Do Crowns Break Easily? Understanding Dental Crown Durability

Let’s face it – there’s nothing quite like that moment of panic when you feel something crack in your mouth. If you’ve invested in dental crowns, that sensation can send your heart racing.
But do crowns break easily? The short answer is no – dental crowns are designed to be durable, but they’re not indestructible.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about crown durability, what causes a broken crown, and what to do if you find yourself dealing with this dental dilemma.

 

 

Understanding Dental Crown Strength

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth. They’re designed to restore both function and appearance while protecting the tooth underneath.
But here’s the thing – their durability depends on several factors:

• The material they’re made from (porcelain, metal, ceramic, or combinations)
• How well they were fitted
• Your oral habits
• The condition of the tooth supporting the crown

A properly fitted crown made from the right material should serve you well for many years – often 10-15 years or even longer with good care!

 

 

Common Causes of Broken Dental Crowns

While dental crowns don’t break easily under normal circumstances, certain situations can increase the risk of damage. Understanding these can help you protect your investment.

Biting Down on Hard Foods

Those popcorn kernels, ice cubes, and hard candies? They’re not your crown’s friends.
Biting down on extremely hard foods can create enough pressure to crack or chip a crown, especially all-porcelain ones, which are beautiful but more brittle than metal alternatives.

Porcelain crowns and porcelain fused to metal options are particularly vulnerable to biting hard objects. That momentary crunch might lead to a damaged crown that requires professional attention.

Grinding and Clenching

Do you wake up with a sore jaw? You might be grinding your teeth at night without realizing it.
This habit puts excessive pressure on both your natural teeth and any dental work you have, including crowns. Over time, this repeated stress can weaken a crown and eventually cause it to break.

If you’re a known grinder, your dentist might recommend a nightguard to protect your dental investments.

Extreme Temperatures

Just like natural teeth, dental crowns can be sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Rapidly alternating between very hot and very cold foods can cause the material to expand and contract, potentially creating small fractures over time.

This thermal stress isn’t usually a problem with everyday eating, but consistently exposing your crowns to temperature extremes might contribute to their deterioration.

Decay Under the Crown

Many people don’t realize that while the crown itself can’t decay, the tooth underneath absolutely can! If bacteria find their way under the crown’s edges, they can cause decay in the natural tooth structure. As this underlying tooth weakens, it provides less support for the crown, which may crack or become loose.
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential steps to prevent this scenario.

 

 

Different Types of Crowns and Their Durability

Not all crowns are created equal when it comes to strength. Let’s explore your options:

Metal Crowns

Made from metal alloys (including gold), these are the champions of durability. They rarely break or chip and can withstand significant biting forces.

The downside? Their appearance makes them better suited for back teeth, where aesthetics are less of a concern.

Metal crowns have been known to last for decades with proper care. They’re especially good for patients who grind their teeth or have powerful bites.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

These provide the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain on the visible surfaces. They’re more durable than all-porcelain options but may show a dark line where the metal meets the gum.

Although the porcelain layer can occasionally chip, the underlying metal structure usually remains intact, protecting the tooth underneath.

All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns

These offer the most natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth. However, they’re also the most prone to fractures compared to other options.

Modern advances in ceramic materials have significantly improved their strength, but they still require more careful handling than metal alternatives.

 

 

What To Do If Your Crown Breaks

Don’t panic! A broken crown is definitely something that requires attention, but it’s rarely a dental emergency unless you’re in severe pain.

Here’s what to do:

1. Assess the damage – is the crown chipped, cracked, or has it come off completely?
2. If it’s come off and you still have it, clean it gently and store it safely
3. Call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment
4. For temporary relief of tooth sensitivity from an exposed tooth, you can apply dental wax (available at most drugstores) to the affected area
5. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you can see your dentist

Remember, postponing treatment can lead to further damage to the tooth underneath or cause neighboring teeth to shift, creating additional problems.

 

 

Protecting Your Dental Crowns

Prevention is always better than repair when it comes to dental work. Here are some tips to help your crowns last longer:

Watch What You Chew

Be cautious with hard foods and never use your teeth (crowned or natural) as tools to open packages or bottles. This is a common habit that dentists see regularly, causing broken dental crowns.

Certain foods, such as hard candies, nuts, and ice, should be consumed with care. If you have multiple crowns, consider cutting particularly hard foods into smaller pieces or avoiding them altogether.

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and daily flossing are crucial for crown longevity. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline.

Professional dental care, including regular cleanings and checkups, will help identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.

Address Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a custom-made nightguard. This simple device can prevent significant damage to your crowns and teeth.

Morning headaches, jaw soreness, and visibly worn teeth are signs of grinding. Addressing this habit can save you considerable discomfort and expense in the long run.

 

 

When to See Your Dentist

While crowns are durable, they’re not permanent. Here are signs you should schedule a dental visit:

• Your crown feels loose or wobbly
• You experience pain or tooth sensitivity around the crown
• You notice visible cracks or chips in the crown
• There’s discomfort when biting down
• The crown has fallen out completely

Don’t try to repair a broken crown at home. A professional assessment is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

 

 

The Cost of Replacing vs. Preventing Crown Damage

Let’s talk money for a moment – because dental work isn’t just about your oral health, it’s also an investment.

A new crown can cost anywhere from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the material, location, and your dental insurance coverage. Preventive care like regular checkups and a nightguard (if needed) is significantly less expensive than crown replacement.

Investing in good oral hygiene habits and preventive measures is not just better for your health – it’s better for your wallet too!

 

 

Crown Care Matters

So, do crowns break easily? Not if they’re well-made properly cared for. from the right material for your specific needs and

Like most dental restorations, crowns require thoughtful maintenance to achieve their maximum lifespan.

By understanding the factors that can lead to a broken crown and taking steps to protect your dental work, you can enjoy your restored smile for many years. Remember, your dentist is your partner in maintaining not just your natural teeth but also any dental work you’ve invested in.

If you’re experiencing issues with a crown or have questions about caring for your dental restorations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Patient Empowered Dentistry.

Your smile is worth protecting!
Contact us today!