How Long Does a Crown Last on a Tooth?
The average lifespan of a dental crown is 10 years, but this depends on several things. The material your crown is made from, its position in your mouth and how well you care for it will all impact on its life expectancy.
Some crowns may only last a few years before they need to be replaced, while others can last a lifetime with good care. Read this guide to find out more about what affects crown longevity and how you can help your crown to last as long as possible.
If you need to talk to a dentist about crowns or anything else, get in touch with our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental today.
How long can you expect a dental crown to last?
Dental crowns last an average of 10 years, but this lifespan can vary significantly. Crowns made from more durable materials such as porcelain fused to metal, zirconia and metal alloys can last longer than all-ceramic crowns. Crowns placed over molars (chewing teeth) are also subject to more wear and tear than those at the front of the mouth.
One study of metal and metal-ceramic crowns found that around 90% of crowns still survived after 6 years. However, there are also some cases of crowns lasting up to 78 years or longer with minimal restoration work.
How can I help my crown last longer?
Besides the material and position of your crown, there are other factors in your control that can help your crown to last for longer. These include:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene every day, including twice-daily brushing and flossing
- Avoiding biting your nails or using your teeth to open things, which can cause premature damage
- Managing habits such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing sport
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for your regular check-up and oral hygiene treatments
Dental crowns FAQ
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap that a dentist places over a tooth to repair, protect or reshape it. Crowns are designed to look and feel like natural teeth and can last for many years with proper care.
What are dental crowns made of?
Crowns can be made from a range of materials with varying costs, durability and expected lifespans. Ceramic crowns are the cheapest option, but are more prone to cracking and chipping over time. Metal crowns are the strongest, but don’t look as natural as other materials. Options such as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and zirconia crowns are a middle ground that balance aesthetics and performance.
What are the signs that a crown needs replacing?
Your crown may need replacing if you notice visible signs of wear or damage, or if the tooth below the crown starts to feel sensitive or painful. Your dentist will assess the condition of your crowns during your routine check-ups.
Same day crowns in Mosman
If you need a crown or other restoration, our experienced dentists at Mosman 3D Dental can help restore your smile. Call us today on (02) 9969 8610 or book online.
References
1. Michael Raedel, Heinz-Werner Priess, Steffen Bohm, Michael H. Walter, Six-year survival of single crowns — A massive data analysis, Journal of Dentistry, Volume 101, 2020, 103459, ISSN 0300-5712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103459
2. Maidment Y. Restoration longevity: Q: “How long will my crown last?” A: “78 years, Madame” – A case report. Primary Dental Journal. 2023;12(1):85-87. https://doi.org/10.1177/20501684231153917