Did you know that your tooth enamel is technically the hardest material in your whole body? But despite this, you can still injure your teeth! Thankfully, dental crowns are one of many available solutions that can restore the look, feel, and functionality of damaged teeth. But you might have questions about the lifespan of such an effective and useful treatment method. Keep reading to learn more about how long dental crowns can potentially last along with some tips for extending their lifespan.
How Long Can Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are now better than ever before thanks to constant advancements and developments in medical technology! On average, they can last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced; however, there are a few factors that also contribute to their lifespan:
- Placement – Teeth towards the back of your mouth are typically used for chewing and grinding, while your front teeth are primarily used for biting and tearing. This means that your molars are subject to much more pressure on a daily basis than your front teeth are. As a result, crowns placed on your back teeth usually wear down faster than ones placed near the front.
- Material – Crowns can be made from metal, porcelain fused with metal, or ceramic materials. All these options are reliable and resilient, but metal crowns will typically last longer.
- Maintenance – Bad oral habits or neglecting to take care of your mouth can contribute to your crowns failing prematurely.
How Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Dental Crown?
Even though 15 years might seem like a decent enough lifespan, there are several things you can do to potentially make your crown last even longer! Practice healthy and proactive habits such as:
- Brush and floss daily – Taking good care of your mouth can stave off problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns that could cause your crown to fail.
- Limit your consumption of hard and sticky foods – Dental crowns are tough, but constantly exposing them to hard or sticky foods can damage or dislodge them.
- Break bad oral habits – Chewing on ice or biting into other hard objects can also damage your dental crown. Smoking and using tobacco products are also hazardous for your oral health, and in turn, your crown.
- Seek treatment for bruxism if applicable – If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), you should talk with your dentist about treatment options such as a night guard.
- Regularly visit your dentist – Your dentist is the expert and visiting them biannually will give them the opportunity to ensure your crown is intact.
Dental crowns are a tried-and-true solution for treating injured teeth, and their longevity is just one of the many benefits they offer. Talk with your dentist to see if they’re a viable option for you.
About the Practice
Rockville Family Dentistry proudly serves patients and families in the Rockville community under the leadership of Dr. Shahram Modarres! Dr. Modarres has over two full decades of experience in dental care and enjoys helping his patients achieve their smile goals. His practice is pleased to offer several available services including dental crowns! If you have any questions about crowns or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or give them a call at (301) 816-9400.