Dental crowns are common dental restorations that are often referred to as caps, because many dental crowns are used to cap over a damaged tooth and restore its appearance and function. This isn’t the only reason dentists use crowns, though it’s one of the most common uses. The teeth can sustain a whole range of damage, including mild but irreversible discoloration, tooth decay, enamel erosion, cracks and fissures caused by daily wear, and fractures or breakage caused by impacts, falls, and injuries. Some of these issues are best addressed by less comprehensive treatments, like fillings, inlays, onlays, and veneers; when more substantial restoration is desired, crowns are often the recommended treatment method. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials that vary in appearance and durability; porcelain provides a natural, superior appearance and is sufficiently resilient to protect a damaged tooth from further damage. A porcelain crown fits snugly over the entire visible surface of a tooth, restoring its appearance, size, and shape and providing support, stability, and protection. These custom-made porcelain dental restorations can be designed to perfectly match the natural teeth in size, shape, and color, making them an ideal solution when the visible front teeth are damaged.
Certain types of crowns last longer than others; for example, gold crowns can last decades, though they’re expensive and also highly visible in the mouth. For many dentists and their patients, porcelain crowns provide an optimal balance between durability and aesthetics. While they won’t last as long as gold crowns, they’re far more affordable and natural-looking, and, with effective care, porcelain crowns commonly last around 15 years. There are many factors that contribute to the longevity of porcelain crowns, just as there are many factors that contribute to the longevity and health of the natural teeth. While some level of wear and tear is expected, excessive wear can compromise the lifespan of a porcelain crown, and eating hard or crunchy foods or chronically grinding and clenching the teeth can cause porcelain crowns to fail more quickly. Effective oral and dental hygiene also contribute dramatically to the expected endurance of any dental restoration, including porcelain crowns.
To protect your porcelain crowns and extend their lifespan, it’s imperative that patients maintain proper oral hygiene with proper brushing and flossing, combined with regular visits to the dentist for checkups and thorough cleanings. These basic steps help maintain the strength and stability of the tissues that support porcelain crowns and are integral to their long-term success. Modifying the diet, reducing the consumption of extremely hard foods, and managing lifestyle choices that involve habitual chewing, whether on pens, ice, or other rigid non-food items, can help keep porcelain crowns damage-free. If you know that you chronically clench or grind your teeth, which is most common during sleep, ask your dentist about a mouthguard; custom or over-the-counter mouthguards can help protect porcelain crowns just as they would protect the teeth. If there are issues with the fit of your porcelain crown and you notice any jutting edges, see your dentist for a fit adjustment; a well-fitted crown shouldn’t feel discernibly different from a natural tooth, and proper fit, along with proper care, can help maintain the comfort, appearance, and lifespan of a porcelain dental crown over the long term.
