While dental crowns do not last forever, there are some steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your dental caps. There are also some variables affecting how long your dental crown lasts that are out of your control. Let’s take a closer look at the question ‘how long do crowns last’ and what you might do to protect yours.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Crowns or dental caps are restorations that encapsulate your damaged tooth. They are used when the damage to the tooth is too much for a filling and if your tooth is weakened and at risk of breaking.
What Factors Influence How Long Dental Crowns Last?
Several factors can influence the lifespan of your crown:
- How much of your natural tooth remains and how healthy it is
- The position of the damaged tooth in your mouth
- The amount of dental crown that will show when you smile
- Whether you grind your teeth
- Your standard of oral hygiene
- The type of material used
So, How Long Do Crowns Last?
On average, you can probably expect a ten-year lifespan from a dental crown, but factors like those above will also have an impact. How long do crowns last is also dependent on the choice of material used, as some materials last longer and wear better than others.
Zirconia dental crowns are very strong and last for a long time, making them ideal for biting and chewing. With good care, crowns made from zirconia can last for 10 to 15 years, or even longer.
Gold has been used for dental crowns for more than 100 years thanks to its strength and durability. Because of its characteristic appearance gold is used more today for molar restorations as people favour tooth-coloured crowns. Gold crowns are known to last for at least 10 years, with some sources saying they can stay intact for decades.
Porcelain fused to metal offers the beauty of a porcelain crown with the strength of the metal. There are some disadvantages though as porcelain is susceptible to chipping, and the metal edge tends to be visible when your gums recede. Porcelain fused to metal crowns can last for between five and 15 years.
All ceramic and all-porcelain dental crowns are often used in the front of the mouth because they offer a good colour match with natural teeth. Because they are used in the front they are not exposed to the same chewing forces as back teeth, however, chipping could occur.
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Replace A Dental Crown?
Your dentist will be able to determine when your dental crowns need to be replaced. This can be done through observation or by x-ray and is typically decided if there is any sign of decay. If there are any exposed areas of the natural tooth, where the dental crown no longer covers it, it will also be a sign you need a replacement. Sometimes a crown can chip or break without you knowing which can allow bacteria to penetrate your tooth. This would also necessitate a replacement.
Some of the other symptoms that indicate a replacement dental crown is necessary, include:
- Any feelings of pain or discomfort in the tooth: this is usually a sign of decay. Both the decay and the dental crown need to be removed.
- If you want to change the appearance of your dental crown
- Any sign of movement from the crown.
Do Veneers Last Longer Than Crowns?
When a dental crown is recommended, it is generally because of the amount of cover required. Dental crowns cover both sides of your tooth, whereas a veneer will only cover one side.
Veneers tend to be chosen when the need for change is due to cosmetic reasons, whereas choosing a crown is usually because you need a more significant restoration of your tooth.
Veneers are also much thinner, which can give them a shorter lifespan.
What Can You Do To Help Crowns Last Longer?
Practising exemplary dental hygiene is your best defence against tooth decay, and tooth decay is one of the greatest risks to the integrity of your crown. Dental crowns rely on a certain amount of healthy tooth to be supported so if it is compromised and there is decay, the decay has to be removed and the crown must be replaced.
So What Can You Do?
Taking care of your oral health protects all of the teeth in your mouth and can benefit your restorations:
- Make sure you brush and floss twice a day to manage plaque on a day to day basis
- Visit your dentist every six months for a professional clean and check-up.
- Invest in a mouthguard that you can wear at night and when playing sports.
For more information on how long do crowns last or to schedule an appointment please contact us: (02) 9158 6211.
References
How Long Can You Expect a Dental Crown to Last?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-crown-last
Dental Crowns
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns
