Before you receive a dental crown, it’s natural to wonder how long you can expect that crown to last. This question doesn’t have just one answer, because every individual’s dental crown is a little different. There are several factors to consider when you’re calculating how long you can expect your crown to last.
What Is Your Crown Made Of?
The material your crown is made of will depend on when and where you receive that dental crown. While it’s not the only deciding factor, your crown material can give you a clue as to how long your crown will last.
Zirconia
Zirconia is a non-metallic substance that is related to titanium. Zirconia crowns are among the least likely to crack under heavy bite pressure, which has made them a popular choice recently. On average, zirconia crowns last 10–15 years or longer.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain fused to metal crowns look very natural, which has made them a popular choice for front teeth. Porcelain is sometimes prone to chipping, however, and the metal edge of the crown may become more visible with time. These crowns usually last 5–15 years or more.
Lithium Disilicate
The name might be a mouthful, but lithium disilicate crowns are currently one of the most popular crown types. This material is a combination of lithium and silicon, and will last anywhere from 5–15 years or more.
Gold
The most obvious drawback of gold is that you can’t expect it to match your natural teeth. A gold crown is noticeable. However, gold is resistant to chipping or cracking and can be molded to fit a tooth very precisely. You can expect a gold crown to last 10 years and beyond.
Are You Caring for Your Crown?
This probably won’t surprise you, but the more effort you put in to keeping your crown clean and healthy, the longer it will last. Crowns usually don’t require any more care than a standard tooth, but it’s also important to check on your crown periodically to make sure it isn’t loose or cracked.
Remember Your Basics
Good dental hygiene is important for all kinds of reasons. Maintaining your crown, or crowns, is just one reason why it’s important to brush and floss.
Make sure you’re brushing with the right technique, and make an effort to brush and floss multiple times per day. When flossing, it’s a good idea to pay extra attention to the area around the base of your crowned tooth.
Use the floss to get under the gumline, when possible, and resist “popping” the floss up and down between your teeth. Instead, make a scooping motion with the floss.
Known When to Call Your Dentist
Crowns are designed to last a long time, but it’s common for crowns to need maintenance or replacement after several years. If you want to make your crowns last and keep the rest of your teeth and gums healthy at the same time, let your dentist know if you’re having a problem with your crown.
What does a problematic crown look like? Give us a call if you are experiencing one or more of the following issues:
- Your gumline is receding from around the crowned tooth.
- Your dental crown feels loose.
- Your crowned tooth is suddenly very sensitive to temperature or touch.
- Your crowned tooth is painful.
- Your bite feels wrong, especially around your crowned tooth.
- There is visible damage to your crown.
Any of these signs might mean it’s time to replace your crown. If your crown is very old, it’s also not a bad idea to have your dentist inspect it to make sure it’s still doing its job well.
With Good Materials and the Right Care, Dental Crowns Can Last Decades.
We are committed to making sure your dental crown is as long-lasting as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can care for your crowns!
