How Long Do Ceramic Crowns Last?
A beautiful, flawless smile is a dream for most of us. But what if our teeth are less than ideal and severely damaged? Do we have to say goodbye to our dreams of beautiful teeth? Of course not! Ceramic crowns may be the answer. Find out what they are, how they're applied, and how much they cost.
What is a ceramic crown?
Dental crowns are artificial overlays in the shape and appearance of natural teeth, permanently attached to the patient's properly prepared teeth or to special frameworks. This treatment is most often used in cases of severe tooth damage and discoloration that cannot be treated with conventional methods, such as enamel filling or tartar removal.
Depending on your needs, crowns can be made from various materials. However, the most common overlays are ceramics, which effectively imitate the natural appearance of teeth in the patient's mouth. There are a few different types of dental crowns:
- Porcelain crowns on a metal base - they are characterized by good durability and a favorable price; however, the metal (gold, chrome, nickel, cobalt) may cause allergies in some people.
- Porcelain crowns with a zirconium oxide substructure - zirconium oxide is a substance much more durable than metal and chemically resistant; in addition, it maintains a white, crystalline structure and does not cause allergies. The disadvantage is the higher cost of installing such a substructure.
- All-ceramic crowns — such crowns are made entirely of ceramic, provide a highly aesthetic appearance, and are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- Acrylic crowns - they are used only as a temporary crown, e.g., during dental treatment or the process of making final crowns; unfortunately, they are not durable in the long term.
Many people still associate crowns with distinctive gold or silver single teeth. In fact, crowns were once made entirely of metal, but this method is no longer used, and a modern ceramic crown is difficult to distinguish from a natural tooth with the naked eye.
The type of crown chosen is tailored to each patient's individual needs and desired results. There are no better or worse methods. All are equally effective in helping to eliminate the problem of unsightly, damaged teeth.
How long do ceramic crowns last? Durability of crowns
A properly cared-for ceramic crown can last up to 20 years, but any potential problems that appear earlier should be immediately consulted with a dentist and, if necessary, any cavities filled.
How to care for ceramic crowns?
To ensure that your ceramic crown lasts for years, you must maintain proper oral hygiene daily. Brushing after meals is essential. However, be careful to use only soft toothbrushes and low-abrasion toothpastes. Whitening toothpastes or toothpastes with grit are not recommended.
When cleaning, it's worth focusing on the area where the crown meets the gums—food debris easily accumulates here. Even if you're theoretically free from the risk of tooth decay, inflammation can still develop. It's also worth incorporating alcohol-free mouthwashes and gently flossing between your teeth.
In Conclusion
Dental crowns are a popular solution in dentistry, valued for their aesthetics and durability. They are ideal for those seeking to improve the appearance of their teeth, reconstruct damaged structures, or strengthen weakened teeth. Although they can be relatively expensive, the investment offers long-term benefits. Dental crowns are resistant to abrasion and discoloration, and with proper oral hygiene, they can last for many years. Therefore, it's worth considering them, especially if you want a beautiful and healthy smile.