oral hygiene routine, diet habits, lifestyle choices, etc.
The following section will discuss these factors in greater detail to better understand how long each dental crown may last.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Crown
The lifespan of a crown may be affected by several factors, such as the quality of materials used to create it and the patient’s oral hygiene. For example, a study conducted in 2019 showed that patients with poor oral hygiene had an average crown lifespan of 4 years, while those with good oral hygiene had an average crown lifespan of 8 years.
Other factors which can affect the longevity of dental crowns include:
- The type and quality of material used to make the crown
- The accuracy and precision with which they are placed in the mouth
- Regular visits to the dentist for dental care and preventive maintenance
- Your dentist prescribes proper home care and maintenance techniques.
By understanding how these factors can affect a dental crown’s lifespan, individuals can ensure that their new dentition lasts for years with proper dental care and attention. With the correct placement, regular follow-up visits and good home care, individuals can maximize their chances for long-term success from their dental implant procedures and crown procedures.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Practising proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the longevity of a dental crown.
Establishing and following an oral hygiene regimen is vital to preserving the integrity of dental crowns, whether temporary or permanent.
Oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing at least once daily, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist are essential for keeping the crown secure in your smile.
The type of material used in your dental restoration will also influence how long it lasts; therefore, it is important to follow any special instructions given by your dental professionals to ensure its durability.
It is also essential to be mindful of certain activities or eating habits that may negatively impact your crown’s longevity.
Abrasive foods such as hard candy or nuts should be avoided, as well as engaging in activities like chewing ice or grinding teeth which could cause damage to the porcelain overlay and weaken its protective layer.
Proper care and maintenance will help keep your crowned tooth healthy and all other areas of your oral health too!
Avoiding Habits That May Damage the Crown
It is essential to be aware of habits that may potentially damage a dental crown, as they can compromise its durability.
Harmful habits such as chewing and grinding on hard objects like pencils, ice cubes or popcorn kernels, biting your nails, and eating sticky foods like caramel can cause crown failure due to looseness or breakage.
Even if the custom crown is made with durable metal materials such as gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), it can still be susceptible to damage from these activities.
If the activity weakens or damages the tooth beneath the crown, a replacement may be necessary regardless of how long the original dental crown lasts.
Therefore, to maintain the overall durability of metal crowns and receive maximum wear time, it’s best to avoid engaging in harmful habits that could potentially cause damage to crowns.
Regular visits with a dentist will help ensure that any issues are identified early and addressed before further problems arise.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular dentist visits can help maintain a dental crown’s longevity and detect potential issues before further damage occurs. Opting for friendly dentists offering extra care and providing detailed patient home care instructions is essential for dental hygiene habits.
During these visits, dentists can also suggest other restorative options, such as filling or replacing worn-out crowns. The dentist typically checks for cavities and decay at each appointment, replacing old fillings if needed. If a crown shows signs of wear and tear, they may suggest replacing it with a newer one.
Scheduling an appointment online in advance can help ensure that patients receive adequate time with their dentist to discuss any necessary treatments or questions they have. With proper attention to dental hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist, individuals can extend the lifespan of their dental restoration options, including crowns.
Replacing a Worn-Out Crown
Careful maintenance and prompt replacement of a worn-out crown can help ensure optimal oral health and prevent further damage.
Depending on the severity of wear, a dental professional may recommend replacing the crown with an identical one or with a different type of crown material.
Crown replacement is typically more expensive than initial placement but can provide long-lasting results if done correctly.
When selecting a new crown, the dentist will consider factors such as cost, strength, and experience in fabrication.
Metal alloy crowns are generally more cost-effective, while metal-ceramic crowns are stronger and more aesthetic.
Long-lasting dental crowns may also consist of materials such as zirconia or porcelain fused to gold which have become popular due to their strong bond.
During the appointment for placing the new crown, the dentist will discuss necessary appointments for follow-up care, which can help maintain good oral health in the future.
Key Takeaways
A dental crown’s longevity depends on the material used and the patient’s care and maintenance.
Crowns made from porcelain or ceramic are more durable than gold but may be more prone to chips and fractures.
Proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily and flossing regularly can help extend the life of a crown.
Also, avoiding habits such as grinding teeth, chewing ice, or eating hard candies can help preserve a crown’s integrity.
It is important to continue regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings to maintain good oral health and ensure that any issues with a crown are addressed promptly.
These steps will help ensure your dental crown lasts as long as possible.
If you’re in the Bendigo, VIC area and are looking for a dental practice that can provide you with long-lasting dental crowns, look no further than Integrated Smiles. Our experienced team of dentists in Bendigo will help you choose the right material and provide the necessary information to care for your crown and ensure its longevity properly. Visit us today to get started!
