Dental crowns are great tools to resolve tooth issues and keep your mouth healthy. There are several benefits of this treatment ranging from cosmetic enhancements to improved functionality. When you get your crowns at Cynthia J Mikula, DDS, Inc. in Bay Village, OH, they will last a very long time. Keep reading to learn more.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Although no crown lasts a lifetime, the dental crowns we offer will last for several years. Specifically, you can expect your crowns to last for no fewer than five years. However, it is not uncommon for crowns to last for over 15 years.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as cosmetic crowns, are caps designed to cover the teeth. These caps can be sought for cosmetic improvements, functional improvements, or both. They can hide tooth discoloration, strengthen your tooth, address misalignments, and correct damage to the tooth. Our crowns are color-matched so they look just like your natural teeth. A damaged tooth can affect your quality of life significantly.
Why Are Our Teeth Important?
Our teeth aren’t just important for eating. They are also important for keeping our jaws aligned and in the right shape. Furthermore, our teeth are crucial for speaking clearly and making a good impression on other people when we smile.
If a tooth is damaged, you may not be able to speak clearly, you may have difficulty eating some of your favorite foods, and you may feel self-conscious when meeting new people or presenting at an important board meeting. If you’re worried about the functionality or aesthetics of your teeth, a crown can strengthen your teeth and boost your self-confidence.
The History of Crowns
People have been seeking new ways to improve the functionality and health of their teeth for over four millennia. Anthropologists have discovered that gold crowns were once both a symbol of wealth and a tool to restore damaged teeth. Since then, oral health technology has improved significantly. In 1889, porcelain jacket crowns were patented.
These porcelain crowns are the direct ancestors of modern cosmetic crowns. Porcelain jacket crowns were more effective than the gold crowns of many centuries ago. However, in the 1950s, the classic porcelain crown got an upgrade. It was made stronger and more durable when it was fused to metal and metal alloys.
Modern Cosmetic Crowns
Today, there are a number of durable materials that crowns can be made of. We will advise you on your best option once we assess your tooth, jaw, gum, and lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular modern crown options:
Porcelain Fused to Metal
If your crown will be part of a dental bridge, you will probably benefit the most from this very strong crown. By fusing porcelain to metal, your crown can be blended to match your natural tooth’s texture and color, but it will be much stronger than a crown made from only porcelain.
Ceramic or Porcelain
Ceramic or porcelain crowns can last between five and 15 years. These crowns are incredibly popular because they can be blended to look just like your teeth. Therefore, nobody will be able to tell that you have a crown at all.
Gold
Gold crowns haven’t been the gold standard of dental caps for centuries, but some people opt for crowns made out of gold. Gold crowns are surprisingly durable, almost completely hypoallergenic, and won’t damage any of the surrounding teeth. However, they are less popular than porcelain options because most people prefer a subtler look.
Metal Alloys
Metal alloy crowns are popular options because they are resistant to chipping. Therefore, you can expect such crowns to last for a great number of years.
Benefits of Cosmetic Crowns
To determine whether a dental crown is right for you, it is necessary to come in for an initial consultation. Your concerns, goals, and lifestyle will determine the appropriate dental tool for you. In the meantime, consider some of the greatest benefits of cosmetic crowns.
They Can Fix Damaged Teeth
Crowns are most commonly sought due to an unhealthy tooth structure. Whether your tooth is cracked or damaged, unhealthy teeth often result in lots of discomforts. Some people experience chronic pain.
Others experience extreme discomfort when chewing or consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. Also, some people feel no physical pain but experience a significant decrease in self-esteem. Whether you’re worried about the aesthetic or functionality of a broken tooth, a crown can fix it.
They Can Correct Damage Caused By Tooth Grinding
You’re probably very familiar with the damage that can come from tooth grinding, especially if you have been doing it for years. Interventions, such as nightguards, can help you stop grinding your teeth, but they can’t restore the appearance of healthy teeth. Crowns can improve the look of your teeth while preventing further damage for years at a time.
They Can Boost Your Self-Esteem
Even if you don’t have a damaged tooth, tooth discoloration can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Your smile can be affected by both discoloration and malformations that don’t affect the functionality of your teeth. Crowns are an excellent treatment option for achieving a smile you can be proud of and confident in.
They Can Strengthen a Tooth Following a Root Canal
Root canals are performed to extract bacteria from tooth roots, preventing your natural tooth from rotting away and falling out. Annually, millions of root canals are used to save teeth and smiles. However, the root canal process may weaken the tooth to an extent, particularly if there is extensive rotting. A cosmetic crown can bolster a weakened tooth, preventing further breakage, such as splitting.
They Can Strength a Tooth Following a Massive Filling
Sometimes, a filling is all that is required to treat tooth decay. However, this isn’t always the case. The larger a filling is, the more likely it is to make your mouth feel awkward. Also, large fillings may make teeth a little less resilient. Crowns strengthen teeth that have received large fillings, mitigating the risk of tooth breakage.
They Are Simple to Put On
Today, getting a crown is far easier than it used to be. Thanks to incredible advances in modern dental technology, dental crowns can be placed quickly and correctly with ease.
They Can Be Used a Dental Bridge
If you have a dental bridge, you can benefit from a crown for better stability while simultaneously protecting the surrounding teeth. It’s not just inconvenient to have a missing tooth. Eventually, a missing tooth can damage the rest of your mouth, particularly the teeth on the sides of the bridge.
If a tooth is missing for long enough, the entire shape of the jaw can change. A dental bridge will prevent damage to the jaw, and a crown will prevent damage to the teeth on either side of a missing tooth, cushioning them.
How a Crown Is Placed
Placing a crown essentially entails two steps. The first step is preparation. The second step is the actual placement of the crown.
Preparation
During the preparation stage of crown placement, the tooth will be cleaned thoroughly, particularly if you need to have the decay removed. To support the crown, it may be necessary to remove a small part of the outer portion of the tooth. Sometimes, we will need to provide a little extra strength for the crown by building up the tooth’s core.
Once your tooth is prepared, an impression of the tooth will be created. Using this impression as a model, your permanent crown will be made. Sometimes, people choose to use a temporary crown until the permanent crown is finished.
Placement
Once your permanent crown is made, you will come in for an appointment so the surface of the tooth can be etched. This provides extra friction points so the dental cement bonds better to your tooth and the crown.
Caring for a Crown
Permanent crowns are easy to care for. However, you should be aware that tooth decay can occur even if you have a dental crown. Therefore, you need to brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and use mouthwash every day.
Find Out Today if Crowns Are Right for You
There are numerous benefits of dental crowns, including improved functionality and an enhanced aesthetic. Crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years depending on how well you care for your oral health after implantation. To find out whether this dental tool is right for you, contact us today at Cynthia J Mikula, DDS, Inc. in Bay Village, OH to schedule an appointment.
