Dental crowns are a fundamental component of restorative dentistry, playing a crucial role in enhancing the function and aesthetics of teeth that are damaged or decayed.
At NYC Smile Design, we leverage years of expertise in applying and maintaining dental crowns to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.
This blog will delve into the average lifespan of dental crowns, explore the factors that affect their longevity, and provide essential tips for extending their lifespan. Understanding these elements is vital for anyone currently with crowns or considering them as a solution for dental restoration, helping you make informed decisions about your oral health care.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are cap-like structures placed over teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are typically used to protect, cover, and restore the contour of your teeth when fillings don’t solve the issue or when a tooth has had a root canal and a great loss of tooth structure.
Crowns can be made from various materials, each with unique benefits and applications. Porcelain and ceramic crowns offer a natural appearance, making them ideal for front teeth restoration, while gold and metal alloys are praised for their strength and durability, and were traditionally used for back teeth where the chewing force is greater. Today's porcelain and ceramics have incredible strength and are now often used in the back teeth and closely mimic what nature gave us, directly affecting the longevity of your crown.
Average Lifespan of Dental Crowns
Now, let's explore the typical lifespan of dental crowns and the key factors that influence how long they can effectively serve their restorative purpose.
Dental crowns serve as a durable solution for restoring damaged teeth, generally lasting between 7 to 15 years. However, with excellent care and favorable conditions, some crowns can remain in good condition for up to 20 years or more. The lifespan of a dental crown varies based on a combination of factors, including the material from which the crown is made, whether it is bonded or cemented to the tooth, how it's maintained, and the amount of wear and tear it experiences.
Factors Affecting Crown Longevity
Several crucial factors can impact the longevity of dental crowns, ranging from material to daily oral hygiene practices to the physical demands placed on them:
Material
The type of material used for the crown has a significant impact on its lifespan. Porcelain and all-ceramic crowns are popular for their aesthetic appeal and modern advancements have made them quite strong and similar in strength to natural enamel. Gold and metal crowns, while less popular aesthetically, are known for their durability and strength, and are especially suitable for back teeth that endure more intense chewing forces. Additionally, modern bonding agents allow porcelain and ceramics to create a hybrid bond with natural tooth structure creating a very strong seal.
Fit and Placement
The precision of the crown's fit over the tooth is crucial. A well-fitted crown protects the underlying tooth from decay and prevents food particles from becoming trapped. Crowns that are poorly fitted can lead to decay under the crown or cause discomfort. Additionally, the location of the crown in the mouth affects its longevity. Crowns placed on molars receive more mechanical stress due to chewing, which can accelerate wear compared to crowns on front teeth.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Maintaining good oral hygiene is paramount for extending the life of a dental crown. It is essential to brush at least twice a day and floss daily, paying particular attention to the area around the crown. This helps prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to decay at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria in hard-to-reach places around the crown.
Dietary Habits
The foods you eat can significantly affect the integrity of your dental crowns. Hard and sticky foods can pull on or dislodge a crown, while hard objects like jawbreaker candy or nuts can cause chipping or cracking. To protect your crowns, it is advisable to avoid such foods and instead opt for softer dietary choices. Additionally, frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages can increase the risk of decay around the crown margins, so moderation is key.
Dental Habits
Certain dental habits can exert excessive force on crowns, leading to premature wear or even breakage. Personal habits such as chewing ice, cracking open nut shells, or using teeth to open packaging can put undue stress on crowns, potentially leading to cracks or chips. These habits can significantly reduce the lifespan of a crown.
Poorly Controlled Bruxism- Clenching and Grinding
Undiagnosed clenching or grinding or non-compliance with occlusal/night guards can wreak havoc on your crown, similarly to the way it would affect your natural tooth. Bruxism often occurs during sleep. This habit can place tremendous pressure on both natural teeth and crowns, potentially leading to fractures in the crown or the need for replacement. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard as prescribed at night can help protect your crowns and reduce the strain from grinding.
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Crowns
Maintaining your dental crowns and ensuring their longevity involves several key practices. By following these guidelines, you can significantly extend their life and effectiveness:
Regular Dental Check-ups
Ensuring that your crowns last as long as possible starts with regular dental visits. Your dentist can examine the condition of your crowns during these check-ups and spot early signs of problems such as loose crowns, decay under the crown, or gum disease that could threaten the crown's stability. Regular cleanings will also help remove plaque buildup that could lead to decay around the crown edges. Typically, it's recommended to visit your dentist every six months, but your dentist might suggest a different schedule based on your specific dental needs.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
Proper cleaning is crucial to maintaining both natural teeth and dental crowns. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface of the crowns, which could make them more susceptible to staining. Non-abrasive toothpaste should be used to prevent wear on the finish of your crowns. When brushing, focus on gentle, circular motions, especially around the gum line, to effectively clean without causing irritation. Don’t forget to floss daily, including the area around the crown, to remove food particles and plaque that a toothbrush can't reach.
Avoidance of Damaging Habits
To protect your crowns, avoid habits that can cause physical stress or damage. Using your teeth as tools to open packaging, biting into hard foods like candy apples, or chewing on hard objects such as pens or ice can crack or dislodge crowns. If you have a habit of chewing on hard objects, try to replace this habit with chewing sugar-free gum, which can satisfy the urge without risking your crowns.
Wear Prescribed Night/Occlusal Guards
It is imperative you wear your guards as prescribed by your dentist. Additionally, if you participate in sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your crowns and teeth from potential trauma.
Keeping Up with Your Crowns
The lifespan of dental crowns is significantly influenced by the material used, the care they receive, and lifestyle habits. By following the guidelines outlined, you can ensure the longevity of your crowns and maintain your oral health.
If you have crowns or are considering getting them, scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist is crucial. Regular consultations can help monitor the condition of your crowns and provide personalized care tips based on your specific dental needs. Schedule a consultation with NYC Smile Design to ensure your investment in your smile lasts as long as possible.
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