Aside from bridges and implants, dental crowns are one of the most expensive restorations that you can have performed on your teeth. They’re expensive because they require the expertise of a lab to create so that they fit perfectly in your mouth.
When you have to have your crowns repeatedly replaced, it becomes a considerable expense.

Let’s take a look at the top four reasons that your crowns might break or otherwise fail. Understanding these reasons can help you make those restorations last five to fifteen years or the rest of your life.
Dental Crowns

1. Weak Materials

Resin and porcelain crowns look incredibly similar to your natural teeth. The problem is that they often fail to function with the same resilience as your teeth do when the forces of chewing are applied.

Both types of crowns are prone to cracking, fracturing and failing earlier than other types of crowns. A better alternative is to opt for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which look similar to porcelain crowns while having a metal framework underneath.

2. Bruxism

Grinding your teeth when you sleep or applying too much force when you chew is a common problem. Many people don’t even realize that they’re doing it.

The effects these forces can have are quite surprising. Grinding your teeth, which is known as bruxism, can crack teeth, force fillings to fail, and cause even the strongest metal crowns to break.

One of the most effective ways to prevent bruxism is to wear a custom guard when you sleep. Your dentist will be able to provide you with the best solution for your bruxism if you have it.

3. Improper Installation

A crown is designed to fit tightly over the prepared tooth. It is then glued in place in such a way that the gum tissue seals the interior from the eroding effects of bacteria.
When your crown is improperly crafted or installed, it will begin to fail in the inside. This can lead to a gradual decay that makes your crown and the underlying tooth break.

The best way to avoid this is to ensure that the dentist installing your crown knows what they’re doing. Whether you decide to research Dr. Bruce Hartley from Woodcreek Dental Care or a dentist from a clinic in your particular locale, look for customer reviews and recommendations to get a feel for their work.

4. Hard or Sticky Foods

The last reason your crowns might fail pertains to what you eat. Foods that require you to bite harder than normal or those that are sticky can cause your crowns to fail sooner rather than later.

The best way to prevent this is to minimize how often you eat these foods. You may even want to chew on teeth that don’t have crowns to ensure that you can spare your crowns any unnecessary punishment.

Keeping Your Crowns in Working Order

Crowns are designed to last anywhere from five to fifteen years, but they can last the remainder of your life with the proper care. Consult with your dentist if your crowns continue to break to see what other solutions they can devise for restoring your teeth.