How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental damage, decay, and tooth loss interfere with oral functions, compromise the smile’s appearance, and take a toll on a person’s confidence. Dental crowns are cap-like restorations that sit over a tooth, completely surrounding the structure. Dental crowns restore damaged, decayed, or missing teeth to rebuild the smile’s strength, health, and aesthetics.
Dental crowns are one of the most frequently performed restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments. When patients come to Dr. Kellyn Hodges' dental practice, which serves Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, and Bensalem, PA, for dental crown treatment, they frequently ask, “How long do dental crowns last?” Here we discuss the average dental crown lifespan and the factors that impact the longevity of these dental restorations.
Average Dental Crowns Lifespan
Although many patients are eager to learn how long a dental crown will last, we cannot make exact predictions about a crown’s lifespan. Dental crowns are subject to wear, tear, and damage like natural teeth. If a dental crown becomes damaged or worn down, it needs to be replaced because it leaves the natural tooth beneath the crown vulnerable to infection.
Fortunately, most patients do not have to worry about dental crown replacement for many years. With proper care and good oral hygiene habits, the average dental crown lasts around 15 years, and sometimes even longer.
Factors that Affect Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of materials such as metals, composites, and porcelain, which are not susceptible to decay like natural teeth are. Although a dental crown cannot develop a cavity, it can become damaged or weakened over time. Some of the factors that play the largest role in determining a dental crown’s lifespan include:
- Dental habits - Dental crowns are built to withstand the usual wear and tear of biting and chewing but bad dental habits, such as nail biting, using the teeth as tools, and grinding and clenching, place excessive pressure on dental restorations and can cause premature damage.
- Oral hygiene habits - Dental crowns cannot develop decay, but they rely on the support of healthy teeth and gum tissues. Decay or infection in the treated tooth or adjacent teeth or gum tissues can compromise a dental crown and shorten its lifespan.
- Type of crown placed - There are several types of dental crowns available. Some materials last longer than others. For instance, metal crowns tend to last longer than porcelain crowns. However, porcelain crowns are more aesthetically pleasing, so many patients opt for porcelain crowns, despite their potentially shorter lifespan.
Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Dental Crown
Many variables affect the lifespan of a dental crown. Fortunately, patients can proactively protect their crowns to prolong their lifespan. We recommend these practices following dental crown treatment:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing
- Schedule dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year
- Avoid bad dental habits
- Limit foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky
- Wear a protective mouthguard if you participate in contact sports
Contact Us Today
Dental crowns repair damaged teeth to restore oral health, functions, and aesthetics. These long-lasting restorations can completely transform the smile. To learn more about dental crown treatment and recommended care tips, send us a message online or call (610) 617-0700 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Kellyn Hodges.
