Are Dental Crowns Permanent? A Guide to Dental Crowns

When you imagine your ideal smile, you probably don’t picture crooked, discolored, or missing teeth. Unfortunately, many people suffer from dental issues that can lead to a less-than-perfect smile. But you don’t have to hide that smile forever!

Depending on the exact diagnosis and cause of your dental issues, your dentist may recommend dental crowns to restore your smile. But what are the pros and cons of dental crowns? Read on to learn more, so that you can make an informed decision about your dental health. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you have any further questions!

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns aren’t just aesthetic; they also play an important role in the maintenance of your teeth. The right dental crowns can restore the aesthetics of your smile and the function of your teeth.

Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices. The placement is over the tooth’s existing structure to restore function. These devices cover decayed, discolored, cracked, or slightly misaligned teeth.

The purpose of a crown is the deciding factor on what materials crowns are made of. You can choose crowns made from porcelain or ceramic, and have them molded and filed to match the same shape and color of your own teeth.

Crowns can also be made from other materials, like resin, gold, or stainless steel. The material you choose depends on your aesthetic goals and budget. Talk to your dentist for a full list of options.

Before you get your dental crown, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and mold a silicone replica of your mouth. The replica helps create a temporary crown that your dentist will use to temporarily cover the damaged or missing tooth. After you’ve healed, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and apply the permanent crown.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

The lifespan of your dental crown depends on several factors, including your dental hygiene habits, diet, whether you grind your teeth, and the material you choose.

Generally speaking, the typical lifespan of a dental crown is about fifteen years when you take proper care of it. However, it is possible for a crown to last well beyond that—up to twenty or even thirty years with careful caretaking.

To extend the lifespan of your crowns, observe these good dental habits:

• Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. If you tend to grind your teeth in your sleep, ask your dentist about a mouthguard.
• Maintain proper dental hygiene habits — brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist regularly.
• Avoid foods that could damage your crown, including hard candy, caramel, ice cubes or ice cream, and other hard or sticky items.
• Don’t skip the dentist. This one is so important that we mention it twice! Attend your regular cleaning and checkup appointments, so your dentist and hygienist can check your crown for signs of decay and wear, and clean properly between the crown and surrounding teeth.

Will I Need a Crown Replacement?

The answer is yes and no. Yes, because dental crowns replace the tooth damage and functionality. However, it’s pretty common for crowns to experience breakage or damage if they’re not cared for properly, so you may end up having them replaced eventually.

Crowns are a permanent solution, but they don't always last forever.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns?

When you’re deciding whether crowns are right for you, consider all the pros and cons. You’ll want to discuss the benefits of dental implants vs. crowns or dental bonding vs. crowns with your dentist.

The right solution depends on your diagnosis and budget.

Pros of Dental Crowns

1. Crowns restore the natural appearance and function of your teeth. The main benefit of dental crowns is that they can replace one or more teeth. If a tooth is missing, decaying, or has any other health issues, the crown can be used to replace it.
2. They replace large or worn-out fillings. If you have fillings that take up more than fifty percent of your teeth, crowns may be a more viable solution. You won’t have to pay to have them redone, and you can also avoid the less than pleasant experience of having them redrilled periodically.
3. Crowns protect teeth after a root canal. After a root canal, your teeth can be sensitive, and if a tooth is completely removed, you may have an open gap. Crowns protect your gums and teeth while they heal after a root canal.
4. They can hold damaged teeth together. Teeth with cracks or damage benefits from a crown through prevention of further damage. This can prevent tooth extraction and a dental implant, which is much more invasive.

Cons of Dental Crowns

Just like with any procedure, there are certain risks and downsides that can come with dental crowns.

1. They cost more than bridges. There is no exact figure for the cost of a dental crown, as it depends on the exact materials and the dentist that will do it. Generally speaking, bridges are cheaper, because the materials are less specialized. However, bridges leave an unattractive gap in your teeth, which can cause problems with chewing and proper dental hygiene.
2. Crowns can become damaged or fall out. There is a risk of the crown coming off if placement and care are not in place. This can happen if the tooth is not healthy enough, if it’s an incorrect placement, or if it's loose by impact or biting into a hard object.
3. Filing down your teeth is part of the process. During crown placement, filing down to reshape your original tooth is important. Removal of the crown later on will reveal an altered appearance to the original tooth.

Dental Crowns Near Me

Are you still wondering, “What are the pros and cons of dental crowns, and are they right for me?” Make an appointment with Dean Dental Solutions. We’ll conduct a full assessment and go over all your options.

If you need affordable dental crowns, we offer same-day crown treatments! No waiting and suffering until we can fit you in. We’ll help you protect your natural teeth and improve your smile in any way we can!