How Durable Are Dental Crowns?
You’ve probably heard of dental crowns, but do you know what exactly they are? Here, we’ll explain the answer to that question, discuss why you might need one, and how durable dental crowns are.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a tooth shaped dental device that goes over and covers an existing tooth that has been damaged or decayed in order to improve your smile. Dental crowns can be made up of a number of different materials, but the exact type that is used for each person is determined based on what kind of dental issues the tooth has suffered from, what other dental issues a person might have, such as tooth grinding, and where the damaged tooth is located in the mouth.Why Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A person might need a dental crown for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most common reason is that someone has had bad oral health issues and the tooth has been so severely damaged by decay that the dental crown is needed to support the tooth. Other common reasons include: a tooth that is worn down or broken; to cover a dental implant; to keep a bridge in place; and to support a tooth that has a very large filling, in which case most of the natural tooth no longer exists. Dental crowns are also sometimes used to cover up a misshapen or discolored tooth.How Durable Are Dental Crowns?
While dental crowns are overall very durable, the exact durability depends on what material is used to make the crown. For example, metal crowns are typically the strongest and are therefore used for crowns covering damaged teeth located in the back of the mouth. Though still strong, ceramic crowns are not quite as strong as metal crowns but can be used to make crowns that appear natural in color and texture to match the other teeth in your mouth. Ceramic crowns are usually used to cover teeth in the front of the mouth. Dental crowns typically last about five to fifteen years, and exactly how long they last depends on a few factors including how well you maintain good oral health habits like brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, and whether you regularly do things like chew on ice or grind your teeth.Are You a Candidate for a Dental Crown?
If you have any questions about dental crowns or think you may be a good candidate for one, contact us to schedule a consultation. We can determine which option is best for your situation. Contact UsCategorised in: Dental Crowns, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Restorative Dentistry