The Lifespan of Dental Crowns: How Long Can You Expect Them to Last?

You may need a dental crown when there is extensive decay or damage concerning a tooth. At Smiles by Shields Dentistry, Dr. Tiffany Shields specializes in biocompatible dentistry for healthier smiles in Jacksonville, Florida. That means we use better materials for a more holistic dental experience contributing to overall body wellness. If you need a dental crown, we’ll lead you to beautiful teeth that function how they should. You shouldn’t have to put up with a mouth giving you problems. Let’s look into some details about dental crowns as a solution and how long you can expect them to last. 

What a Dental Crown Can Do for Your Smile

If you are unsure of what a dental crown is, it’s effortless. A crown is a tooth-shaped covering over a broken, damaged, or decaying tooth. The tooth underneath is reshaped before the dental crown goes over it. Think of it like a “healthy hat” for your tooth. The new crown is bonded permanently to that original tooth. It’s not something that you would take in and out. This can even be done over a dental implant, a type of system that is a dental prosthesis, acting as an anchor for a dental crown, a bridge, or even dentures. 

Why Someone May Need a Dental Crown

There are many different reasons why someone may need to come to Dr. Tiffany Shields for a crown. A dental crown may help to protect a broken, cracked, or worn-down tooth from further damage. It also acts as a shield when a person is eating or drinking. Sometimes, dental crowns are used over teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure. 

A dental crown may also cover stained or discolored teeth, which is part of cosmetic dentistry. Regardless of the reason you might need a dental crown, it’s all part of having a healthy smile that functions correctly and looks beautiful, which can help a person’s overall wellness. You don’t have to suffer with broken or damaged teeth when dental crowns can be a great option. 

A Traditional Dental Crown

There are different types of dental crowns. A traditional crown takes two visits to complete. At that first visit, Dr. Shields will fix any decay on the tooth or teeth that are going to receive the crowns. Then, a temporary piece of resin is fitted over that tooth to protect it until the new crown is placed. Molds are made of the teeth, which are then sent to a lab, while the crown is crafted as an exact match over your tooth. 

Finally, on that second visit, shortly after the first, you’ll return to have the dental crowns placed. Once it’s on, we adjust it to ensure your bite is aligned and feels good. 

CEREC Technology Dental Crowns

Besides offering a traditional dental crown, we have a specialized one-day crown procedure using CEREC® technology. The most significant difference is that this procedure only takes one day. Just one visit. How amazing is that? Instead of using a traditional mold, we take a 3-D image of the tooth about to get the dental crown, and the replacement crown is crafted in about 20 minutes from a block of biocompatible ceramic material. It’s a revolutionary process streamlining the dental crown procedure, making it more seamless and faster. 

The Lifespan of Your Dental Crowns 

So, how long can you expect a dental crown to last? Most of the crowns that we make are made of biocompatible material that is strong and lasts a very long time. In fact, with the right care, most dental crowns will last 10 to 15 years, but some can last as long as 30 without having to be replaced. 

You should care for your dental crowns by practicing the best oral hygiene possible, which includes brushing and flossing twice a day. You also want to avoid consuming too many sticky or hard-to-eat foods, which can damage your crown over time. Regular dental visits are helpful, too, so that we can monitor the wear and tear on your dental crowns. 

Do You Have Questions About Dental Crowns?

If you are a candidate for dental crowns, give us a call at Smiles by Shields Dentistry. Our team is more than happy to schedule an appointment for you to have dentistry in the Jacksonville, Florida, area to fix any problems caused by broken or damaged teeth.