The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Dental Crown

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Dental crowns are a common solution for protecting and restoring damaged teeth. Whether your crown is made from porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination of materials, understanding its lifespan and how to care for it is crucial to maintaining your oral health.

This guide will explore the factors that influence the longevity of dental crowns and provide practical tips for ensuring your crowns last as long as possible.

The Lifespan of Dental Crowns

On average, dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years. However, some crowns can last much longer with proper care. The longevity of a crown depends on various factors, including the material used, the location of the crown in the mouth and especially the patient’s consistent oral hygiene habits.

Factors Affecting the Longevity of Dental Crowns

  1. Material Composition: The type of material used for your crown plays a significant role in its durability. Metal crowns, such as gold or silver, tend to last the longest, often exceeding 20 years. Porcelain crowns, while aesthetically pleasing and closely resembling natural teeth, may not be as durable as metal crowns. However, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a balance between strength and appearance. Ceramic crowns are also popular for their natural look but may require more careful maintenance.
  2. Location of the Crown: Crowns placed on molars or other teeth subjected to heavy chewing forces may wear out faster than those placed on front teeth. The location of the crown affects the amount of stress it endures daily, which can influence its lifespan. Crowns on molars or premolars often experience more wear and tear due to the pressure exerted during chewing.
  3. Oral Hygiene Practices: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential for prolonging the life of your dental crown. Brushing and flossing daily, along with regular dental check-ups, can prevent decay from forming at the base of the crown or around the supporting tooth structure. Conversely, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to gum disease or tooth decay, both of which can compromise the integrity of the crown.
  4. Lifestyle Habits: Certain lifestyle habits can impact the longevity of your dental crown. For example, chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can cause excessive wear on the crown. If you have a habit of using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite on hard objects, such as ice or pens, you can also damage the crown. Limiting these habits and using a night guard if you grind your teeth can help protect your crown.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Dental Crown

  1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from around your crown.
  2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the condition of your crown and address any issues early on.
  3. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Chewing on hard foods, like ice or hard candy, can chip or crack your crown. Sticky foods, like caramel or taffy, can pull on the crown and loosen it.
  4. Wear a Mouth Guard: If you engage in contact sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouth guard can help protect your crown from damage.
  5. Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools: We cannot stress this enough; avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite into hard objects, as this can lead to cracks or other tooth damage.

A Durable and Effective Solution

Dental crowns are a durable and effective solution for protecting damaged teeth, but their longevity depends on several factors. By choosing the right material, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding harmful habits, you can extend the life of your dental crown and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for many years to come. To facilitate this, regular dental visits are essential to ensure your crown remains in good condition and functions as intended. If you would like to schedule a consultation with our dentists, we welcome you to call or book a visit online:

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Ace Dental Care Alpharetta office: 678-562-1555 – Book Now.

Ace Dental Care Norcross office: 770-806-1255 – Book Now.