If you’ve recently had a dental crown placed, or you’re considering getting one, you’re probably wondering how long it will last. The short answer is that it depends largely on you! While dental crowns are durable restorations designed to withstand everyday use, they aren’t indestructible. On average, a crown can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, and with the right care, many last even longer. That said, the habits you practice every day play a huge role in determining whether your crown lasts as long as it should. Here’s what you can do to make the most of your restoration.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene Every Day
Just because a dental crown covers your tooth doesn’t mean that tooth is totally immune to issues like cavities. In fact, the spot where your crown meets your gumline is especially vulnerable to plaque buildup, which can lead to decay underneath the crown. If decay develops at the base of a crowned tooth, the crown may need to be removed and replaced.
To protect your crown and the tooth it sits on, brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to floss daily as well; flossing around a crown is just as important as flossing between natural teeth. Also keep up with your routine dental checkups and cleanings, so that if a problem does arise, it’s quickly spotted.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Certain foods can put unnecessary stress on your crown or cause it to chip, crack, or come loose. Tough foods like ice cubes, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and crusty bread can fracture your crown if you’re not careful. Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gummy candies are also problematic because they can pull at the crown and potentially dislodge it over time.
While crowns are generally stain-resistant, the natural teeth surrounding them are not, which can lead to a color mismatch if you consume a lot of coffee, tea, red wine, or dark-pigmented foods. Rinsing with water after consuming staining substances can help keep your overall smile looking consistent.
Break Bad Habits That Put Your Crown at Risk
Chewing on pens or pencils, biting your fingernails, using your teeth to tear open packages, and grinding or clenching your teeth (a condition called bruxism) can all significantly shorten the lifespan of a dental crown.
If you’re a teeth grinder, wearing a custom nightguard is one of the best things you can do to protect your crown, since the pressure from grinding places extraordinary stress on dental restorations, often causing them to crack or wear down much faster than they should.
The bottom line is, a dental crown is a significant investment in your oral health, and treating it with care will help it serve you well for many years!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Mariya Barnett, our team has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Dallas and the surrounding DFW metroplex for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including dental crowns made from durable, beautiful, natural-looking materials. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (469) 874-0469.
