How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Are you scheduled for dental crowns, but don’t know how much life you should expect from them? Well, in today's article, we’ll look at how long dental crowns last and how you can extend their lifespan. Let’s dive straight into it.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a type of cap dentists place over damaged teeth to restore their shape and help them regain their strength, and structural integrity. The dentist will recommend a crown for moderately to severely chipped teeth. They’ll also install them on teeth with extensive dental decay and after root canals to replace the decayed portion of the teeth returning form and structure.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

While dental crowns last a long time, they don’t last forever. These restorations typically last five to fifteen years before they fail and require replacement. Some factors influencing the longevity of dental crowns include:

The type of dental crown: Metal crowns typically last the longest with lifespans of 15 years or more. They’re closely followed by porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and porcelain crowns. Resin crowns have the shortest lifespan at only three to five years.

Oral hygiene practices: The materials used to make dental crowns are resistant to dental decay. However, neglecting proper oral hygiene decays teeth holding the crowns, eventually leading to their premature failure. 

Diet and chewing habits: Excessive bite pressure could crack or break the crowns. Chewing hard foods like nuts and biting on hard objects compromises your crown’s lifespan. This is especially true for resin crowns.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a considerable investment, and it’s only natural to want to get the most out of them. Here are a few ways to prolong your dental crowns’ longevity.

Brush and floss your teeth: Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps prevent cavity-causing bacteria at bay. Without bacteria to damage your teeth. The crowns can remain fixed on them for longer.

Use a nightguard: Patients who grind their teeth at night should consider wearing a nightguard. The device will create a protective barrier to keep you from grinding the dental crown and accelerating its wear.

Schedule regular checkups: Seeing your dentist regularly will help identify early signs of issues that may reduce your crown’s lifespan. The dentist will also check for signs of improper installation and make the necessary repairs.

Get Your Dental Crowns Today!

There’s no guarantee that your dental crowns will last an eternity, but they could serve you for more than a decade with proper care. For longer-lasting restorations, you should consider extracting the tooth and getting implants, which last for twenty to thirty years. Consult with your dentist for the best course of action.

We’re Just a Call Away!

If you’re looking for durable, high-quality dental crowns look no further than PivoSmiles. Contact us today and we’ll get started on your appointment.