How Long Does a CEREC Crown Last?
CEREC crowns are designed to be a permanent solution for damaged and weakened teeth․ How long do CEREC crowns last? In general‚ CEREC crowns last 10 to 15 years on average‚ but the lifespan of the crowns can be even longer for some patients․ Knowing the factors that can affect the longevity of your crown can help you protect your investment and your oral health․
The material used in CEREC crowns also contributes to their durability․ These crowns are made from a high-strength ceramic that is both hard-wearing yet highly aesthetic‚ closely mimicking natural tooth enamel․ Like teeth‚ the ceramic is strong enough to withstand biting and chewing‚ and it is used in these areas of the mouth where you regularly chew and bite‚ but it can be worn down in places where there is a lot of pressure․
Habits are a major factor in the lifetime of the crown․ Oral care habits are key to a successful crown․ In most cases‚ brushing twice daily‚ cleaning between the teeth as needed‚ and having routine preventive dental cleanings will prevent the buildup of decay where the crown meets the gums․ Although the crown itself cannot develop cavities or decay‚ the underlying tooth structure may if plaque builds up at the gums․
Bite force and bruxism are other considerations․ Teeth grinding‚ especially at night‚ can create forces on a crown that may result in premature wear or cracking and chipping over time․ In such cases‚ your dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your natural teeth as well as your restoration․
The position of the crown inside the mouth may also influence its lifespan․ The molars are used for grinding food and‚ due to higher chewing forces‚ may wear more quickly than crowns in the front teeth․ Nonetheless‚ with proper care and monitoring‚ CEREC crowns in any position can be very stable and last for many years․
Regular check-ups at the dentist are important to help ensure the longevity of a crown․ A dentist will verify that the crown stays in place correctly‚ is not loose‚ and will be able to pick up on minor wear and tear‚ small fractures‚ and any issues regarding the gum tissue surrounding the crown before they become problematic․
Another factor that may determine the longevity of your crown is your eating habits․ If you regularly chew on ice or very hard candies‚ your crown may chip or crack over time․ Knowing what foods can damage your crown can help it last as long as possible․
CEREC crowns are made with extreme precision because CEREC technology uses digital imaging systems and on-site milling systems to accurately create your replacement tooth to fit the precise shape of your damaged tooth․ A good placement and fitting of the crown is necessary to avoid gaps and pressure points leading to premature failure or wear․
If you have more questions about CEREC or how it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if CEREC is the best treatment plan for you.
Related Article: What is CEREC?