If you have a chipped or discoloured tooth that doesn’t need to be removed, a dental crown can be an effective solution. But how long do dental crowns last, and are they permanent?
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), a well-maintained dental crown can last a decade or longer. Treat your dental crown like your natural teeth and remember to brush and floss it daily. You can also ask your dentist about durable materials like metal or zirconia.
Want a crown as soon as possible? Ask us about CEREC 1-day dental crowns.
What to Know About Dental Crowns
A dental crown or cap is a hollow, artificial covering that is placed on top of a tooth. They look and work much like natural teeth and are suitable options for people who have:
- Damaged or decayed teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Abnormally shaped teeth
- A large filling or root canal
A traditional dental crown procedure typically takes at least 2 appointments to complete. But modern technologies allow us to create and fit dental crowns within the same day.
Dental Crown Material & Durability
Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials. The material you choose can affect how the dental crown looks and how long it’ll last.
Common dental crown materials include:
- Metal: These dental crowns are made of gold and are very durable. Resistant to damage, they also tend not to erode your other teeth. However, some people may not prefer the aesthetics of gold dental crowns.
- Porcelain: The advantage of porcelain crowns is that they look very natural. However, porcelain is less durable than composite and metal crowns. Therefore, they are not typically used for back teeth.
- Porcelain fused to metal: This type of crown is considered more durable than composite or porcelain crowns. However, the metal parts are sometimes visible, especially in people with receding gums.
- Composite: While composite crowns are considered more chip-resistant than porcelain, they’re prone to staining and erosion from chewing.
- Zirconia: This is a ceramic material that’s much stronger than porcelain. Zirconia is also considered biocompatible, which means it’s less likely to stimulate an inflammatory response in the body. Furthermore, with technologies like Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC), zirconia crowns can be designed, milled, and fitted in a single appointment. However, it can be challenging to match your zirconia crown’s colour to your natural teeth, and they may wear down on your other teeth.
How Long Dental Crowns Last
According to the CDA, metal, porcelain, and composite dental crowns can last 10 years or more with proper care.
Zirconia crowns display a similar longevity to metal crowns. To get the most out of your crown, practice good dental hygiene.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Take care of your dental crown like you would your natural teeth. But remember that crowns are generally not as strong as regular teeth. Keep the following in mind:
- Brush twice daily and floss at least once a day.
- Protect your crown from damage by avoiding crunchy and sticky foods.
- If you’re prone to teeth grinding, ask your dentist whether a night guard is appropriate.
- See your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. A visit once every 6 months is appropriate for many people, but your dentist may recommend a lower or higher frequency depending on your personal needs.
Depending on the material of your crown, we may give you additional care instructions. Ask us for details if you aren’t sure!
If your crown feels loose, is damaged, or if there are pointy edges that cause discomfort, contact us right away. LIkewise if you notice bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Getting a Dental Crown
A traditional dental crown procedure typically takes more than one appointment and generally goes like this:
- Preparing the tooth: After some local anesthesia, your dentist will file down the tooth that needs a crown. This prepares the tooth for a crown to be fitted over it.
- Making an impression: Next, your dentist will create an impression for the crown using your filed-down tooth and other teeth. This impression will then be used to create your custom-designed crown.
- Temporary crown: While you wait for your final crown, your dentist will give you a temporary crown to protect your tooth
- Fitting the final crown: At your next appointment, your dentist will fit your final crown.
CEREC 1-Day Dental Crown Procedure
Our dentists in Kitchener use CEREC imaging, as this creates durable and natural-looking crowns. Here’s what the process looks like:
- We take pictures of your teeth.
- These photographs are used to create a model using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology.
- Much like 3-D printing, we can then create your crown either in-house or send the model to a laboratory for milling. The milling process can take as little as 15 minutes.
- You may be fitted with your new crown within the same appointment.
Dental Crowns in Kitchener by de Man & Höediono Dentistry
If you have a damaged, discoloured, or oddly shaped tooth, a dental crown can make both an aesthetic and functional difference. To learn more about crowns, visit de Man & Höediono Dentistry in Kitchener.
In addition to dental crowns, we offer a variety of dental services for you and your loved ones, including wisdom teeth extraction, oral cancer screening, and gum disease treatment. Contact us and book your appointment today.