At Dental Care of Brentwood, we often answer questions about dental restorations' longevity. The dental crown stands as one of our most effective solutions for damaged or weakened teeth. For patients seeking a dental crown in Brentwood, these restorations offer incredible durability, often lasting many years, even decades! Indeed, what makes a dental crown so robust? Let's explore the factors contributing to your dental crown's impressive lifespan.

What is a Dental Crown?

To begin with, let's quickly define a dental crown. A dental crown is essentially a tooth-shaped "cap." We place it over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It fully encases the visible portion of your tooth, extending to the gum line.

Furthermore, dental crowns are versatile. We use them for various issues, including:

Protecting a weak tooth from breaking or holding together parts of a cracked tooth.
Restoring an already broken tooth or one severely worn down.
Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling when little tooth structure remains.
Holding a dental bridge in place.
Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Covering a dental implant.

The Science Behind Their Staying Power

Several key factors contribute to dental crowns' exceptional durability:

High-Quality Materials for Your Dental Crown in Brentwood

Firstly, modern dental crowns feature incredibly strong, biocompatible materials. Common types include:

Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns

Moreover, these dental crowns offer high aesthetics. They mimic natural tooth enamel's translucency. They are also surprisingly strong, especially when crafted from advanced ceramics like zirconia. We often choose them for front teeth due to their natural appearance.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM dental crowns blend strength and aesthetics. Their metal substructure provides excellent durability. The porcelain exterior matches tooth color.

Metal Alloy Crowns

In contrast, less common today for visible teeth due to aesthetics, metal dental crowns are incredibly strong. They resist fracture and wear. We often use them for molars where chewing forces are strongest.

Zirconia Crowns

Lastly, this relatively new material is gaining immense popularity. Zirconia dental crowns are exceptionally strong, highly biocompatible, and offer excellent aesthetics. They match tooth color well. Zirconia dental crowns make a fantastic choice for both front and back teeth, balancing strength and beauty.

Here's a quick overview of common dental crown materials and their characteristics:

Crown Material	Key Characteristics
Porcelain/Ceramic	Highly aesthetic, natural tooth appearance, good for front teeth, can be prone to chipping if not properly cared for. Newer, stronger ceramics (like Zirconia) push this range higher.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)	Good blend of strength and aesthetics, metal base provides durability, porcelain exterior matches tooth color. Can sometimes show a dark line at the gum line if gums recede.
Metal Alloys (Gold, etc.)	Extremely strong, very durable, minimal tooth removal needed, highly resistant to wear and fracture. Less aesthetic (metallic color), often used for back molars where appearance is less critical.
Zirconia	Exceptionally strong, highly biocompatible, excellent aesthetics (can be made to match tooth color well), resistant to chipping and fracture. A popular choice for both front and back teeth due to its balance of strength and beauty.

Precise Fit and Bonding

Secondly, a dental crown's success and longevity depend heavily on a precise fit. Our dentists at Dental Care of Brentwood meticulously prepare your tooth and take detailed impressions. They ensure your custom-made dental crown fits perfectly. Consequently, this precise fit is paramount for a successful dental crown.

Protection of the Underlying Tooth

In addition, by fully encasing the damaged tooth, a dental crown provides a protective shield against further decay, cracks, and fractures. This preserves the remaining natural tooth structure, crucial for the tooth's long-term health.

Advancements in Technology

Finally, dentistry constantly evolves. With technologies like "Crowns in a Day" at facilities like Brentwood Dental Care, the process has become even more efficient and precise. Utilizing CAD/CAM technology, we design, mill, and place your dental crown in a single visit. This ensures optimal fit and immediate function restoration. For more information on dental crowns and bridges, you might also find this resource helpful: Brentwood Dental Spa.

How Long Can You Expect Your Crown to Last?

Generally speaking, a dental crown's exact lifespan varies. It depends on the material, your oral hygiene habits, and even your diet. Most dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, often much longer. Indeed, with proper care, dental crowns commonly last for 20 years or more!

Here's an estimate of the typical lifespan for different dental crown types:

Crown Material	Typical Lifespan (Years)	Factors Influencing Lifespan
Porcelain/Ceramic	5-15	Can last longer with good care, but more prone to chipping than metal. Newer, stronger ceramics (like Zirconia) push this range higher.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)	5-15	Durability influenced by the strength of the metal base and the thickness of the porcelain. Good for areas with moderate chewing force.
Metal Alloys (Gold, etc.)	10-20+	Extremely durable and resistant to wear. Often the longest-lasting type, especially with good oral hygiene.
Zirconia	10-20+	Known for exceptional strength and longevity, often rivaling or exceeding metal crowns while offering superior aesthetics.

