If you’ve been prescribed a dental crown to save a natural tooth, following through with your treatment is essential before the tooth’s integrity is further compromised.
Dental crowns are most commonly used to restore teeth damaged by decay or injury. But they can also be used to support dental bridges, top implants, complete a root canal treatment, or protect weak teeth from further breakage.
If you are wondering how long does a crown last, several factors can influence its longevity. The type of dental crown, the location of the tooth, and how well you take care of your teeth all play a role in the lifespan of your restoration.
With proper care, the average lifespan of a dental crown is about 15 years before they need to be replaced. However, some people may need to have their dental crowns replaced sooner if they develop gum disease, chip their restoration or if their bite changes.
How Long Does a Crown Last: Crown Materials
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Porcelain or tooth-coloured ceramic are commonly used for aesthetic purposes, especially on teeth towards the front of the mouth. Porcelain crowns have an average lifespan of 5-15 years long, and ceramic dental crowns last around 15 years.
However, metal materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) are more durable and last longer than porcelain. Metal dental crowns are typically used to restore molars and are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth. These crowns last 10-15 years on average.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer custom CEREC dental crowns fabricated on-site in just one visit. To create your dental crown, your dentist scans your mouth using an intraoral camera. The images are sent to a software program where it creates a 3D rendering of your dental crown.
That information is sent to a milling machine where the crown is made from a single solid block of zirconia ceramic colour-matched to your natural teeth. Once the CEREC dental crown is ready, your dentist cements it over your prepared tooth.
Zirconia crowns are durable and, on average, have a lifespan of more than 20 years long.
How Long Does a Crown Last: Lifestyle Habits
Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but they are not indestructible. Your lifestyle habits can affect your crown’s longevity. For example, if you use your teeth as tools to open bottles or packets, your crowns may become chipped or broken.
If you play contact sports without wearing a mouthguard, your crowns may be knocked loose.
How Long Does a Crown Last: Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. It is also crucial for preserving the longevity of dental crowns. Unlike natural teeth, crowns cannot decay. However, the tooth underneath the crown can decay, causing the crown to loosen and eventually fall out.
Care for your smile with regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria from the tooth surface. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
How Long Does a Crown Last: Tooth Grinding
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common problem that can cause significant damage to teeth. When you grind your teeth, you subject them to a tremendous amount of force that exceeds normal daytime bite force.
Tooth grinding can rapidly wear down dental crowns. It is not uncommon for people who grind their teeth to go through several crowns throughout their lifetime.
Some simple self-care measures include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, managing stress, and sleeping on your side instead of your stomach. If these measures don’t work, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent damage to your restoration and natural teeth.
How Long Does a Crown Last: Poorly Made or Ill-Fitting Crowns
If your dental crown is poorly made or ill-fitting, you will likely notice this soon after the procedure. Signs of a poorly fitting or made crown include a misaligned bite and a feeling of looseness or discomfort when eating.
In this situation, your dentist must remove the restoration and replace it with a new one.
How Long Does a Crown Last: PFM Crowns Loose Their Natural Appearance
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are crafted with an inner metal layer and a porcelain outer. While this gives the crowns exceptional durability and a natural appearance, the outer layer can chip or wear away over time, or your gum may recede, exposing the grey metal underneath.
You can expect PFM crowns to last, on average, up to 15 years; however, damaged or worn PFM crowns should be immediately replaced to avoid damage to the underlying tooth.
How to Know When Your Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
Dental crowns are designed to last many years, but eventually, they will need to be replaced. Several signs indicate it is time for a replacement, including:
- Changes in the fit
- Damage to the tooth underneath
- Increased sensitivity
- Pain, tenderness and swelling around the crown
- Visible damage to the crown
If you notice any signs that your restoration needs replacing, schedule an appointment with No Gaps Dental. Our dentists can examine the crown, repair the tooth, and craft a replacement in a single session with CEREC technology.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Crowns From No Gaps Dental
If you are self-conscious about your smile because of damaged or discoloured teeth, a dental crown may be the solution for you. No Gaps Dental provides high-quality dental crowns that can restore the function and appearance of your tooth.
Our experienced dental team can work with you to choose the right type of dental crown for your needs and ensure that it fits perfectly. With our dental crowns, you’ll be able to smile with confidence again. Contact us on (02) 8007 6727 today to book a consultation at any of our 15 dental practice locations in Sydney.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Care and Teeth Cleaning
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning