Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are the superheroes of the dentistry world, coming to the rescue to provide strength, protection, and a radiant smile to those in need. But even superheroes need assistance to maintain their heroic status, ensuring they stay clean and in pristine condition. That is where proper care steps in.

Now, let’s discover the diverse types of dental crowns available, each tailored to meet your unique needs. We will also uncover some powerful tips that will empower you to extend the lifespan of your dental crowns, keeping them gleaming brightly for years to come.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns come in different materials that you can choose from, and each material has a different lifespan. Each one has varying degrees of durability, strength, aesthetics, and compatibility with the teeth. Understanding each one can help you make an informed decision before you start fitting your crown, and proactively participate in its maintenance.

Take a look at the different types of dental crowns!

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)

• Pros: A popular and versatile choice. PFM crowns are strong and durable, lasting 15+ years on average. The metal substructure provides strength, while the porcelain layer offers a natural-looking aesthetic.
• Cons: The metal base can show through the gum line over time, especially if gums recede. Porcelain can chip, especially with improper care or biting on hard objects.

All-Ceramic (Porcelain)

• Pros: This material offers the most natural-looking option, blending seamlessly with surrounding teeth. All-ceramic crowns are also less likely to cause gum irritation compared to PFM crowns.
• Cons: Generally less durable than PFM crowns, with an average lifespan of 10+ years. They are more susceptible to chipping and fractures, especially in areas that endure a lot of chewing pressure.

Gold Alloys

• Pros: The gold standard for durability. Gold crowns are incredibly strong and can last for 20 years or more with proper care. They are also biocompatible and resistant to chipping or wear.
• Cons: The most expensive option. The gold colour is quite noticeable, making them less aesthetically pleasing for some patients.

Cast Metal

• Pros: A strong and affordable option, often used for molars where aesthetics are less of a concern. They can last 15+ years on average.
• Cons: Not as aesthetically pleasing as other materials due to their metal colour. May cause gum irritation in some patients.

Zirconia

• Pros: A newer and increasingly popular option. Zirconia crowns offer a good balance of strength and aesthetics. They are very durable, lasting 5-10 years on average, and are biocompatible.
• Cons: May not be as translucent as porcelain, potentially affecting the natural look. 

When choosing a crown material, your dentist will consider factors like the location of the tooth, the amount of remaining tooth structure, your bite strength, and your budget. At Whitehorse Dental, we will recommend the material that best suits your individual needs and offers the optimal balance of durability and aesthetics.

RELATED: When and Why are Dental Crowns Necessary? 

How to Take Care of Dental Crowns?

Proper maintenance is essential to guarantee the longevity of dental crowns. While it does not take much maintenance, unlike a regular tooth, There are still actions you can take to ensure it stays strong. Here are some tips that can help you extend the life of your dental crown for a long time.

Brushing is King (and Queen!)

We all know drill: brush your teeth twice a day to keep them healthy. This statement still continues all the more when you have your new dental crowns done. Keep your dental crowns clean and shiny by brushing twice a day. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth. Always keep in mind to brush gently around your crowns and gum lines to remove any food particles or plaque.

Floss Every Day Like a Boss

Flossing may seem like a hassle, but it’s crucial for maintaining the health of your gums and keeping your dental crowns in top condition. Make it a habit to floss every day at least once a day to remove plaque and any trapped food between your teeth. Not only can it take away debris, but flossing can also help remove bacteria that cause dental infections even after your dental crown treatment.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

The food you eat can either make or break your dental crowns. While these are strong and sturdy, they can still be damaged by hard or sticky foods. We know you don’t want that to happen, especially when you just finished your dental crown procedure. To make them last long, avoid chewing on hard food, like ice, hard candies, bones or anything that could potentially crack or eventually wear down your crowns. Nuts,  meat and raw carrots etc are fine.

Damaging habits should also be prohibited, including biting your nails, opening packages, and bottle pops with your teeth, as these could possibly chip or crack your dental crowns.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

To make sure you always keep your smile shining, a regular check-up with your dentist can help you maintain your beloved dental crowns. Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential for monitoring the health of your dental crowns. Visiting your dentists can also help you catch any dental issues early on and prevent them from worsening. This will ensure you can keep your dental crowns longer. Your dentist can also give your crowns a professional cleaning to keep them looking their best. 

Shield Your Teeth

If you are someone who grinds your teeth when you’re asleep, wearing a night guard or splint can help you protect your dental crowns from possible damage along the way. Grinding your teeth during sleep can put your natural teeth and dental crowns in danger of excessive wear and tear, making them brittle, weak, and highly at risk of cracking or chipping. 

Know When to Seek Help

If you feel like something feels off, trust your gut and visit your dentist right away. If you ever experience any pain or sensitivity or notice signs of damage to your dental crowns or around them, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They are the best people who can assess the situation and recommend the appropriate treatment for your teeth, whether it’s a simple adjustment or replacement of your crowns. Addressing your issues with your teeth can prevent more serious problems down the line. 

With these simple yet powerful tips to keep your dental crowns strong and bright, you’re sure to enjoy having your dental crowns for a long time! 

If you’re considering getting a dental crown in Blackburn, Whitehorse Dental is ready to welcome you to their clinic. With our skilled and accommodating dentists, we ensure that you will get the best experience of your life for your dental crown treatments. Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists now to make sure your dental crowns are in good hands.