Comprehensive dental exams look for signs of damaged, missing, or decayed teeth and help to determine if crowns can provide a solution. A dental crown or tooth cap can be placed on the front teeth to restore function or aesthetics.
Some crowns can be studier than others. Because the front teeth aren’t subjected to too much pressure compared to the back teeth or molars, porcelain crowns offer a durable and lasting option.
The lifespan of crowns on front teeth can be between 5 and 15 years, depending on the amount of wear and tear, material, and how well you maintain them.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Over time, teeth can weaken, wear down, crack, or stain, requiring dental restoration. A crown can help protect and strengthen a damaged tooth while improving its appearance.
Common Reasons for a Dental Crown
- Protects a weak tooth from breaking or holds together a cracked tooth
- Restores a broken or severely worn-down tooth
- Supports a tooth with a large filling when little natural tooth remains
- Holds a dental bridge in place
- Covers a misshapen or severely discoloured tooth
- Restores a dental implant
- Protects a tooth after a root canal
A crown covers the entire tooth and can be made from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, or composite resin. Your dentist will consider factors like:
- Tooth location
- Amount of natural tooth remaining
- Gum tissue position
- Function of the tooth
- Color of surrounding teeth
Dental Crown Procedure
A dental crown placement can be done in either a traditional multi-day procedure or a same-day CEREC crown procedure.
Multi-Day Crown Procedure
- First appointment – The tooth is prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed.
- Second appointment – The permanent crown is cemented in place.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns
For those seeking a quicker option, CEREC crowns offer same-day restorations crafted on-site using 3D digital imaging. The procedure takes about 2 hours and eliminates the need for temporary crowns.
CEREC Crown Procedure:
- A local anesthetic is applied.
- The tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown.
- A 3D digital scan captures an image of the tooth.
- The custom crown is milled from durable ceramic or zirconia.
- The dentist checks the fit and bite, then bonds the crown in place.
How Strong Are Crowns on Front Teeth?
Since the front teeth don’t undergo as much pressure as the back teeth, crowns on the front teeth, on average, can last 5 to 15 years. However, the following factors can affect how long a crown on the front teeth lasts:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Chewing ice
- Biting your fingernails
- Using your teeth to open packages
Caring for Dental Crowns
Caring for your dental crown can prevent chipping, cracking, and damage. The following measures can prolong a crown’s life:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if you have sensitivity to cold or heat.
- Avoid biting or chewing on hard foods like ice or pens to prevent cracking porcelain crowns.
- Ask your dentist for a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth at night, as it can protect your crown and the surrounding teeth from wear.
- Avoid foods or drinks that can stain your teeth. Porcelain crowns don’t stain easily, but if adjacent teeth stain, it can make the crown stand out.
Reclaim Your Smile with Same-Day Crowns
Dental crowns offer the look of natural-looking teeth that are comfortable and can restore your smile. With proper care, they are a long-lasting solution to many dental problems.
If you’re looking for a solution for a damaged, weakened tooth or have a large dental filling, same-day CEREC crowns are convenient. Book an appointment with Palermo Village Dental to discuss your options.
