Why is my New Crown Breaking the 3rd Time?

Question

I had an old crown replaced after 7 years of being completely fine. Two weeks after the initial fitting the crown cracked and chipped. The dentist was kind enough to fix it, but while I was sitting in the dentist chair with the new crown in my mouth, it cracked and chipped again in the same place. Finally I got a new one yesterday, and I found that it has broken again! I don't eat anything hard, the doctor took 2 impressions of my bite, and x-rays. What's the problem?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Some materials are not appropriate for some mouths.  The material least likely to fracture is a full gold crown, but most people do not want that.  A combination porcelain with gold is a good option as well, but the porcelain can fracture off of the gold too, so it isn't perfect.

	 

	It is also possible that your bite has undiagnosed issues and should be evaluated as well.

Steve Alper, DMD · Answer

Hi MD.  Good question.  In your case, since you had a crown for 7 years without any fractruing issues, we could make the assumption that there is a problem with the material used to make the new crown.

	Either the wrong material was used (a more esthetic, but weaker material used for crowns on front teeth) or the lab processed the material incorrectly.

	Like all dentists, I have had new crowns break for various reasons. Trying to figure out what the problem was and replace the crown is standard.  But if the same thing keeps happening, you might want to consider that your dentist is not recognizing what is causing the problem.  It happens, and it may mean its just time to move on.

	Hope this helps.

	Best,

	Dr. Alper

Mauricio C. Tijerino, DMD · Answer

Why was your 7yr old crown re-done? The fact that you had this old crown for so long without any problem tells me that the problem is not your bite or dietary habits. Mostly likely cause is material or laboratory failure. Find out what kind of crown you had before and what kind the new one is.

	There are newer materials that tend to be more esthetic but they are not long term proven. Also, newer materials need special hadling and bonding by the lab tech and by the doctor. The dentist is responsible for the quality of the lab they use. I would recommend that if they cannot get it right, you ask for a refund and go somewhere else for your crown. Maybe ask them to use the same type you had before.

	Good luck

	Dr. T

Zina Kaleinikova, DDS, MS · Answer

Breaking of your crown can be attributed to laboratory part of fabrication of the crown such as poor fabrication technique or materials, or clinical part of fabrication which would be incorrect occlusal record or insuficient occlusal adjustment. Regardless of the reason I would reccomend you to go back to your restorative doctor and ask for solution of this problem. Good luck!

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

One of 2 reasons: The laboratory being used is a "cut-rate" overseas lab, that uses inferior materials. Or, there is a severe issue with your bite (occlusion). If your muscles want your teeth to meet differently than how the crown meets its opposing tooth, then the muscles will win the battle, and the crown will break.

Why is my New Crown Breaking the 3rd Time?

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Answer: Breaking of the crown

Answer: Breaking of the crown

Answer: Why a New Crown Breaks 3 Times

Answer: Why a New Crown Breaks 3 Times

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Why is my New Crown Breaking the 3rd Time?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breaking of the crown

Answer: Breaking of the crown

Answer: Why a New Crown Breaks 3 Times

Answer: Why a New Crown Breaks 3 Times

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.