Keeping your teeth clean and free of plaque requires a lifetime commitment. A damaged tooth covered by a dental crown helps restore teeth to their typical size, shape, and function. Porcelain crowns are designed to fortify teeth and improve your smile, which in turn boosts your self-esteem and confidence.
However, it’s not so simple to receive a dental crown. You may be wondering how long they last. In this post, we’ll share essential tips on how to care for porcelain crowns.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns are dental prosthetics designed to restore the shape, size, and strength of damaged or decayed teeth. Crafted from durable porcelain material, these crowns are custom-made to match the color and texture of natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with the smile. They encase the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, providing protection and reinforcement.
Dental crowns offer exceptional durability and resistance to stains, making them a popular choice for cosmetic and functional dental restoration. Whether used to cover a cracked tooth, strengthen a weakened one, or enhance aesthetics, dental crowns deliver natural-looking results and long-lasting performance.
Are Porcelain Crowns Durable?
Porcelain crowns are renowned for their exceptional durability. Constructed from high-quality materials, such as porcelain fused to metal or all-porcelain, they boast remarkable strength and resilience. These crowns withstand the daily pressures of biting and chewing, providing long-lasting protection for weakened or damaged teeth.
Dental crowns, such as porcelain, ensure that they can endure the rigors of everyday use, maintaining their integrity and function over time. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns last for 5 to 15 years, offering patients reliable dental restoration needs while preserving the natural beauty of their smiles.
How Long Will a Porcelain Crown Last?
Dental crowns typically last five to fifteen years. Your oral hygiene practices, the foods and beverages you consume throughout the day, and how you use your teeth—for example if you have a nail-biting habit—all affect the durability of your dental crown.
If you maintain good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, you can get 25 to 30 years out of your dental crowns. One thing to keep in mind is maintaining the strength and health of the tooth beneath the crown.
Several factors contribute to the longevity of porcelain crowns:
- Material Quality — High-quality porcelain materials used in crown fabrication enhance durability and resistance to wear and tear, ensuring long-term performance.
- Proper Fit — Customized crowns that fit snugly over the tooth structure prevent complications like decay or fracture, extending the lifespan of the restoration.
- Oral Hygiene — Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits help maintain oral health, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay around the crown, thus prolonging its lifespan.
- Bite Alignment — Correcting any issues with bite alignment through adjustments ensures that the crown experiences balanced pressure during chewing, preventing premature wear and fractures.
- Avoidance of Hard Foods — Avoiding hard or sticky foods that can potentially damage the crown helps preserve its integrity, reducing the likelihood of cracks or fractures over time.
Ways to Take Care of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are more prone to weakening due to regular wear and strain. You will need to give up some bad oral habits, such as biting your nails, opening things with your teeth, grinding your teeth, and chewing pens, nuts, or ice.
Here are practical ways to take care of dental crown teeth:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque buildup around the crown and prevent gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential for maintaining oral health.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies, as well as sticky foods that can pull on the crown. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support overall oral health.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid abrasive damage to the porcelain surface of the crown. Harsh brushing can wear down the crown over time and lead to premature failure.
Wear a Night Guard (if recommended)
If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a custom-made night guard can protect your porcelain crowns from excessive pressure and prevent damage. Consult your dentist if you suspect bruxism.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Staining Substances
Smoking can stain and weaken dental crowns over time. To minimize discoloration, limit your intake of staining substances like coffee, tea, and red wine, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Use Fluoride Mouthwash or Gel
Incorporate fluoride mouthwash or gel into your oral care routine to strengthen the enamel surrounding your crown and help prevent decay. Consult with your dentist to determine the most suitable fluoride product for your needs.
Address Issues Promptly
If you notice any changes in the fit, feel, or appearance of your crown, such as sensitivity, pain, or a loose crown, contact your dentist promptly. Early intervention can prevent further damage and prolong the crown’s lifespan.
FAQs
Are porcelain crowns stain-resistant?
Porcelain is highly resistant to staining, much more so than natural tooth enamel. However, it’s still wise to limit consumption of staining substances like coffee and red wine to keep it looking its best.
Can a porcelain crown be whitened?
No, a porcelain crown cannot be whitened with traditional bleaching products. Its color is permanent. If you’re considering whitening your teeth, it’s best to do so before getting your crown so we can match it to your new, brighter shade.
What special care do porcelain crowns need?
Porcelain crowns do not require any special care beyond the excellent oral hygiene you should practice for your natural teeth: consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
Are porcelain crowns covered by insurance in Bradenton?
In Bradenton, most dental insurance plans provide coverage for crowns when they are medically necessary to restore a damaged tooth. Our team can help you understand and maximize your benefits.
What should I do if my crown feels loose or chips?
If your crown feels loose, chips, or comes off, save the crown if possible and call our Bradenton office immediately. Do not try to re-glue it yourself. We will schedule a prompt appointment to assess the situation.
Can the tooth under the crown still get a cavity?
Yes. The crown itself is impervious to decay, but the natural tooth at the margin where the crown meets the gum line can still get a cavity. This is why daily flossing is so important.
I live in the 34212 ZIP code. How convenient is your office for check-ups?
Our office at 8495 Heritage Green Way #108, Bradenton is located near in the 34212 ZIP code, making us a highly convenient choice for routine check-ups and cleanings if you live in the Bradenton area.
Is it normal for a new crown to feel sensitive?
It is common to experience some temporary sensitivity to hot and cold after a new crown is placed. This sensation should gradually subside within a few weeks.
Why is the fit of the crown so important for its lifespan?
The fit is important because a poorly fitting crown can leave a tiny gap between the crown and the tooth. This gap can trap bacteria, leading to decay underneath the crown, which is the most common reason for crown failure.
Do you offer financing for dental crowns?
Yes, we offer flexible financing options to help make the cost of your durable, long-lasting porcelain crown fit comfortably within your budget.
Does grinding my teeth affect my crown’s durability?
Yes, grinding your teeth (bruxism) is one of the biggest threats to a crown’s durability. The immense pressure can cause the porcelain to wear down or fracture over time. A night guard is the best protection against this.
Conclusion
Another crucial element in keeping porcelain crowns in good condition is maintaining regular dental cleanings with a dentist. At Parkwood Dental, we adhere to the highest dental standards for tooth restoration and aesthetic enhancements while utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Contact us today.
