How Long Can Dental Crowns Last?

Did you know that your tooth enamel is one of the hardest materials in your whole body? Nonetheless, accidents can still happen, and your teeth are still susceptible to injury! Fortunately, dental crowns are one of many available solutions that can restore the look, feel, and functionality of damaged teeth. But before you commit to getting dental crowns to assist your compromised smile, you might have questions about their lifespan. Keep reading to learn more about how long dental crowns can potentially last along with some tips for preserving their integrity.

What Determines the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?

Thanks to constant advancements and developments in dental technology, dental crowns are now better than ever before! On average, they can last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced; however, there are a few factors that also contribute to their lifespan:

• Location of crown – Teeth towards the back of your mouth (your molars) are used for chewing and grinding your food, while your front teeth are primarily used for biting and tearing. This means that your molars are subjected to more pressure on a daily basis than your front teeth are. As a result, crowns placed on your back teeth usually wear down faster than ones placed near the front!
• Material used – Crowns can be made from metal, porcelain fused with metal, or ceramic materials. All these options are reliable and resilient, but metal crowns will typically last longer. That said, they aren’t always the best option—talk with your dentist about which materials are best suited for your needs.
• Regular care and maintenance –Bad oral habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, or excessive drinking, as well as simply neglecting to take care of your teeth, can contribute to your crowns failing prematurely.

How Can I Make My Dental Crown Last?

15 years might seem like a pretty long time, but keep in mind this duration is not guaranteed—you have to take care of your crowns to ensure their integrity! That said, healthy and proactive lifestyle habits can potentially help your crowns to last even longer. Consider the following:

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brushing and flossing daily can stave off problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns that could cause your crown to fail.
• Limit your consumption of certain foods – Dental crowns are tough, but they aren’t invincible. Constantly exposing them to hard, crunchy, or sticky foods will ultimately damage or dislodge them.
• Break bad oral habits – Chewing on ice, using your teeth as tools, or biting into other hard objects can damage your crowns. Smoking and using tobacco products are also hazardous for your oral health, and in turn, your crown. Break these habits before they cost you a crown!
• Seek treatment for bruxism if applicable – If you suffer from bruxism and grind or clench your teeth, you should talk with your dentist about treatment options such as a night guard.
• Visit your dentist regularly for preventive care – Your dentist is an expert on dental crowns and everything else relating to your oral health. Visiting them biannually will give them the chance to inspect your mouth and your crown for problems.

About the Author

Dr. Terry Rakowsky has proudly served patients and families in the Doylestown, PA area for several years. Dr. Rakowsky received his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including restorative options like dental crowns. If you have any questions about dental crowns or would like to schedule a visit, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Rakowsky through his practice’s website or over the phone: (215) 348-2224.