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How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Restorative Dentistry,

Dental crowns are a dental restoration solution often used to save a severely decayed or damaged tooth from extraction. A crown is a cap that covers the top of the tooth to protect it from damage and restore its function and appearance. But how long do dental crowns last? In this article, we discuss the factors that can influence the lifespan of your crowns and give tips on how to prolong it.

 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can be made of several different materials, which will partially determine their longevity. Other factors that can influence how long your dental crowns will last include:

  • The efficiency of your oral hygiene
  • Your dietary habits
  • Your lifestyle habits
  • Presence of underlying oral health issues
  • Frequency of professional dental cleanings and checkups

Let us start by looking at the longevity and pros and cons of different materials used for making dental crowns.

 

Resin Composite Dental Crowns 

Resin composite is a versatile material commonly used in dentistry, for example, for dental fillings, veneers, and dental crowns. The advantages of this material are that it is tooth-colored, so it looks natural in the mouth, and it can be less expensive than some other options. 

However, resin composite is one of the less durable materials for dental crowns, with an average longevity of between 5 and 10 years.

 

Porcelain Dental Crowns

Porcelain is one of the most commonly used materials in dentistry. It offers a very natural look due to its slight translucency and remarkable durability. Porcelain dental crowns are typically more expensive than resin composite ones, but they can last for up to 15 years with good care. 

 

Metal Dental Crowns

Metal, such as silver amalgam or gold, is one of the strongest materials for dental crowns, with a potential longevity of up to 20 years or longer in some cases. However, nowadays, these materials are less popular because they are highly noticeable in the mouth. Gold or silver amalgam dental crowns are mainly used to treat teeth at the back of the mouth, which are not visible when you speak or smile.

 

Porcelain-fused-to-metal Dental Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns offer both the durability of a metal base and the natural appearance of porcelain. This option can last for 15 years or longer. However, porcelain that coats metal can wear off quickly. 

 

Zirconia Dental Crowns

Zirconia is another natural-looking material that can potentially be more durable than porcelain. They last for up to 15 years. However, zirconia crowns are often more expensive than other options.

 

Tips on Dental Crown Care to Prolong Its Lifespan

Regardless of the material your dental crown is made of, proper daily care is crucial for maintaining its shape over time. Here are some tips that can help you prolong the lifespan of your dental crown:

  • Remember that efficient and thorough oral hygiene should be your priority. Bacteria that live in plaque and tartar that accumulate in your mouth if it is not cleaned regularly are the biggest enemies of your oral health and your dental restorations. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two full minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every evening. Also, try adding a water flosser as a first step of your routine (but keep in mind that it is not a replacement for traditional brushing and flossing.)
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. This way, you will be able to identify any potential issues with your crowns and address them before they become serious problems.
  • Be mindful of what you eat: avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy foods, as they can chip, crack, dislodge, or scratch your crowns. Additionally, staining foods, such as red wine, coffee, tea, berries, beetroot, and curry, can cause discoloration of your crowns. We recommend avoiding these foods or brushing your teeth immediately after consuming them.
  • Protect your dental crowns from physical damage. Wear a mouthguard if you play contact or extreme sports, and avoid using your teeth as tools. Additionally, if you have bruxism, consider wearing a mouth guard at night and consult with your dentist to address the issue. 

 

Get a Long-Lasting Dental Crown at Samaritan Dental

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at the Samaritan Dental office today. At our clinic, we utilize high-quality dental crown materials that provide durability and reliability. Our specialists are looking forward to your visit.

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Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Cosmetic Dentistry,

Dental crowns are a great way to save your natural teeth and improve the function of your mouth. Dental crowns can be used to prevent you from having to have more extensive dental work in the near future. Crowns have many benefits, including their durability. With proper care, they can last for many years. It is important to know how to prevent damage. These five tips will help you maintain beautiful smiles for years, regardless of whether you have one crown or many. Let’s look at the top ways to care for dental crowns.

Top Ways to Care for Dental Crowns

Porcelain crowns can be used to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. The benefits of porcelain crowns don’t end with the procedure. To ensure your porcelain crowns last a lifetime, there are some aftercare guidelines our emergency dentist in Downtown LA has that you can follow.

Brush and Floss Your Crowns Daily

Dental crowns typically last between five and fifteen years. Your oral hygiene and other habits will determine the lifespan of your dental crown as well as your natural teeth. However, permanent crowns require less care than temporary ones. Regularly brush your teeth and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Treat your crowns like you would your regular teeth, making sure to keep them free from plaque and tartar by engaging in daily dental activities.

Invest in a Night Guard for Restful Sleep

Nightguards are similar to retainers and protect your upper and lower teeth from touching. This is a good option for those who grind their teeth while sleeping. Grinding can cause your crown and other teeth to wear down. The best dental nightguards are comfortable enough to sleep in while helping you break your bad dental habits. To prevent unnecessary damage and rising restorative dentistry costs, practice prevention with a nightguard to keep your crowns and natural teeth protected.

Stop Bad Dental Habits

Avoid bad habits such as grinding your teeth or chewing your nails. They can cause damage to the crown. People also enjoy chewing ice, which can cause damage to the crown. When performing your daily oral hygiene, be sure to pay attention to the gum line. Brushing too harshly or eating hard items can cause irreparable damage to your gums, which can contribute to a lifetime of gingivitis or gum disease. Stop these habits as soon as you can to keep your crowns and all of your dental health safe.

Avoid Chewing Hard or Chewy Foods

Although crowns are strong and durable, they can still be damaged just like natural teeth. You should replace your crown sooner than usual if you are chomping on hard candy or ice. Sticky and chewy foods can also cause problems. They can weaken or loosen your crown, or cause sticky bits to stick between your gum and your crown. Avoid these foods whenever possible.

Remember that the durable porcelain used in crowns is resistant to staining. It can’t be bleached like natural teeth because of its resistance to staining. To ensure your crown looks the best, it is a good idea to get a professional whitening treatment before you have it done. If you do decide to whiten your teeth in the future, your crown will match your natural teeth perfectly.

Learn More About Dental Crowns Today!

You might have difficulty eating or speaking if you have chips, cracks, or missing gaps in your teeth. Your smile might not be what you want when you look in the mirror. Our top-of-the-line dental crowns in downtown Los Angeles can restore your smile and give you the functionality you have always wanted. Call our friendly professionals today to find a customized treatment plan catered to your budget and oral health needs. To ensure your crown fits perfectly, we can arrange a personal consultation with you. Contact us today to start your journey to good dental health!