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Dental crowns are not designed to last forever. Over time, they may crack, shift, or fail to protect your tooth properly. This can happen for a variety of reasons.
In this blog, you will learn how to recognize signs of a failing crown, the risks of waiting too long to replace one, and how modern crown materials compare when planning a replacement.
If your old dental crown is causing pain, looks worn, or does not fit well anymore, do not wait. Modern crown materials offer stronger, better-fitting, and more natural-looking tooth-shaped caps that protect your tooth and improve your smile.
What We Offer
At Morris Dental Solutions, we restore and replace worn-out dental crowns with precision-fit options designed for strength, longevity, and natural esthetics.
We use advanced CAD/CAM technology for same-day ceramic crowns and provide expert consultation from prosthodontist Dr. Gary Morris.
Whether your crown is cracked, loose, or simply needs replacement, we will help you upgrade with confidence. We work with all types of crown materials including porcelain crowns, zirconia crowns, gold crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Common Signs Your Crown Is Failing
Dental crowns are durable, but they can still weaken or deteriorate over time. Spotting issues early helps you avoid more serious problems, like tooth decay or infection beneath the crown.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Visible cracks or chips in the crown
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Gum inflammation or recession near the crowned tooth
- A loose or shifting crown
- Food getting trapped around the crown’s edge
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an exam as soon as possible to find out if your crown needs repair or replacement.
Why Don’t Crowns Last a Lifetime?
Most crowns hold up well for many years, but eventually they wear down or develop problems that affect their fit and strength. Over time, even a well-made crown can start to fail.
Common reasons crowns need to be replaced include:
- Poor fit or outdated materials
- Worn-out bonding cement
- Tooth decay forming around the edges
- Excessive bite pressure or teeth grinding
- Changes in your bite alignment
Replacing a failing crown promptly helps prevent deeper damage, infection, or the need for more extensive treatment later on. Ignoring a worn or loose crown can eventually put your overall oral health at risk.
Your Crown Replacement Options
Replacing a crown no longer means compromising on appearance or strength. Modern solutions combine durability with a natural feel.
Porcelain Crowns
Ideal for visible front teeth, porcelain crowns offer a natural appearance that blends beautifully with your smile.
Pros:
- Excellent esthetics
- Stain-resistant
- Biocompatible
Cons:
- Less durable for molars
- Can chip under pressure
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
Strong and affordable, but less esthetic over time.
Pros:
- Durable and reliable
- Suitable for back teeth
Cons:
- Metal line may show at gum
- Porcelain can wear down or chip
Zirconia Crowns
Made from zirconium dioxide, zirconia crowns are ideal for patients who need maximum strength and longevity.
Pros:
- Extremely strong and crack-resistant
- No metal alloy involved
- Long-lasting with good fit
Cons:
- Less translucent than porcelain
- May wear opposing teeth
Same-Day CAD/CAM Crowns
CAD/CAM uses advanced 3D imaging and computer-aided design to create a custom ceramic crown right in the dental office. After scanning your tooth, the system mills your new crown from a solid block of ceramic, allowing it to be placed and bonded in a single visit.
Pros:
- Convenient and fast
- No temporary crown or multiple dental impressions
- Custom-fit in-office
Cons:
- Limited shade matching compared to lab-made crowns
- Not suitable for every case
Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of a dental crown depends on several factors, including the material selected, the tooth’s location, and whether any additional treatment is needed. In most cases, dental crowns fall within a similar price range, typically costing between $2,000 and $2,500.
If your tooth requires extra care, such as a core build-up to reinforce the structure or root canal therapy to remove infection, these services will add to the total cost.
Dental insurance often helps cover part of the expense when a crown is necessary to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. During your visit, we will review your treatment options in detail and provide a clear estimate so you can plan with confidence.
Upgrade Your Crown at Morris Dental Solutions
At Morris Dental Solutions, you will find advanced options to restore and protect your smile. We provide same-day ceramic crowns, durable zirconia restorations, and specialized prosthodontic care tailored to your needs.
To schedule a consultation at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
