Porcelain Crowns Are Here to Save the Day

We all know we should take care of our teeth, right? But sometimes accidents happen. Sometimes, life gets in the way and stressors take over every bit of our daily routines. Any of these things can create tooth damage, whether in the way of severely cracked teeth or severe tooth decay. This usually goes hand-in-hand with pain and issues with eating. When a tooth is damaged, you want nothing more than to get that tooth back in working order as quickly as possible to eliminate any pain and maintain the function of your mouth.

Thankfully, there are constant advancements in both cosmetic and restorative dentistry, resulting in solutions to pretty much any curveball your teeth might throw you. 

Crowns are a kind of cosmetic dentistry that helps you keep your natural tooth when a filling might not be enough or to top off an implant. They are tooth-shaped caps, made of incredibly durable porcelain, and boast a natural appearance. Not only are they color-matched to the rest of your teeth, but they have the same translucence as a natural tooth. In fact, unless you tell someone you have a crown, no one will know. With proper care, a crown should last you up to 15 years!

How long do porcelain crowns typically last?

So is that 15-year lifespan the normal? Yes, if they are taken care of properly. The porcelain used to make crowns is incredibly durable and made to last. The goal is for them to be comfortable in your mouth, but also durable to last through the toughest meal. Just be sure to keep up with that oral hygiene routine. Aim to brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time, and floss at least once. There are some things that can affect their longevity, such as the location of the crown, how much natural tooth is remaining, and general wear and tear.

Essential Care Tips for Porcelain Crowns

As mentioned before, it’s imperative to keep up your regular oral care routine. Brush twice a day and floss at least once! But there are a few more guidelines to follow to keep your porcelain crowns in tip-top shape. Do what you can to avoid biting hard objects such as ice or pens. We get it. Sometimes, it can be tempting to gnaw on something while stressed–don’t do it! What about when the bottle cap or packaging just won’t open? Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Just don’t—that’s a fast-track way to end up in our office with severe damage to your teeth.

These rules go for your natural teeth as well. The nicer you are to them, the longer they will be able to stick around. 

If you find yourself grinding your teeth, use a nightguard to keep your teeth safe throughout the night. It’ll keep your teeth from cracking and also help prevent headaches. 

What to Watch For: Signs Your Crown May Need Attention

With something that can last for up to 15 years, it’s important to know the signs that it might need some extra attention. If you notice your tooth has some sensitivity, that’s one of the first signs that something might be going on. It could be something as simple as a crack, but you don’t want it to go untreated. Ignoring the problem only makes it get worse over time, as there’s the chance your tooth is left vulnerable to decay.

If you start to notice that you can wiggle that crown with your tongue, don’t hesitate to contact us at Berrien Dental. It’s not uncommon to first notice this problem while eating something sticky. Remember, the sooner we address any problems, the easier they are to repair.

Sometimes, problems appear without us even knowing. This is where your regular dental checkups come in handy. The goal is always to leave with a clean bill of health, but keeping these regular appointments makes it easier for your dental team to find and repair any problems before they have a chance to get out of hand. This rule isn’t just for if you have a crown, it also goes for your natural teeth.

We’re Here for Your Smile

Though crowns can last for up to 15 years, life sometimes has a habit of interfering with that timeline. Remember that accidents happen, and even with the most perfect care, sometimes your crowns might need a little pick-me-up. That’s what the staff here at Berrien Dental are here for, to help you every step of the way to ensure you have a happy and healthy smile.

Whether you just need a generic cleaning or need to check on the health of your porcelain crowns, don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment. We can offer you personalized advice to help your smile be the best that it can be.