Dental crowns are indispensable tools in dentistry, providing a robust solution for tooth loss and vital protection for decayed or damaged teeth. For patients considering dental crowns as a restorative option, it's crucial to understand the factors influencing the lifespan of dental crowns and how to maximize their longevity.
The Role of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns play a pivotal role in preserving and restoring oral health. Acting as protective shields, they encase damaged or decayed natural teeth, fortifying their structure and preventing further damage.
Beyond this protective function, dental crowns also serve as essential components in dental implant procedures. Placed atop dental implants, crowns function as lifelike replacements for natural teeth in the aftermath of tooth loss, blending in aesthetically and functionally. This dual role showcases dental crowns' versatility in safeguarding compromised teeth and restoring functionality and aesthetics.
Factors Affecting Dental Crown Longevity
On average, dental crowns can be expected to last between 5 and 15 years. Several factors influence the durability of a crown. Chief among these is the choice of materials.
Crowns crafted entirely from ceramic materials provide excellent aesthetics, closely resembling natural teeth, and are an ideal choice for front teeth. Worth noting here are CEREC® same-day crowns. The latest innovation in dental crowns, CEREC crowns are fabricated from ceramic using CAD/CAM technology during a single visit and placed on the same day, creating an exceptionally convenient and time-efficient solution.
Meanwhile, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer both versatility and durability, combining the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. Other crown materials include gold alloy, which, combined with other metals, offers excellent durability and minimal wear to other teeth, and zirconia, which provides strength, durability, and a natural-looking appearance.
Other determinants include the location of the crown mouth, with molars enduring more pressure than front teeth, and individual habits like teeth grinding or clenching, which generates extra wear and tear.
Maximizing a Dental Crown's Lifespan
Caring for dental crowns is essential for ensuring their longevity. This includes maintaining a meticulous and disciplined oral hygiene routine, attending routine dental appointments for cleanings and preventive care, and avoiding habits like biting down hard objects, using teeth as tools, and excessively grinding your teeth.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns in Centennial, CO
If you’re in the Centennial area and want to learn more about the benefits of traditional and CEREC same-day dental crowns, contact dentist Dr. Michael Franquemont and the team at Michael J Franquemont DDS to schedule a consultation!