Dental crowns are used to restore and protect a tooth that’s been overly damaged or has undergone a root canal. In addition to shielding your vulnerable tooth from further injury, they can be customized to match your natural teeth for a seamless smile. They’re incredibly strong though not entirely impervious to harm, and many patients wonder how long theirs will last. Keep reading to learn more about the longevity of your dental crown and how you can improve it.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere between 3 to 15+ years. The livelihood of yours will depend on a few factors including:
- The materials used. Historically, they were made of metallic alloys but upgraded options like porcelain or composite resin are available currently. Metal and porcelain crowns tend to be more durable than resin, though also more costly.
- Where it’s located. One that’s placed over a molar will have more wear and tear than one covering a front tooth because they’re used more frequently to chew and grind food.
- The quality of construction. They’re not all created exactly equally and if yours is poorly made or doesn’t fit well, it won’t line up properly when you bite down. This puts added pressure on the restoration and it’s more likely to crack.
- Your dental hygiene. Those with an irregular oral healthcare routine are more likely to have issues with dental work.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Dental Crown?
There are a few things you can do to help keep your dental crown in peak condition to elongate its life, such as:
- Avoid grinding your teeth. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can prematurely wear it down with all the added pressure. A mouthguard can protect it as well as your natural pearly whites.
- Not chewing hard objects. If you tend to bite your nails, chew pen caps, snack on ice, or pry open packages with your teeth then you could crack or break your restoration.
- Maintain a regular dental care routine. Consistently brushing and flossing your teeth twice every day (once in the morning and again before bed) ensures that bacteria don’t flourish around or underneath the dental crown. Though it can’t get cavities itself, developing tooth decay or gum disease could put its well-being at risk.
Also, keeping up with regular visits to your dentist once every 6 months allows them to check the condition of your dental crown to ensure it’s still firmly in place and functioning as intended. By caring for it properly, you could potentially enjoy its many benefits for decades!
About the Practice
Drs. Stephanie Santos and Vinita Folck work hard to keep patients happy by providing a full range of dental services, including dental crowns, to you and the entire family. They want you to feel calm and comfortable your entire visit and maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They’re proud to stay up to date with modern techniques, products, and equipment to offer the most current treatments available. If you’d like to request an appointment, feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (757) 499-9639.