How long do Dental Crowns last?

Dental crowns are an extremely effective method for restoring teeth. Many patients want to know how long crowns last. Crowns help to extend the life of the teeth that they cover.

There are numerous factors in determining how long dental crowns will last. While there are specific factors which can help to estimate the average lifetime of a dental crown, it is not impossible to be absolutely certain how long they will last. It is important to consider the pertinent factors in determining the expected lifetime of the crown.

In most cases, dental crowns typically last for about 10 to 30 years. While that is a large range, every crown is different. While it is possible for some crowns to last a lifetime, others crack quickly after placement. Your dentist may estimate that your crown can last 15 years, while expecting another crown to last closer to 20 years. An estimate is not a guarantee, but it can be a helpful guideline to aid in making the right choice for treatment.

Crowns typically last at least eight years, however, insurance typically covers a replacement crown after 5-8 years. It is highly unlikely that your crown will break that quickly.

The first way to know the estimated lifetime of your dental crown is by discussing it with your dentist. The current status of the impacted tooth greatly impacts the life expectancy of your crown. Some teeth are not healthy enough to support a crown and it will be loose immediately after placement. If the issue is with the tooth itself, the dentist will not be able to place a crown.

Another common reason for a premature crown failure is when the crown is not fitted properly. A loose crown has a good chance to continue coming loose, even after only a few months of placement. Poorly fitting crowns are often the result of a bad dental laboratory. If you have not been satisfied with previous crowns, it is helpful to use a dentist who uses a different laboratory. With dental crowns, the quality of the lab technician is equally as important as the dentist for ensuring the crown has a good fit.

In addition to a well-fitting and properly constructed crown, there are other factors which impact the lifetime of your crown. These factors include:

• Dental hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice daily helps to ensure the crown remains healthy. Daily flossing is also important in extending the lift of the crown. It is critical for the natural tooth inside the crown to remain healthy and to prevent decay.
• Bad habits: Habits such as biting on hard things like ice, or chewing hard candy can cause your crown can to break earlier than expected. In addition, grinding or clenching your teeth can also result in damage to the crown. If you suffer grinding your teeth while you sleep, it is important to wear a protective night guard while sleeping. This helps to prevent any damage to the crowned and healthy teeth.
• Crown materials: Materials which are used to make dental crowns can vary in both durability and appearance. Porcelain can have an authentic tooth-like appearance, however, it is not as durable as dental alloys. Dental alloys, in contrast, do not match the appearance of the natural teeth as well as porcelain. Discuss your options with your dentist to determine will option is best for you.

Crowning a damaged tooth continues to be one of the best ways to restore it. Crowns are versatile and can be used to preserve the teeth for a variety of issues.

More on Dental Crowns : The Dental Crown Procedure