How Long Do Ceramic Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are often referred to as caps, though they cover more than just the top of a tooth. Crowns encase the entire exposed surface of a natural tooth, from its tip to where it emerges from the gums, serving as a protective cloak that supports and helps maintain the tooth. Dentists use crowns when tooth decay is too substantial for a filling; to protect teeth after root canals; and to protect and preserve teeth that are damaged by some outside force, impact, or accident. Dentists also use crowns to support prosthetics like dental bridges. Crowns help restore the appearance, size, shape, strength, and function of a natural tooth. While crowns can be made of a variety of materials, many patients choose ceramic crowns, thanks to their highly lifelike, aesthetically superior appearance and relative durability.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Ceramic Crowns?
The three main elements that contribute to the longevity of ceramic crowns are the type of ceramic used, the patient’s oral hygiene habits, and the patient’s lifestyle choices and habits. Certain ceramic materials are stronger and more durable than others, though the strength of the material only goes so far in preserving its longevity. Ineffective oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which compromise the health and stability of the natural teeth, subsequently compromising the stability of dental crowns or other dental restorations. Certain habits, like habitually grinding the teeth or chewing on ice or other hard items, can also contribute to the faster degradation of dental crowns or lead to cracks or chips no matter what the crowns are made of. With proper care, however, ceramic crowns can be expected to last ten or 15 years, if not longer. If you know that you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, ask your dentist about nightguard options that can protect your teeth, and your crowns, or consider adopting stress-reduction habits that can help you break this habit. Your dentist and dental hygienist can also review optimal oral hygiene techniques with you, making sure you’re brushing and flossing properly and effectively, and can help ensure your continued oral health and the long-term success of your ceramic crowns with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
What Are the Advantages of Ceramic Crowns?
The two most notable advantages of ceramic crowns are their natural appearance and their durability. While ceramic crowns may not be more durable than metal or metal alloys, they are certainly more aesthetically pleasing and natural looking. Even crowns made of porcelain fused to metal come with some aesthetic disadvantages, and they are also more expensive than ceramic crowns, though they are also more durable. For the ideal combination of aesthetics, durability, and functionality, however, ceramic crowns are unparalleled. These factors are particularly beneficial when ceramic crowns are placed in the aesthetic zone at the front of the mouth, the area that is readily visible while smiling or talking. Because other areas of the mouth are more hidden, and because these hidden back teeth bear more of the force of chewing and grinding, ceramic crowns may not be recommended; instead, stronger, less attractive options might suffice. However, for patients who are seeking the most consistently natural-looking material for their dental crown, there’s no comparison – the lustrous, lifelike appearance of ceramic crowns can’t be topped. Your dentist can tell you if ceramic crowns are a good option for you, so if you’re seeking to restore any damaged, broken, or extensively decayed teeth, reach out for more information and you’ll be on your way to a brighter, stronger smile.