When fillings don’t cut it, that’s where dental crowns come into play. These versatile products can be useful for many different dental care treatments. They hold the tooth together and prevent it from cracking further.

They can protect the worn-down tooth that’s been damaged by tooth grinding. A dentist can recommend a dental crown when there is still some natural tooth left worth saving. It can be a viable alternative when you get the option to either extract or save your tooth.

If you don’t cover the damaged tooth, it will keep breaking apart. In time, it can lead to full-blown tooth extraction. Here is all you need to know about dental crowns. The distinct types, their longevity, and other practical information you may find useful.

Dental Crown Types

A dental crown is a “cap” that takes the shape of a tooth. Picture the dental crowns as a snug hat for your weak or broken tooth. The dentist will first reshape the tooth to fit the replacement crown. And then put the cap over it. (1)

The crown can restore the size, sturdiness, shape, and appearance of the tooth. Some of the most trending dental crown types include:

• Porcelain crowns – Typically applied to front teeth, these crowns create the most natural tooth appearance. They don’t have any metal, meaning they are biocompatible.
• Porcelain fused to metal – Offering both visually appealing aesthetics and strength, these crowns can be a practical choice for both back and front teeth. But,the metal below the porcelain cap will show through.
• Gold crowns – The main benefit of these products is their shiny finish, strength, and durability. They don’t look like natural teeth. The dentist needs to remove less of the natural tooth structure to apply them. (2)
• All-resin crowns – These are one of the most affordable alternatives. But, they do wear down and are more likely to get damaged.
• Pressed ceramic crowns – These products have a sturdy inner core. They provide the finest natural color finish and last a very long time.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Stay On?

It depends on the type of dental crown you go for and the material used. On average, you can expect the crown to last for roughly 10 to 15 years. But, with adequate dental care, proper dental hygiene, and regular visits to the dental clinics, your crowns can last for decades. Gold crowns, for example, are very strong.

They can last more than 20 years. All-resin crowns are the weakest material option. In most patients, they last 3 to 5 years. In other cases, they can last for 8 years. But, this will vary from patient to patient. Make sure to get regular dental care with your local dentist, to prolong the crown’s lifespan.

Can You Get a Cavity Under a Crown?

Many patients think they can put a dental crown on, and never worry about cavities. While the crown itself won’t develop cavities, the tooth under it, can. With adequate dental care, you can keep the tooth in tip-top shape.

Can Crowns Be Whitened?

No. You would need to do some teeth whitening prior to getting a crown. You can then do shade-matching and get the color of dental crowns you like.

Crowns can definitely be a great solution for the right patient. If you think you may need a crown or have questions about other dental procedures, contact us today!