Tooth damage can be brutal to suffer. Thankfully, multiple alternatives are available to save your affected tooth from further damage. Porcelain crowns are one of them. When patients opt for porcelain crowns, they usually have three main questions for the dentist.
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- What will it look like?
- How much does it cost?
- How long do porcelain crowns last?
Once you get your crown installed, it is important to follow care tips and be mindful of how you use your oral cavity to improve the longevity of your porcelain crowns. Let’s look at what porcelain crowns are, how long they will last, and what you can do to ensure they last long.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns are tooth-colored caps made of porcelain material. They are specifically designed to restore the natural appearance of your teeth. While metal-based crowns are focused more on restoring functionality, porcelain crowns aim to improve the aesthetic appearance of your face.
Porcelain crowns are considered the most visually pleasing of all crowns as they can be molded and designed into the exact shape, contour, and color of your natural teeth. They are most commonly used for damaged front teeth. Being the most beautiful and aesthetically appealing aid, they have a glossy shine that can make your smile look beautiful.
Individuals who suffer from cracked teeth, discolored teeth, or fractured teeth are ideal candidates for porcelain crowns as they can provide the perfect cosmetic enhancement to your dull smile.
How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last? – The Answer You’ve Been Looking For
Getting a dental crown can be an expensive procedure, and it is quite a bother to get it replaced. Porcelain crowns have an average cost of $1000 to $2500. The price can fluctuate depending on the type of porcelain used. So, it’s natural to wonder, how long do porcelain crowns last.
A porcelain crown’s general lifespan can be between five to fifteen years. They can even last for twenty to twenty-five years if you take proper care. The most crucial point to remember is to keep the tooth under your crown healthy to hold your crown better.
But the answer to the question “how long do porcelain crowns last?” also depends on the user. How you use it and how you take care of it is a significant determining factor when it comes to whether it can last long or not.
How Does a Porcelain Crown Get Damaged?
While porcelain crowns are the most aesthetically appealing, they are prone to damage without proper care. Porcelain crowns can get damaged due to a variety of reasons.
Bruxism
Bruxism, or the habit of teeth grinding, can put extra pressure on your porcelain crown. Practicing this habit, especially at night, can put immense pressure on your crown and cause them to chip or damage.
If you suffer from this habit, it is best to consult your dentist, who can provide you with a mouthguard you can use when you sleep. This will help in protecting your teeth as well as your porcelain crown.
Bad Oral Hygiene
A porcelain crown can help protect a damaged tooth, but it can keep the tooth clean in perpetuity.
Despite having a crown on top of it, your tooth is still susceptible to decay. Ignoring your oral hygiene and neglecting to clean your teeth thoroughly can cause the underlying tooth to decay. This can lead to the removal of your crown to treat the tooth beneath. Your answer to how long do porcelain crowns last is significantly impacted by your oral hygiene.
Chewing Hard Objects
Bad habits like biting and chewing on complex objects can damage your porcelain crown. Biting your fingernails, chewing on ice, and opening hard objects with your teeth, can all lead to extreme pressure on the crown, causing damage.
Wrong Bite
Chewing creates tremendous pressure between your two jaws. This is natural, as you are required to chew your food properly before ingesting it. However, if a disparity in your bite causes misaligned chewing, the pressure while chewing can cause your porcelain crown to chip.
Other Factors That Determine the Longevity of Your Crown
Condition of the Tooth
If the porcelain crown is placed on a healthy tooth with solid roots, it will last longer. A strong bone structure and robust gum tissue can help improve your crown’s life.
Dentist’s Expertise
Your dentist’s expertise when preparing and installing the crown is a major factor in determining the lifespan of your porcelain crown. If a crown is not placed correctly, it can fall off and need replacement. Similarly, if your crown was made of a different shape and size from the beginning, you might lose it.
It is vital to get your crowns installed by an expert to ensure long shelf life.
How to Improve Lifespan of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are an excellent alternative to correct cosmetic flaws in your smile. Once the procedure has been completed, it is important to look after your crown so that it can last for many years to come.
You can adopt specific tips and habits in order to prevent damage to your shiny new porcelain crown.
Brush and Floss Daily.
Many people think that you do not have to practice proper dental hygiene once you get a crown. That is not the case. The crown is fitted upon your natural tooth, which is still open to bacterial infection. Brushing your teeth properly to ensure complete plaque removal is essential.
Flossing is also necessary as there is a high possibility that germs and food bits can get trapped between the crown lining and your natural tooth.
Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods.
Once you install your porcelain crown, avoiding hard and sticky foods like toffees, candies, and chewing gums is best. Regularly ingesting these can cause your crown to loosen. Steer clear of nuts and seeds as well.
Stop Using Your Teeth as Tools.
Porcelain crowns experience damage, just like your natural teeth. Chewing on hard things such as pen caps, ice, or biting your nails can damage your crown. Using your teeth as tools can lead to crown damage.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
It is best not to be under the impression that you can take complete care of your teeth without professional help once your crown is installed. For those still wondering how long do porcelain crowns last exactly, must note that visiting your dentist regularly is key to having a long-lasting crown and a healthy smile. Your dentist will check your crowns to ensure there are no problems or damages and that the crown still fits correctly.
Visit Valley Ridge Dental to Get a Shiny New Porcelain Smile
If you want a brand-new shining smile, your one-stop should be at Valley Ridge Dental. Our team and staff are fully committed to creating a warm and friendly patient environment. We aim to fulfill all and any dental needs our patients have.
We offer general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry procedures using state-of-the-art equipment. With high-quality care and friendly customer service, be assured that you will come back, again and again, to benefit from our services. You can request an appointment on our website or call (651) 439-0322.
We care enough to make you smile.
