When you have a dental crown placed, you might hear it referred to as a “permanent crown.” While you and your dentist may hope that the crown will last you the rest of your life, certain factors can and so shorten the life of your crown. Understanding those factors can help.
Materials
The type of material your crown is made from can affect its longevity. Crowns made entirely of resin tend to wear out more quickly compared to metal or porcelain crowns. They’re also more subject to breaking.
Most dentists will recommend a metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. These crowns are more durable and can last 20 years or longer. Porcelain can be tinted to match the color of your teeth, but unlike metal, they are susceptible to chipping or breaking. Many times small breaks can be repaired.
Proper Cleaning
Good dental hygiene can also help your crowns last longer. Crowns are designed to fit close to the gums, and a good seal should prevent bacteria from entering and affecting the tooth under the crown. That’s why it’s essential to brush thoroughly, especially at the gum line.
You should also continue with regular professional cleanings with a dental hygienist. They will remove any tartar that accumulates on the crown and check to make sure the seal, or margin, is still good. Swollen or receding gums can pose problems.
Tooth Grinding
Tooth grinding is another threat to the length of your crown. Many people grind or clench their teeth at night while sleeping, and they are not aware that they’re doing it. The action puts enormous pressure on both your natural teeth and your crowns, and they can crack or loosen.
Your dentist can fit you with a custom night guard to wear to bed. Made of hard plastic, the night guard will take the brunt of the tooth grinding and relieve the pressure on your crowns. You may only have to wear a night guard on your upper teeth.
You should follow your dentist’s advice on the best way to keep your crowns and your teeth healthy. Even so, there may come a time when he or she recommends that old crowns should be replaced. You can delay that time by taking good care of your dental health.
You can get cash for used dental crowns in Utah. Learn how Crown Buyers pays you for dental scrap.