Dental crowns can save the integrity of your natural tooth, allowing you to keep as much of it as possible while improving the form and function of your mouth. Most dental crowns are built to last a very long time and can keep you from needing more severe dental work in the future. So, let’s look at the lifetime of a dental crown.
The Lifetime of a Dental Crown
The lifetime of a dental crown often comes under question by patients who visit our offices of family dental care in Upland. If you are curious about whether your dental crown will last a few years or a few decades, keep reading as we fill you in on all the facts!
Crown Placement
The exact placement of your crown plays a huge part in determining how long it is bound to last. If you have never had any other restorative dentistry work done, and if the crown is not exposed to external damage, you can have a crown that lasts upward of 30 years. The average lifespan of a dental crown can be anywhere from one to three decades depending on a multitude of factors.
But in some cases, the crown can break or crack. This can sometimes be due to improper placement or materials used by the dentist. Your crown could loosen over time because it was not correctly installed. It may even wear down under pressure depending on your oral hygiene and health habits. When well cared for, you can expect your crown to last many decades. There are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t shorten the lifespan of your dental appliances.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Your Crown
While crowns are built to last for many years, there are several things you can do to prevent early damage to your dental crown. Certain bad habits or hygiene practices can make things work for your crown, increasing the likelihood that you’ll have to visit the dentist again for a costly repair:
- Tooth grinding. Also known as bruxism, this is a habit defined by constantly clenching and grinding your teeth. This can really damage your crown as well as your natural teeth, causing more dental issues down the line.
- Improper daily care. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, you may need to reassess your habits. Taking care of your teeth is the best way to prevent serious oral health concerns. Visit your dentist if you would like to come up with a personalized oral healthcare plan.
- Bad chewing habits. Do you use your teeth to open bottles, chew ice, or break objects that shouldn’t go in your mouth in the first place? This can do a lot of damage to your natural teeth, putting them at risk for chips and cracks. The same goes for your dental crowns!
In the event that your crown does break, you can invest in restorative dentistry with your local dental experts. Most people with dental insurance can cover one replacement every 5-10 years. It is typically a quick and pain-free process that can help your dental health go back to normal.
Get Long-Lasting Dental Crowns in Upland
If you are dealing with chips, cracks, edges, or misalignments in your teeth, you might be having trouble eating or speaking. You might not want to see your smile in the mirror. Dental crowns can help restore full functionality to your mouth, giving you the smile you’ve always deserved. Get long-lasting dental crowns in Upland when you call our friendly experts today. We can schedule a personal consultation with you to ensure that your crown is built specifically for your teeth. Call us today to get on track with good dental health!