A cracked tooth or one that is weak, resulting in breakages, can be very detrimental to your oral health. Such teeth are often at risk of being lost. And in case of any lost tooth, dentists recommend dental crowns and bridges. With a dental crown/cap, you can regain your tooth’s size, shape, and strength, giving it a radiant appearance.

In a dental crown, the visible part of the damaged tooth is covered by an artificial cap that resembles a tooth, covering the visible part and wrapping the damaged tooth within. By using dental crowns, you can protect your broken tooth from any further damage, and it will last a long time.

When a dental crown is suggested to protect a tooth from further damage, it is essential to follow the whole process religiously. The lifespan of this cap is strongly affected by how you care for it. Though it depends on the patient, generally, a dental crown can last anywhere between 12-25 years if it is properly taken care of. 

Many aspects can affect how long the crown will last on the teeth. So, in this article, we will discuss all things that can make them last longer. 

How many types of dental crowns are there?

Depending on the material they are made from, some dental caps are slightly expensive but durable, while others might not last long. Below are a variety of dental caps that you can choose from:

• Resin: Dental caps made of resin can be used as a temporary covering. These are less steady and durable than other dental crowns, but their installation cost is low.
• Gold and Silver: Another type of dental crown your dentist can recommend is gold or silver. The silver and gold dental caps are made up of alloys. It is excellent in providing strength and durability to your damaged tooth\teeth. Thus most people go for these dental caps because they have high restoration quality. 
• Porcelain and ceramic: These dental crowns are created to fit the color of the natural teeth. Mainly porcelain and ceramic dental covering are used by patients who are allergic to the different metals used in dental caps.

Things you should keep in mind if you are going to get dental crowns

First, let’s understand how you can go about getting dental crowns. The process in itself is simple and easy. The dentist usually only needs to see you twice for this procedure. 

During the first visit, the number of teeth that needs this treatment is determined. Your dentist will take teeth measurements and adequately design the dental cap to fit the original structure of your teeth. After the first visit, your dentist will cement the crown to your teeth and check the occlusal alignment to ensure everything is in place. And that is how a process is done. 

You have to take care of a few things to ensure you are taking care of the dental caps properly: 

• Avoid chipping or touching the dental cap, as it can harm the soft gum tissues.
• Make sure you stay away from hard and sticky food items.
• Follow your oral care routine religiously.
• Make sure you use floss every time you brush your teeth.
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste.

These are some of the common tips you can follow once you get your dental cap cemented. Hope the information mentioned helps you clear your doubt regarding how long crowns last on teeth.