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Crown

Therefore, to ensure your dental crown lasts for decades, follow these simple but crucial tips:

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss every day. Treat your crowned tooth like your natural teeth. This prevents plaque buildup around the dental crown and gum line, which can lead to gum disease or decay underneath the dental crown.
Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings: Visiting Dental Care of Brentwood for your routine check-ups and professional cleanings helps maintain your dental crown. This is crucial for keeping your dental crown in Brentwood in top condition.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Try to avoid chewing extremely hard foods. Examples include ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies. These can chip or fracture your dental crown.
Address Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Do you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night? Talk to us about a nightguard. Bruxism puts excessive force on your dental crowns, leading to premature wear or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) About Dental Crowns

To help you better understand dental crowns and their durability, especially when considering a dental crown in Brentwood, here are answers to some common questions:

Q: Will a dental crown feel like a natural tooth? A: Yes, once we place and adjust a dental crown, it should feel very much like your natural tooth. You will experience natural function and comfort. We carefully check your bite to ensure it feels natural.

Q: Is the procedure for getting a crown painful? A: No, we perform the dental crown procedure under local anesthesia. You will not feel pain during preparation. However, you might experience some temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage this.

Q: Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity? A: Yes, the tooth underneath the dental crown remains susceptible to decay. This is especially true at the margin where the dental crown meets the tooth. Consequently, excellent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing around the dental crown, is crucial for prevention.

Q: How do I know if my crown needs to be replaced? A: Signs that a dental crown may need replacement include persistent pain, noticeable cracks or chips, or a dental crown that feels loose. Furthermore, a dark line appearing at the gum line (for PFM dental crowns) or significant gum recession around the dental crown also indicates a need. Regular dental check-ups help us monitor its condition.

Q: What is a "Crown in a Day" and how does it affect durability? A: "Crown in a Day" technology (like CEREC) allows us to design, mill, and place a custom-made dental crown in a single visit. These dental crowns, made from high-quality ceramic or zirconia, are just as durable as traditionally made dental crowns. In addition, they offer added convenience.

Q: Can I whiten my dental crown? A: No, dental crowns do not respond to professional whitening treatments. This differs from natural teeth. Therefore, if you plan to whiten your teeth, do so before getting a dental crown. This way, your new dental crown can match your newly whitened tooth shade.

Q: What should I do if my crown falls off? A: If your dental crown falls off, carefully retrieve it if possible. Contact Dental Care of Brentwood immediately. Importantly, avoid trying to glue it back yourself. We will advise you on the next steps, which usually involve re-cementing the dental crown or making a new one if it's damaged.

Q: Are there any foods I should avoid with a crown? A: While dental crowns are strong, avoid excessively hard, sticky, or chewy foods. This is especially true immediately after placement. For instance, examples include hard candies, ice, caramels, or chewing gum, which could potentially dislodge or damage the dental crown.

Q: Does dental insurance cover crowns? A: Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for dental crowns. They consider them a restorative procedure for essential dental health. Coverage extent varies by plan. Our administrative team at Dental Care of Brentwood can help you understand your benefits.

Q: How often should I get my crown checked by the dentist? A: Just like your natural teeth, your crowned tooth requires examination during your regular dental check-ups. This usually happens every six months. Specifically, this allows us to assess the dental crown's integrity, check the surrounding gum tissue, and look for any signs of decay.

Invest in Your Smile's Future with Dental Care of Brentwood

Dental crowns showcase modern dentistry's advancements. They offer a long-lasting, effective solution for restoring your smile and maintaining optimal oral health. At Dental Care of Brentwood, we dedicate ourselves to providing the highest quality dental care. We ensure your crowns are expertly placed and designed to last for years. Patients from Brentwood and surrounding areas trust us with their dental needs.

Furthermore, understanding dental procedure cost is important, and our team at Dental Care of Brentwood maintains transparency about all fees before treatment begins. We believe that investing in a durable dental crown is an investment in your long-term oral health and confidence here in Brentwood.

Therefore, if you have a damaged tooth and are considering a dental crown in Brentwood, don't hesitate to contact Dental Care of Brentwood today for a consultation. Let's discuss how a durable dental crown can bring back your confident smile. We look forward to seeing you at Dental Care of Brentwood.

Durability: Here's Why Dental Crowns Last Decades