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Getting a dental crown is an investment in your smile. Like most investments, how well you take care of it determines how far it goes. Most crowns last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and many last significantly longer with the right habits in place. The good news is that protecting your crown doesn’t require anything complicated. It mostly comes down to the same care you’d give the rest of your smile, with a few extra things to keep in mind.
What Can Shorten a Crown’s Lifespan?
Before diving into what helps, it’s worth understanding what works against a crown. The most common culprits include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching – This puts significant pressure on crowns over time and is one of the leading causes of early crown failure.
- Chewing on hard objects – Ice, hard candy, fingernails, and pen caps are harder on crowns than most people realize.
- Poor oral hygiene – The crown itself can’t decay, but the tooth underneath it can. Neglecting the gumline around a crown opens the door to decay at the margin where the crown meets the tooth.
- Skipping dental visits – Small issues with a crown, like a loose fit or a developing crack, are much easier to address when caught early.
How to Help Your Crown Last as Long as Possible
- Keep up with brushing and flossing.
The crown may be artificial, but everything around it is still natural. Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying close attention to the gumline where the crown meets the tooth. This is where bacteria tend to accumulate and where decay can quietly develop if left unchecked.
- Don’t skip your regular checkups.
Routine cleanings and exams give your dentist the chance to check on your crown, spot any changes in fit or wear, and address small concerns before they become bigger ones. It’s one of the simplest ways to extend the life of any restoration.
- Talk to your dentist about a night guard.
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, a custom nightguard can make a significant difference. It absorbs the pressure that would otherwise be transferred directly to your crown and surrounding teeth. Many people don’t realize they grind until their dentist notices the wear patterns. If there’s any chance this applies to you, it’s worth asking about.
- Be mindful of what you chew.
Your crown is durable, but it isn’t indestructible. Avoid chewing ice, biting into very hard foods with the crowned tooth, or using your teeth as tools. These habits add up over time and can chip, crack, or loosen even a well-placed crown.
- Pay attention to how it feels.
If your crown starts to feel different, slightly loose, uncomfortable when biting, or sensitive, don’t wait to mention it. These are early signals that something may need attention, and addressing them quickly is almost always easier and less costly than waiting.
A Well-Fitted Crown Is the First Step
It’s worth noting that longevity starts at placement. A crown that fits precisely and is seated correctly from the beginning is far more likely to hold up well over time. That’s one of the reasons precise impressions matter so much. When the fit is right from the start, everything downstream is easier.
A dental crown protects a vulnerable tooth, restores your bite, and keeps your smile functioning the way it should. With a little attention and consistency, there’s no reason it can’t serve you well for many years to come.
If you have questions about your crown or it’s been a while since your last checkup, our team is happy to help. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Call Stacey L. Lowman, DDS at 562-374-7824 for an appointment in Seal Beach, CA. You can also request an appointment online.