At Castlemaine Smiles Dentist, dental crowns (often called caps) are the treatment of choice for several conditions.
A crown can add strength to teeth with large fillings or injuries, a crown can help correct misaligned bites, and a crown is generally the last step of a root canal.
Crowns can also be used for purely cosmetic problems such yellow teeth, stained teeth, too-small teeth, and teeth that are poorly formed.
Because crowns have so many uses, and are recommended in so many cases, the question often arises as to how long they can be expected to last.
The simple answer is that there is no simple answer.
The lifespan of crowns depends on many things, including how well they are taken care of.
What is true, is that getting your crowns from your trusted Castlemaine Smiles dentist, is one way to increase the chances that your crown will last for the longest possible time!
How Long Should A Crown Last?
- Dental crowns typically last from five to fifteen years, sometimes even longer.
- At Castlemaine Smiles Dentist we plan for any crown that we make you to last for a decade or longer.
Factors that Influence Dental Crown Longevity
- Position (Is the crown at the rear or front of the mouth?)
- Is the crown full or partial?
- Quality of the manufacture and installation
- Condition of the tooth beneath the crown
- Grinding or clenching
- Oral hygiene and care of the crowned tooth
- Harmful habits (chewing ice, fingernails, removing bottle caps)
- Materials used (gold, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, etc.)
- Periodontal health (gum disease)
Most insurance companies cover crown replacement if failure occurs after 5 to 8 years. At the same time, dentists often ‘guesstimate’ that a crown should last from 5 to 15 years. This is a realistic estimate that does not mislead patients into thinking that their crowns are permanent or indestructible.
Principles For Dental Crown Longevity At Castlemaine Smiles Dentist
Correct Diagnosis:
Dental crowns are not always the only, or even the best, solution. At Castlemaine Smiles we recommend crowns when they are the proper treatment with a high chance of success.
Durable and Aesthetically Pleasing Materials:
Materials used to make dental crowns vary in durability and appearance. Porcelain looks very much like natural teeth, but it isn’t as durable as dental alloys. Dental alloys, conversely, don’t match the appearance of your natural teeth like porcelain does.
Depending on the location, desired ‘look’, and other characteristics of your case, Castlemaine Smiles Dentist will recommend the appropriate material and construction of the crown.
Expert Installation:
Castlemaine Smiles has installed dental crowns for many years and we are experts at what contributes to a successful dental crown procedure.
Don’t take the risk of having your crowns installed by someone who isn’t really certain what they are doing!
How You Can Help Extend the Life of Your Crowns
Normal Home Care
At Castlemaine Smiles we work with you to realize the highest level of oral hygiene at home. Proper home care is one key element of a crown’s longevity!
While a crown strengthens the portion of the tooth above the gum-line, the margin between the crown and gum requires special care. Normal brushing and flossing is a must.
Be Careful What You Chew
Most crowns and bridges have a ceramic outer layer or are all-ceramic. These materials are very strong and hardy, however, they can fracture just as a natural tooth might. As a rule of thumb, don’t do anything with a crown or bridge that would damage a natural tooth.
Habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth can harm your dental crowns. If you suffer from tooth grinding during sleep, it’s best to wear a protective mouth guard while sleeping. The same is true if you play contact sports.
Keep Your Crowns Clean
Although crowns are constructed from artificial materials, this does not mean they cannot be damaged by decay and cavities. A normal tooth lies beneath a crown, and it must be carefully taken care of.
If you need dental crowns to treat your dental issues, your best bet is to visit us at Castlemaine Smiles. We have the experience and skills to give you a dental crown with the best chance of lasting a very long time!
Dentistry At Castlemaine Smiles Dentist
Castlemaine Smiles Dentist uses premium quality material for your dental crown. In the event that your dental crown is damaged, your local dentist at Castlemaine Smiles offers helpful first aid tips and strives to provide Same Day Emergency Appointment.
We occupy the spacious first floor above the Amcal chemist in the historic country town of Castlemaine, Victoria. The practice is a short walk from Castlemaine Station and free all day parking is available towards the top end of Lyttleton Street.
We have a stair lift to aid people with limited mobility (weight limit 120Kg). If you would like to take advantage of the lift, please contact us ahead of time so that we can have it ready for your arrival.
Call us at (03) 5472 1377 or request your appointment online today!
