Posted: March 28, 2018
Here at Evolution Dental, we are pleased to offer CEREC same-day crowns for patients who want the convenience of a single appointment to make, fit, and place their dental crown. People often wonder if same-day crowns last as long as traditional lab-made crowns, and the short answer is yes. They are made from the same materials and bonded onto the teeth the same way.
However, how long your crowns last, whether lab-made or CEREC, depends entirely on you. Dental crown longevity can vary dramatically between patients with different lifestyles and oral hygiene habits.
Tips To Make Your Dental Crown Last
The average length of time a CEREC same-day crown lasts is around 10 years. This time frame may be shorter if you don't practice good oral hygiene, and it may be significantly longer if you practice exceptional oral hygiene and come see us regularly for checkups and deep cleanings.
The main reason that a dental crown could fail is because of decay in the underlying tooth, so if you take good care of your teeth, your crowns can last for a very long time. Some good dental habits to practice include the following:
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Avoid eating hard candies or other overly hard foods
- Avoid sticky foods such as toffee or caramel
- Limit your intake of soda and other sugary food and drink
In addition, a dental crown can become loose if it's subjected to too much force. With this in mind, you should also avoid the following bad dental habits:
- Crunching on ice
- Using your teeth as tools
- Grinding your teeth
If you grind your teeth, it's not only bad for a dental crown or other restoration, it's bad for your natural teeth as well. Grinding can cause an uneven bite, which in turn can lead to TMJ symptoms. Plus, grinding your teeth down can make them look small and unattractive, and it can cause tension headaches due to the strain put on your jaw.
If you grind your teeth chronically (a condition called bruxism), Dr. Schick may recommend using a night guard to protect your teeth and crowns and relieve TMJ symptoms.
When Do You Need a Crown?
If you have a tooth that has been damaged or weakened, or if you had a root canal, you’ll probably need a crown. A dental crown preserves your tooth root as well as some of your natural tooth structure while replacing the parts that are weak or damaged. Crowns are made of strong dental porcelain that mimics the look of natural enamel, and are great for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
If you choose to have a CEREC same-day crown, it can be placed during a single appointment. If you opt for a traditional lab-made crown, you will need at least two appointments: one to take impressions of your teeth and fit a temporary crown, and a second a few weeks later to fit your permanent crown.
Schedule Your CEREC Same-Day Crown Consultation
If you are in need of a dental crown to restore strength, beauty, and health to your smile, call Dr. Kendra Schick at Evolution Dental today at 403-208-9965 to schedule your consultation.
We serve patients in Northwest, Downtown, and other nearby areas of Calgary.
