Dental crowns are not only versatile but also greatly enhance the appearance of your smile by camouflaging worn teeth, chipped teeth, and stains. Even though they’re durable, they aren’t unbreakable.
Wondering how long does a crown last on a tooth?
The average lifespan of a crown is 5 to 15 years, though this can differ based on numerous variables. Continue reading for information on what affects the longevity of your dental crowns and how you can keep them healthy for an extended period.
Factors affecting crown longevity
Here are some factors that can impact the lifespan of a dental crown.
Dental hygiene
Dental crowns are not susceptible to decay, but the tooth underneath can become damaged or infected if you do not practise proper oral hygiene. If you don’t take care of your dental crown, the cement might loosen and cause the crown to fall off.
For the longevity of your dental crown, aim to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily.
Lifestyle habits
Your daily habits can play a role in how long your crown lasts. For example, if you use your teeth to open packets or bottles, they may become broken or chipped over time. Without a mouthguard, playing contact sports may lead to your crowns being knocked loose.
Materials used
Dental crowns can be designed from different materials, each of which lasts a different amount of time. All-porcelain or all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and metal are the three most common types of crowns.
Porcelain crowns are crafted using only ceramic materials.
Depending on the type of ceramic used, porcelain crowns boast a survival rate between 90.7% to 96.6%.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a metal base with porcelain surrounding it. They tend to last between 5 and 15 years.
Metal crowns, which are composed of palladium, gold, nickel or chromium alloys, boast both durability and strength. In fact, they can last for years.
Location of the crown
The position of your tooth can play a role in how long your dental crown lasts. Teeth that experience a lot of pressure, for example, the premolars and molars at the back of the dental arch, generally don’t last as long as teeth situated in the front part of the mouth.
Teeth grinding
Did you know that teeth grinding (also called bruxism) can cause crowns to fail? Bruxism is a condition in which you clench or grind your teeth. Excessive teeth grinding can lead to cracks, chips, and other damage to dental crowns over an extended period of time.
Partial or full crown
A partial crown (onlay or inlay) is typically required when a tooth restoration needs to be larger than a filling but not as large as a full dental crown.
A full crown is used to cover a whole tooth, while a partial dental crown only covers part of the tooth. We typically use full crowns for teeth that are severely damaged or decayed.
How can you increase the lifespan of dental crowns?
Proper care is essential for any dental treatment, and this includes dental crowns. Despite being a common and effective treatment method, improperly cared-for crowns will not last.
Below are some tips on how to best take care of your crowns:
Wear a mouthguard
Fractures and chips are common complications that occur with crowns due to facial trauma. To help reduce the effects of trauma, use a mouthguard when playing contact sports or at night if you grind your teeth.
Floss and brush twice daily
Dental crowns that are not regularly cleaned can be hotspots for bacteria. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss with dental floss specifically designed for crowns or an interdental brush.
Flossing too hard or using a snapping motion may dislodge dental crowns. To avoid this, gently move the floss back and forth around the crowns.
Visit your dentist regularly
Routine dental visits help keep your teeth healthy and strong. By seeing your dentist regularly, you can catch any problems early on and receive treatment to protect your tooth. At every dental visit, your dentist will ensure that any crowns you have fit well and are still in good condition.
If you have questions about your dental crowns, ask your dentist. They can give you tailored instructions on how to take care of them and what to do if an issue comes up.
How to know when it’s time for a crown replacement?
Your dentist will know when you need to replace your dental crowns. They can tell by observing the state of your teeth or through X-rays. If they see any sign of decay, they will likely recommend getting new crowns.
If you can see any part of the natural tooth that isn’t covered by the dental crown, it’s time for a replacement. If a tooth becomes chipped or damaged, it’s more vulnerable to bacteria. This would then require a replacement crown.
Furthermore, it may be time to get a new dental crown if you experience any of the following:
- Any sign of movement from the dental crown
- If you want to change your crown looks
- Any feelings of discomfort or pain in your tooth
Get your dental crown at No Gaps Dental
Are you always covering your mouth when you laugh because of how damaged or discoloured your teeth are? If so, then a dental crown may be the solution for you. At No Gaps Dental, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with high-quality dental crowns that are both functional and extend the life of their teeth!
We provide the best dental care for all your needs in our 15 convenient locations! Book an appointment with No Gaps Dental or call us on(02) 8007 6727 now.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
How Long Can You Expect a Dental Crown to Last?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-crown-last
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns versus All-ceramic Crowns: A Review of the Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304697/
Dental Crowns
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns