Ceramic dental crowns are durable and natural-looking looking so you are able to fix a damaged or missing tooth. Like any other dental restoration, ceramic crowns will last you years and years if you take care to maintain good at-home oral care routines, regular dental exams and professional cleanings, and take time to care for your ceramic crown.
Under most conditions, for the average person, ceramic crowns last between 10 to 15 years. They have long lifespans because the specific combination of materials used to create the ceramic are able to withstand chewing pressure and temperature changes. Ceramic crowns resist stains and can often blend with the natural teeth even after many years of wear. The health of the tooth that supports the dental crown can also affect how long the ceramic crown lasts. That tooth acts as a foundation for the crown, so a healthier tooth results in a stronger crown.
Your oral hygiene habits at home greatly affect how long your dental crown will last. If you brush multiple times a day and floss, not only are you helping all your teeth and gums stay healthy, but you are keeping plaque and bacteria from settling into the area where the crown meets the gums and the underlying tooth. It is particularly important because if the tooth beneath a crown is allowed to decay further, the entire restoration could become compromised. When you maintain regular cleanings and examinations, the dentist will be able to monitor the health of your crown.
Your bite strength affects how long your crown will last. People who struggle with grinding or clenching will apply excessive pressure to all their teeth, including their crowns. If this is the case for you, the dentist may recommend wearing a nightguard to prevent excess pressure on the crown and damage to your other teeth.
Your diet and daily food habits play a minor role. Ceramic crowns are stain-resistant and are strong enough to chew your meals on a daily basis, but they are not meant to be used as tools to open packages or to bite hard foods. You will need to avoid chewing ice and other hard foods, as well as tearing or pulling things apart.
The location of the dental crown in your mouth will affect how long the ceramic crown lasts. Crowns for molars may wear out more quickly due to chewing; back teeth bear the most wear in chewing. Crowns on front teeth generally last longer with less stress placed on them.
Ceramic crowns are strong and effective as long as you take steps to keep your mouth healthy. You have made an investment by having a ceramic crown placed in your mouth, so it's important to protect your asset. Visit the dentist for regular check-ups, brush regularly, and make healthy choices for your diet. With proper care, a ceramic crown will bring you confidence in your smile and your bite for many years.
If you have more questions about ceramic crowns or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if ceramic crowns are the best option for you.