Dental crowns are used widely and commonly to encapsulate teeth that have extensive damage or decay. A dental crown will be used if the area on your tooth to be restored is too large for a filling. When a tooth is badly damaged, it needs to be restored and strengthened with a crown in order to avoid infection and further decay but most patients want to know how long do crowns last before they go ahead with the procedure.
Dental Crowns: When Are They Used?
Dental crowns deliver plenty of benefits for damaged or decayed teeth. Not only do they restore and strengthen weak teeth, but they also address cosmetic and aesthetic issues, as they are crafted to match the other teeth in your mouth, restoring facial harmony.
Your dentist may recommend a dental crown under the following conditions:
- If your teeth are loose, cracked or chipped
- If your bite is misaligned or you grind your teeth
- If you have had a root canal treatment, a dental crown will be required to seal the tooth up and prevent future infection
- If you have lost a tooth and have had a dental implant placed, a crown will be positioned over the implant and abutment to restore facial harmony and symmetry.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With proper dental care, natural teeth can last for the rest of your lifetime, but because dental crowns are made from synthetic substances, they have a shorter lifespan. Before choosing their dental crown material most patients want to know how long do crowns last?
On average 90% of dental crowns will last for five years. A further 50-80% of dental crowns may last for longer: up to 15 to 20 years with good dental care and hygiene practices.
What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made Out Of?
Different dentists have preferences for long-lasting materials and generally work with porcelain, ceramic, and metals to restore teeth.
Ceramic crowns
Long-lasting ceramic is often favoured for dental crowns on the front teeth because it provides a close colour match to your natural teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal
Porcelain fused to metal offers a number of benefits, including a natural-looking tooth replacement as well as a strong restoration.
Porcelain fused to metal is a stronger combination than porcelain on its own.
Porcelain
Porcelain crowns present a very natural-looking restoration that is strong and resembles your natural teeth very closely.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns also look very much like your natural teeth and may be stronger than porcelain and ceramic. A zirconia dental crown may last longer than porcelain.
Base metal alloys
Base metal alloy crowns are strong and durable and last longer than other crown materials.
Gold
Gold crowns are also very strong, durable and favoured as they last longer. Some patients do not like the look of metal and so metal crowns are often reserved for use on back teeth.
So, How Long Do Crowns Last?
Across all materials, the average lifespan of a dental crown is about ten years.
- Porcelain fused to metal: may last for five to 15 years
- Zirconia crowns: may last for 10 to 15 years with good oral care
- Gold: 95% of gold crowns last for ten years
What Factors Affect The Lifespan Of Dental Crowns?
Keeping a dental crown in good condition for as long as possible requires that you
- Brush and floss twice a day, every day
- Have a professional dental clean every six months
- The material used for your crown
- Do not use your teeth as tools (only for eating)
- Do not grind your teeth
How Do You Know When A Crown Needs To Be Replaced?
A dental examination or dental x-ray is the most accurate way to gauge when a dental crown needs to be replaced. If the exam or x-ray shows signs of decay, it’s time to replace your dental crown. If a space has opened up between the tooth surface and the crown, it is an indication that you need a replacement.
You may experience one or more of the following signs before your dental examination, which may indicate that a replacement is necessary
- Tooth pain that indicates the presence of decay. If this is the case, the crown and decay will need to be removed and the crown replaced.
- Feeling movement or looseness on your crown when biting or chewing
- Changes to the appearance of the tooth with the crown such as chipping or discolouration.
Still have questions about how long do crowns last? It’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for a convenient appointment: (02) 8203 8760.
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