Dental crowns are caps placed over damaged, weak, broken, or severely stained teeth. Crowns have a wide variety of uses but their main purpose is to protect a vulnerable tooth from infection or further damage. They are commonly used as a last step in root canal treatments to protect the structural integrity of the tooth.
While crowns are a restorative treatment, they can also be used to cover up dental imperfections such as severely discolored, cracked, or unevenly shaped or sized teeth. Have you ever wondered how long they last or how to take care of them? Read on in this blog from Brett Blacher DDS to find out more.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Depending on the material they are made from, which can range from porcelain and ceramic to metals and zirconia, they can last between 5-15 years. Most dental crowns are made out of porcelain fused to metal because the metal materials are the most durable and porcelain looks the most natural. Most dental crowns last for at least 10 years and with proper oral care and maintenance, they can last for up to 30.
Increasing the Lifespan of Dental Crowns
To get the most out of your dental crowns, we recommend that you practice good oral hygiene and avoid causing wear and tear as much as possible. Many factors can affect the lifespan of your dental crown, including:
- Grinding your teeth
- Location of the crown
- Proper installation
- Oral health
- Oral hygiene
- Using your teeth as tools
- Materials used
- Frequency of dental appointments
How to Care For Dental Crowns
While there isn’t any special care or tools required for dental crowns, you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene to increase their longevity. To keep your teeth in good condition and free of bacterial plaque, you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and floss every day.
When you brush, you should use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush your teeth gently with fluoride toothpaste. For more thorough removal of food particles and plaque, an interdental brush can be used to clean between small gaps in the teeth better than traditional floss.
The Do’s & Don’ts Of Dental Crowns
You should also be more aware of how you use and treat your teeth and crown. Do you grind your teeth at night or use your teeth to open packages? These are very harmful habits that apply excess pressure to your crown and could cause them to crack, break, or become loose.
If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) you need to wear a mouthguard at night. Avoid using your teeth as tools and don’t chew on objects or hard foods with your crown. While your crown is securely cemented into place, over time sticky foods can get stuck and dislodge your crown, and hard foods can cause excessive wear and tear, especially in porcelain materials.
Finally, make sure you attend regular dental cleanings and checkups every 6 months. Your dentist can remove plaque buildup, detect oral health problems early, and check on the integrity of your crown. By neglecting regular dental visits, oral health problems and structural issues with your crown can go unnoticed and cause bigger problems later.
Protect Your Teeth With Dental Crowns at Brett Blacher DDS
If you have weak teeth that are vulnerable to damage or have cosmetic imperfections you want to cover up, dental crowns are the most durable solution. If you’re interested in dental crowns, contact us at Brett Blacher DDS today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brett Blacher.
Comments are closed.