How Long Do Crowns Last?

A dental crown is a permanent cap that fits on top of your existing tooth. You may need one to: 

• Restore a decaying tooth 
• Hold a prosthetic tooth for a dental bridge in place
• Protect a fragile tooth after a root canal
• Support teeth with large fillings
• Protect weak, broken, or cracked teeth

How Long Do Crowns Last on Teeth?

Crowns can last on the front and back teeth for an average of 3 to 15 years. A good-quality crown may have an average lifespan double that time or longer if you keep up with your oral health. 

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

Can a Crown Last a Lifetime?

Crowns are permanent but may need to be replaced after several years. If your crown is placed correctly and properly cared for, it can last decades or even a lifetime.

Some factors that negatively affect how long a crown lasts include:

• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Poor dental hygiene 
• Eating sticky, chewy, and hard foods
• Avoiding routine dental exams and cleanings

Types of Dental Crowns and Their Longevity

Your dentist may suggest one of these types of crowns for you:

• Temporary crowns — Temporary crowns don’t usually last for more than 2 to 3 weeks. They’re not meant to last longer. A temporary crown is placed over your tooth until your custom permanent crown is ready
• Porcelain crowns (ceramic crowns) — Porcelain crowns are durable, natural-looking, and can last up 3 to 15 years.
• Zirconia crowns — Zirconia crowns are incredibly durable and can potentially last a lifetime with proper care. 
• Gold crowns — Gold crowns may last longer than other types of crowns and can sometimes even last you for life.
• Metal crowns — While metal crowns should last anywhere from 3 to 15 years, many dentists don’t use them anymore.
• CEREC crowns — CEREC crowns last, on average, about 3 to 15 years. If they’re well taken care of, they can last much longer.

5 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dental Crown

Protecting your crowns requires the same level of dental care as maintaining proper oral hygiene around your natural teeth.

1. Avoid Clenching

Clenching and grinding your teeth can cause trauma, such as cracking or chipping, to your dental crown. If you find yourself clenching or grinding at night, you must wear a night guard to protect your crown.

2. Practice Good Dental Hygiene

It’s important to keep good oral health to extend the life of your dental crown. Make sure to:

• Brush your teeth and gum line at least twice per day
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste
• Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free, therapeutic mouth rinse
• Practice daily flossing

3. Be Careful of What You Eat

Dental crowns are prone to chipping and cracking. That’s why it’s important to watch what you eat and put in your mouth. To extend the lifespan of your crown, you should:

• Limit sugar intake
• Stay away from sticky snacks and hard candy
• Avoid tobacco products
• Avoid acidic drinks (i.e., sodas and juices)
• Avoid biting down on hard foods, such as ice
• Avoid biting fingernails

4. Attend Routine Dental Appointments

Your crown will last longer if you make sure to visit your dentist for routine cleanings and checkup appointments. This way, your dentist can check the crown for decay, trauma, or gaps between your teeth and the crown.

5. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Avoid using your teeth to open packaging, uncork bottles, tear threads, etc. Using your teeth as tools can wear your dental crowns down. 

How Do You Know When a Crown Needs to Be Replaced?

You will know that your crown needs to be replaced if it falls out, cracks, or you have pain in or around your natural teeth or along your gum line. You may experience increased tooth sensitivity, feel a sharp pain when chewing food, or notice a change in your bite.

There are many problems with crowns that do not cause symptoms, so you must see your dentist consistently for evaluation and X-rays. By catching any problems early, you may avoid expensive repairs.

Many insurance companies will not cover restorative dentistry like crown replacements for up to 5 years. They may only pay after some time has passed. 

It’s important to check your dental insurance plan to make sure that your crown replacement is covered before you go in for a new crown.

Summary

• A dental crown is a permanent prosthetic tooth used to protect a bridge, decay, or a weak tooth
• Dental crowns last an average of 15 years with good oral hygiene
• With proper care, a dental crown may last a lifetime
• If your crown falls out, cracks, or you have pain, you may need to replace your crown
• If you think you need a crown or are having issues with your crown, it’s important to call your dentist