How to Get a Great Smile

Posted on: 7 July 2017

If you've ever had to have extensive dental work in the past, it's likely that you may have had at least one crown fitted. These are a key weapon in the dentist's arsenal, as they seek to restore full functionality for patients. However, much has changed in the last generation or so in relation to the materials used to make these crowns. You may be wondering how long those replacements will last. What should you be considering?

General Assumptions

Generally speaking, dental crowns can last for 15 to 20 years, but this will be mainly dependent on the way that you treat them. How is your oral hygiene? Do you brush and floss regularly and schedule visits to a hygienist? It's also important to consider the wear and tear these teeth will receive, according to their type.

Risks of All-Ceramic

In years gone by, porcelain crowns were divided into two different types. They could be all-ceramic or fused to metal. Sometimes, patients present themselves to a dentist with damage to a crown that is typically related to the type of porcelain. With all-ceramic, any damage would likely be quite extensive, as it would typically fracture all the way through. A crown like this would lose its structural integrity and would need to be replaced. Due to the vulnerability, dentists would typically choose the fused to metal crown for the back teeth so they can withstand the forces of biting and chewing.

Why Fused to Metal Is Better

The fused to metal crown has several different components. The tooth itself is covered by a thin 'jacket' of metal, fused to a layer of porcelain on the outside. The porcelain gives the tooth its proper appearance. These options are hardier because any damage that occurs is typically to the porcelain section only and dentists can often replace this.

Root Canal Options

A number of risks present themselves as time goes by, which will affect the longevity of the crown. As an example, you may need to get a root canal treatment in the area. In the ideal world, the dentist would like to remove the crown first in order to access the root. However, if this is not possible then a perforation has to be made in the crown and this will compromise its structure to an extent. While the dentist will be able to place a filling after the work is done, the crown may not last as long thereafter.

Other Risks

It's also possible that a bad (or inadvertent) habit can cause damage. If you grind your teeth at night, damage can be caused to a crown. Also, the crown itself can cause some additional wear and tear to the teeth on the opposite side. This is because the material in the crown is typically more abrasive.

It's best if you have a word with your dentist, so that they can ascertain the condition of your old crowns and see whether you need to upgrade to a more modern material.