Dental crowns are a staple in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. They replace a broken, damaged, or unsalvageable tooth in a way that looks natural and timeless. One of the biggest questions we hear when someone needs a porcelain crown is: How long do dental crowns last? Moreover, people want to know if dental crowns last forever. Let’s take a look at how long crowns last and what you can do to extend the life of yours.
The Average Lifespan for a Porcelain Crown
On average, dental crowns last 10-15 years. There are several factors that impact that though, such as the way you care for your teeth and the types of wear and tear the crown incurs. With proper care, a porcelain crown can last 30 years or longer. Our team will ensure your replacement tooth lasts as long as possible.
How to Make Dental Crowns Last Longer
Here are some tips to extend the life of your dental crown:
- Brush and floss your teeth daily. You should brush at last twice a day and floss at least once per day. Proper oral hygiene will protect your smile and extend the life of your crown. Check out How to Brush and Floss Like a Pro.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects. Ice, fingernails, pen caps, and other objects can wear down your crown faster than it would wear down naturally. Don’t use your teeth to open packages or cut string either.
- Try not to grind or clench your teeth. This is a nervous habit for some, and for others, it occurs without their knowledge at night. If you fall into the latter category, check out these Teeth Grinding Treatments.
- Get a dental implant to anchor the crown to your jawbone. If the crown is attached to your natural tooth roots, the material supporting the crown is subject to decay. With a dental implant, you get a firm footing that is resistant to tooth decay. Talk to your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant.
- See your dentist twice a year for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. If there are any issues with your dental crown, you can catch them at the first possible sign. Your teeth cleaning will remove tooth-decaying plaque and bacteria that could impact the structural integrity of the crown. Moreover, getting an oral exam will help you take preventative steps to protect your crown, rather than reactive steps to repair/replace it.
If you get a dental crown from Clinton Dental Center, we’ll do all we can to protect your smile and your replacement tooth. You’ll enjoy complete follow-up care from a friendly, knowledgeable dentistry team.
Signs You May Need a New Dental Crown
How will you know when you need a new crown? In most cases, the crown comes loose or gets damaged beyond repair. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- The crown is worn down or no longer has the desired shape
- The crown is loose or has fallen off completely
- The metal inside the crown is starting to show
- The tooth supporting the crown has decayed
- Your teeth are now whitened to the point that the crown does not match your smile
- You’re just not happy with the way the crown looks or feels
If you need a dental crown or porcelain crown replacement in Metro Detroit, Clinton Dental Center is here to assist you. Our top-quality crowns provide a natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your existing smile. We’re happy to help you care for your crowns as well with full-service family dental care. Give us a call at (586) 949-5363 to schedule your dental crown consultation.
