Good dental hygiene keeps your teeth healthy. Plaque builds up fast if you skip brushing or flossing. Untreated cavities can get worse and might need dental crowns.
Dental Crowns are also needed for other reasons. A dentist may suggest a crown if a tooth is damaged while playing sports or from an accident like a fall.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are caps that go over damaged or weak teeth. They protect the tooth and restore its shape and size. Crowns are often used when fillings can’t fix the problem.
A dental crown is like a jacket for your tooth. It fits tightly and looks natural. Crowns improve your tooth’s appearance, strength, size, and shape.
To get a crown, the dentist takes an impression of your tooth. This mold is sent to a lab to make a custom crown. Some dentists can make crowns in the office.
While waiting for the custom crown, a temporary one is placed on your tooth to protect it. Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary one, checks the fit, and cements the new crown in place. The crown covers the visible part of the tooth, protecting it from damage.
Types of Dental Crowns
Most dental crowns cover the entire tooth, but 3/4 crowns and onlays don’t. These crowns cover less of the tooth’s surface compared to traditional crowns.
To place these crowns, the dentist will:
- Remove the damaged part of the tooth
- Reshape the tooth
- Place the crown
Your dentist will help you choose the right type of crown for your needs.
Dental Crown Materials
Choosing the right material for your dental crown depends on your needs and budget. We’ll discuss your options during your visit.
Here are the most common materials:
Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are cheaper than other options, making them popular for patients on a budget. However, they wear down faster and can break more easily than other types.
Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns
Ceramic and porcelain crowns are great for people allergic to metal. They look natural and blend well with your other teeth. They are ideal for visible teeth. However, they are not as strong as metal or porcelain-metal crowns.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made from nickel, gold, palladium, or chromium. They are strong and long-lasting. Only a small amount of tooth is removed for the crown, and they rarely break or chip. The downside is that they don’t match your tooth color, so they are best for molars or teeth not easily seen.
Porcelain-Metal Crowns
These crowns combine strength and a natural look. They match your tooth color but have a metal base. Over time, the metal may show at the gum line. While strong, the porcelain can still chip, and it may wear down the surrounding teeth.
Pressed Ceramic Crowns
Pressed ceramic crowns last the longest among porcelain options. They have a porcelain cap and a hard inner core, making them strong and natural-looking.
Which Material is Best?
Ceramic or porcelain crowns are usually the best choice for a natural look and long-lasting wear. They blend well with your teeth, making them almost unnoticeable. We’ll help you decide which option is best for you.
When Do You Need Dental Crowns?
You may need a dental crown if you have a large cavity or need a root canal. Crowns cover and protect the damaged part of the tooth.
Other reasons for getting a crown include:
- Broken tooth
- Severe tooth damage
- Misshapen tooth
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- Tooth fractures
Crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons, such as covering a discolored tooth or protecting a dental implant.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns don’t last forever, but with good care, they can last 15 to 30 years. Gold crowns are very durable but are expensive and not commonly used.
We recommend dental crowns to protect or improve the look of a tooth. However, wear and tear can cause crowns to weaken or break over time. For example, eating hard foods like nuts can put extra stress on your crowns.
The lifespan of a crown depends on your diet and dental care habits. While it’s hard to give an exact number, our experience shows that most crowns last many years with proper care.
Dental Crown Lifespan
To make your dental crown last longer:
- Brush and floss every day.
- Avoid hard foods like nuts that can crack your crown.
- Use a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down crowns. If you grind your teeth, talk to us. We can make a custom mouthguard or suggest a store-bought nightguard.
Crowns on back teeth wear down faster because they handle more chewing.
With good care, crowns can last 10 to 30 years. Brush and floss daily, and avoid hard foods to help them last longer.
Regular dental check-ups help find problems early, keeping your crown in good shape.
What Happens If a Crown Fails or Falls Out?
Dental crowns can sometimes fail or fall out. This can happen if food gets stuck under the crown or if floss pulls on it.
A well-fitted crown is less likely to loosen. We make sure crowns fit tightly to prevent this.
If your crown falls out and you still have it, we might be able to re-cement it. But it won’t be as strong as before.
If the crown cracks or breaks, it can’t be reused and will need to be replaced.
If your crown falls out or breaks, call us right away to avoid more damage.
What Impacts a Crown’s Lifespan?
To make your crown last longer:
Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth. Stress or caffeine can cause clenching, so managing these can help.
Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or sticky foods like taffy and caramels. These can loosen or damage the crown, especially if it’s old.
Maintain good oral hygiene. While crowns don’t get cavities, the natural tooth underneath can still decay.
If you have dental insurance, most plans cover crown replacements every 5 years. However, we only recommend replacing a crown if it’s damaged or not fitting well. If it’s still secure and in good shape, there’s no need to replace it.
