How Long Do Crowns Last?

If you’re thinking about strengthening your smile, you’re probably wondering, “How long does a crown last?”

Dental crowns are a very common solution in the dental restoration industry. They are designed to protect and restore your damaged teeth. Understanding how long dental crowns last and what can affect their longevity is important for looking after your oral health and ensuring good dental care.

Totalcare Dental and Dermal have helped, so many patients get their preferred type of crown made and offering expert dentistry services. Let’s get into the details so you’re not panicking and shrieking “Dental crowns last how long?!” after a quick Google search!

Key Takeaways

• A dental crown will last for between five and fifteen years.
• Metal crowns can last a lot longer than porcelain.
• How long your dental crown may last also depends on your oral hygiene, eating habits, and the location of the crown in your mouth.
• Pain, visible damage, a loose crown, changes in appearance, and gum recession are signs that you need to replace your crown.
• To make your dental crowns last longer, keep good dental hygiene, schedule regular visits with your dentist, avoid hard foods, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, and stay hydrated.

So, how long should crowns last? The lifespan of dental crowns can be different based on a few things. However, a dental crown can last for many years. Generally, crowns are designed to last between five and fifteen years. You can’t expect a dental crown to last forever, but some crowns even last as long as 30 years or more!

The average lifespan of a dental crown mainly depends on the type of dental crown material used. There are many different types of dental crowns, from metal to ceramic crowns. For example, metal crowns, like gold, have durable materials and can last for decades.

On the other hand, porcelain crowns usually last for 10 to 15 years. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns usually have a similar lifespan, but might show signs of wear over time. This might be due to the porcelain chipping or the metal margin becoming visible as gums recede.

Newer materials like zirconia crowns are a popular choice because they have a lot of strength, and they look really good. They generally last longer than traditional porcelain options, too.

Quite a few different factors affect how long regular dental crowns last. Here are a few things that can affect the longevity of your crowns:

• Crown Material: Your crown type plays a big role in its durability. As we’ve said, there are many different types of crowns. Metal crowns generally last longer than porcelain or composite resin crowns.
• Oral Hygiene: A crown will need good dental hygiene practices, like regular brushing and flossing. This can extend the lifespan of a crown by preventing tooth decay around the crown’s edges.
• Eating Habits: Eating hard foods or having bad habits like chewing ice can lead to early wear or damage to crowns, potentially causing damaged or decayed teeth.
• Bruxism: Teeth grinding or jaw clenching can place a lot of pressure on crowns, leading to fractures. Your crown becomes loose with grinding, too. Patients who grind their teeth might need night guards to increase how long a dental crown lasts.
• Location in the Mouth: Crowns placed on molars suffer more stress from chewing compared to those of front teeth, which can affect how long your dental crown lasts.

Now that you understand what can affect the longevity of dental crowns, let’s get into some signs that you need to replace your dental crown.

Dental crowns are made very well and designed to replicate natural teeth, but that doesn’t mean they never need to be replaced. Knowing when your dental crown needs to be replaced is important to prevent other annoying, expensive, or painful complications:

• Pain or Discomfort: If you experience serious pain or sensitivity around the entire tooth, it might mean that there are some underlying issues, like tooth decay underneath the crown or damage to the crown itself.
• Visible Damage: Cracks, chips, or fractures in dental crowns are often signs that they need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns tend to chip more often than other materials.
• Loose Crown: A loose or wobbly feeling will tell you that the bonding material that holds the crown might be failing. Crown failure needs immediate attention to prevent further damage to the underlying tooth.
• Changes in Appearance: Over time, crowns can discolour or develop dark lines at the gum line, especially with PFM crowns. This means your crown may need replacing!
• Gum Recession: If you notice your gums receding around your crown, it could be a sign that there is improper placement or gum disease. Regular dental visits are important for monitoring these situations.

While a crown can help you get your smile back, it needs to be replaced when necessary. Now, let’s get into how you can improve the lifespan of your dental crowns!

How to Make Your Crowns Last Longer

We want your dental crown to last the longest amount of time possible. The life of a crown depends on various factors, but here are a few tips to keep your dental crowns strong:

• Keep Good Dental Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing go a long way in preventing decay around the crown and making sure it lasts longer.
• Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Routine check-ups allow your dentist to monitor your crowns’ condition and address any potential issues before they get worse.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Steer clear of hard candies, ice, and other hard foods that could chip or crack your crowns.
• Use Protective Devices if Necessary: If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a night guard can help protect your crowns from too much wear and tear.
• Stay Hydrated and Maintain Oral Health: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that could cause decay around your crowned tooth.

Totalcare Dental and Dermal: Strengthen Your Smile

At Totalcare Dental and Dermal, we know that keeping your smile bright and full is an important part of life. Our expert team is dedicated to offering comprehensive dental care for dental implants, dental bridges and crowns, and more.

Whether you’re thinking about getting a new dental crown or want some advice on how to take care of your existing ones, we’re here to help. Get in touch to strengthen your smile!

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