Understanding Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns are protective coverings or ‘caps’ that dentists place over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their size, shape, and strength. Designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, crowns enhance aesthetics whilst shielding the underlying tooth structure from ongoing harm. Whereas dental crowns tend to focus on repairing individual teeth, dental bridges come into play when one or more teeth are missing entirely. As the name suggests, bridges ‘bridge’ the gap by anchoring to existing teeth or implants on either side of the gap, then filling the space with faux teeth known as pontics.
Materials for crowns and bridges range from metals, like gold and alloy, to porcelain and ceramic, sometimes fused to metal. Each material has unique strengths and weaknesses, impacting the longevity and aesthetics of these dental prosthetics.
The Lifespan of Dental Crowns and Bridges: A General Overview
On average, a dental crown should last between 5 to 15 years. However, with optimal care and depending on the type of material used, some crowns may extend beyond this duration. On the other hand, Dental bridges, although resilient, do not last forever. On average, expect between 5 to 10 years of service from a bridge, and in some cases, up to 15 years or more with excellent oral hygiene and regular professional care. Various factors, such as the type of material, quality of dental care, oral hygiene practices, and even lifestyle choices, can impact the lifespan of your dental crowns and bridges.
Prolonging Dental Crown Lifespan
First and foremost, excellent oral hygiene is pivotal to prolonging the lifespan of a dental crown. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing keep plaque and bacteria at bay, preventing decay at the crown’s edges where it meets the gum line. The material’s significance is significant, and metal crowns have historically been more durable than porcelain ones. The apparent beauty of metal makes it a more popular material to work with, even though its expected lifespan is shorter.
Moreover, attending regular dental check-ups enables early detection of any issues threatening the longevity of your dental crown, be it chips, cracks, or leaks. Combined with professional cleanings, such routine care helps ensure your crowns last as long as possible.
Dental Bridges: A Detailed Look at Life Expectancy
Like crowns, oral hygiene is critical to the longevity of dental bridges. Special flossing techniques or tools are often needed to clean effectively under and around the faux tooth (pontic) and the anchoring crowns. Again, the choice of material plays a pivotal role in the lifespan of dental bridges, with metal usually proving more durable than porcelain. However, many patients opt for porcelain due to its superior aesthetic appeal. Routine professional care, including regular check-ups and cleanings, ensures your bridge remains in optimal shape while spotting and addressing any issues at an early stage, hence prolonging its longevity.
Prolonging the Life Expectancy of Dental Crowns and Bridges
To extend your crown’s longevity, maintain diligent oral hygiene that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Avoiding hard foods that can fracture the crown is also advisable. Besides normal hygiene practices, use a floss threader or water flosser to clean under and around your bridge. Ensure to attend all scheduled dental appointments for professional cleanings and check-ups. Regular dental check-ups allow for early issue identification and correction, maintaining the integrity of your crowns and bridges, proving essential in their prolonged lifespan.
In conclusion, well-cared-for dental crowns and bridges offer durable solutions, but their lifespan depends on materials and oral care. The balancing act involves choosing the right material—considering strength, aesthetics, and location—maintaining meticulous oral hygiene, and embracing regular professional dental care. Whether metal or porcelain, material choice impacts longevity. Regular check-ups help monitor and address issues promptly, ensuring these restorations stand the test of time for effective and lasting solutions.
Our Reading dental clinic is committed to providing you with a beautiful smile every time you visit us. Whether you need dental crowns and bridges or any other dental services, our team of highly trained dentists is here to provide you with the highest quality care. Our aim at Smiles in Reading is to give you a smile that is both comfortable and respectful. With online appointment scheduling, you can now receive dental care of the highest quality. Our dental professionals are here to help you enhance your smile and teeth.
