How Long Do Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are custom-made coverings that encase damaged teeth. They’re used to restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting weakened or decayed teeth.

They can also be used to fix broken or cracked teeth, anchor dental bridges, and cover implants. While dental crowns can last for a long time, they don’t last forever.

We’ll discuss how long dental crowns last, how to make them last, and why it’s important.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, most dental crowns can last 10 to 20 years. A good-quality crown may have an average lifespan significantly longer if you keep up with your oral health. 

If your crown is placed correctly and properly cared for, it can last decades or even a lifetime. How long your crown will last depends on several factors, such as: 

• Your oral hygiene
• Your oral habits (such as teeth grinding)
• The size of the crown
• The reason the crown was placed
• The crown material used
• Gum recession

Knowing this timeframe helps you budget accurately and reduces anxiety about future dental expenses

How Does the Material Affect Longevity?

Dental crowns come in different materials, each with distinct advantages and lifespan expectations:

• Gold or metal-alloy crowns usually last 20 years or more because they're highly resistant to fracture.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns typically last between 10 and 15 years. They provide strength, but the porcelain layer can sometimes chip or crack.
• All-ceramic crowns like zirconia or lithium-disilicate balance aesthetics and strength. Zirconia, in particular, is incredibly durable and can last 15 to 20 years.
• CEREC crowns typically last around 10 to 15 years on average. If they’re well taken care of, they can last several years longer.

There are also temporary crowns made of acrylic or composite resin materials. They’re not meant to last any longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dental Crown

One of the best ways of protecting your crowns is through good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice per day with fluoridated toothpaste.

Don’t forget to rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free, therapeutic mouth rinse. You can also extend the life span of your crowns by:

• Wear a custom night guard — If you grind your teeth, a professionally fitted night guard significantly reduces stress and prevents cracks or fractures.
• Regular dental cleanings — Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning can help remove plaque buildup around crown margins, preventing decay and gum disease.
• Avoid chewing extremely hard objects — Ice cubes, hard candies, and popcorn kernels can damage porcelain crowns or loosen cement bonds.
• Use floss threaders or water flossers — These tools effectively clean around crown edges, minimizing plaque and preventing decay at the gum line.

When Do You Need to Replace A Dental Crown?

Spotting potential problems with your crown early can save you discomfort, cost, and unnecessary dental appointments. Keep an eye out for:

• Sensitivity or pain around your crown, especially when eating or drinking
• Discoloration around the gumline, which may indicate decay or margin exposure
• A loose feeling or slight rocking when you bite down
• Visible chips or cracks in porcelain crowns
• Tooth decay beneath the crown margins, detectable during routine dental X-rays

Your dentist will first remove the old crown carefully, clean away any decay or damage beneath, and reshape your tooth. You may wear a temporary crown for about two weeks while a dental lab fabricates your new crown.

How Much Does Replacement Cost?

Typical replacement costs can range from $800 to $1,500, depending on material and complexity. Insurance typically covers replacements after five to eight years, so check with your provider.

If extensive decay or tooth damage is found, alternatives like an inlay or onlay, or even a dental implant, might be recommended to preserve tooth structure and long-term oral health.