For the past 12 years, I’ve had porcelain crowns on my front teeth. I’m wearing braces at age 42, and one of the crowns I knew was somewhat defective. It has a horizontal fracture near the bottom that is getting more noticeable. I am concerned that the crown will break. Is it urgent to get it fixed, or can it wait? I’m hoping that it won’t prolong my ortho treatment. Thanks. Todd
Todd,
The fracture will likely eventually break, so it’s wise to get the crown replaced before it becomes an emergency. A broken crown will leave your tooth unprotected and susceptible to breaking.
Cracks or Craze Lines in Crowns
Small cracks or craze lines in teeth or ceramic crowns are not usually a significant concern. However, if you can see the crack, it is progressing. A cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth and crowns and decide if only the cracked one—or all your crowns—require replacement.
If only one crown is replaced, expert color-matching is needed for the existing crowns and your natural teeth. An advanced cosmetic who understands how to manipulate ceramic crowns to match your natural tooth shade and clarity won’t unnecessarily recommend replacing all your crowns. Be cautious with a dentist who tells you that replacing all your crowns is the only way to achieve a match. It means that the dentist doesn’t know how to achieve a match.
What Happens If a Crown Breaks While You’re Wearing Braces?
If your crown breaks and you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment, your treatment will be somewhat interrupted while you get new crowns. Generally, it takes two visits to get new crowns.
- First visit – Your dentist will prepare your tooth and take digital impressions for a custom crown.
- Waiting period – Your dentist will send the impressions and instructions to a dental ceramist to make a custom crown. It takes about two weeks.
- Second visit – You will return to the office for your dentist to cement the crown to your tooth.
The delay should not significantly lengthen your treatment.
San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.