How Long Do Crowns Last?

A dental crown is a permanent prosthetic tooth.

The crown fits to your existing tooth. You may have a dental crown to cover up bad tooth decay or to hold a bridge in place that fills a gap between your teeth. Crowns protect weak teeth and support large fillings, as well.

Unfortunately, dental crowns do not last forever. However, they can last a long time with proper care. How long your crown will last you depends on several factors like your oral hygiene, the size of the crown, the reason for your crown, and the crown material.

Your dentist may choose one of these types of crowns:

• Temporary Crowns — Temporary crowns don’t usually last for more than two to three 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 can last up to 15 years.
• Zirconia Crowns — Zirconia crowns are incredibly durable and can potentially last you a lifetime.
• Gold Crowns — Gold crowns may last longer than other types and can sometimes even last you for life.
• Metal Crowns — While metal crowns should last you anywhere from five to 15 years, many dentists don’t use them anymore.
• CEREC Crowns — CEREC crowns last, on average, about 10 to 15 years. If they’re well taken care of, they can last much longer.

How Long Do Crowns Last on Front Teeth?

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

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 it is important that you see your dentist on a consistent basis for evaluation and x-rays of your dental crowns.  By catching any problems early, you may avoid expensive repairs.

Many insurance companies will not cover restorative dentistry like crown replacements for up to five years. They may only pay after a certain period of 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.

Can a Crown Last a Lifetime?

Crowns are permanent but they may still need to be replaced after several years. If your crown is done well, you keep up with good oral hygiene, and maintain proper care of your crown, your crown can last you decades or even a lifetime.

Tips: How to Protect Dental Crowns

Protecting your crowns requires the same kind of dental care that it takes to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Take care of your teeth and make your crowns last longer by following these tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice per day
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free, therapeutic mouth rinse
• Practice daily flossing
• Limit your sugar intake
• Stay away from sticky snacks and hard candy
• Avoid tobacco products
• Avoid acidic drinks (i.e. sodas and juices)
• Don’t bite down on hard foods
• Visit your dentist annually (or as recommended) for check-ups and cleanings
• Practice good oral hygiene habits
• Wear a protective nightguard if you have the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep