Does your dentist use CEREC technology to make dental crowns? If so, you can enjoy the convenience of having a dental restoration designed, created, and placed on your tooth in a single day. But how long can you expect the results to last? Here’s what you need to know about the typical lifespan of a CEREC crown – and what you can do to extend it.
How Does CEREC Work?
Your dentist will begin the CEREC process by preparing your tooth, which usually involves removing a small amount of enamel. Afterward, a digital scan of the mouth is performed to create a three-dimensional model of the tooth. Said model allows your dentist to determine exactly what size and shape the crown needs to be.
After the crown has been designed, it can be created by an in-office milling unit. Once it’s ready, it can be attached to your tooth using a special adhesive.
What is the Average Lifespan of a CEREC Crown?
Many patients are able to keep their CEREC crowns for about 10 to 15 years. In other words, your new restoration could potentially last for quite a long time. Bear in mind, though, that proper maintenance can make a major difference; your crown may have a shorter or longer lifespan depending on the care you give it.
How Can You Help Your CEREC Crown Last Longer?
If you want to get as many years of use as possible out of your CEREC crown, you should follow these tips:
- Be Careful About What You Eat: Certain foods could cause problems for your crown if you’re not careful. For example, hard foods could chip or even outright break your crown; meanwhile, acidic foods could weaken the adhesive holding the restoration in place. Think about your diet and consider whether there are any foods that you should try to stay away from.
- Break Bad Habits Now: If you have a tendency to chew on your fingernails or open packages with your teeth, you may end up damaging your crown at some point. Take note of any bad oral habits you have so that you can break them as quickly as possible.
- Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: To make sure that the tooth underneath the crown stays healthy, be sure to make a point of brushing and flossing regularly. You should also pay your dentist a visit twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings.
CEREC crowns don’t just save you time; as long as you take good care of them, they can also give your teeth many years of protection. When you visit your dentist to have a CEREC crown placed, be sure to ask if they have any tips for keeping your restoration in excellent shape for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz has been bringing high-quality dentistry to patients in Studio City for more than two decades. He has been on the cover of a number of dental journals, and he belongs to multiple professional organizations such as the California Dental Association. Thanks to CEREC technology, his practice – Supra-Gingival Dentistry by Dr. Ruiz – is able to offer beautiful, reliable same-day crowns. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ruiz, visit his website or call (818) 558-4332.
