Dental crowns are an effective method of dental restoration, which often saves a decayed tooth from extraction and prolongs its lifespan. But how long does a dental crown last? In this article, we discuss different materials used for making dental crowns and what longevity can be expected of them.

How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?

Dental crowns’ longevity mainly depends on the material they are made of and can range from 5 to 20 years. Other factors that can influence the time your crown serves you include your teeth and gums’ health, your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits, and your diet. Let us look at different materials dental crowns can be made of and what life span you can expect from them:

Porcelain Dental Crowns

Porcelain is one of the most popular materials for dental crowns because it is durable, stain-resistant, and looks natural in the mouth. Patients can expect their porcelain crowns to last for up to 15 years with proper care.

Resin Composite Dental Crowns

Resin composite crowns are typically more affordable compared to porcelain crowns. However, they are less durable and not as stain-resistant. Often, this type of crown can be preferred as a temporary solution. Resin composite crowns typically last 3 to 5 years.

Gold Dental Crowns

Gold dental crowns can last for an exceptionally long time—up to 20 years. Also, gold typically does not cause allergies. However, this type of dental crown will be noticeable in the mouth due to the color of the material, especially if the crown is located toward the front of the mouth. Because of this reason, gold crowns are not very popular nowadays. Still, some people might choose this option due to its longevity, especially for treating teeth at the back of the mouth that are not visible when you speak. Also, some people might choose gold crowns precisely because of how they look, and if they align with their aesthetic preferences.

Silver Amalgam Dental Crowns

Similar to gold crowns, silver amalgam dental crowns rarely chip or break and have good longevity. However, silver amalgam crowns are also noticeable in the mouth and will be best suited for molars at the back of the mouth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns have a metal base that is coated with porcelain. They can last almost as long as fully metal crowns but also offer the natural look of porcelain. However, in some cases, porcelain can chip off or wear off over time, especially if you are not careful with your diet, exposing the metal underneath.

Care Tips to Increase the Longevity of Your Dental Crowns

Regardless of the material you choose for your dental crowns, we recommend following several care tips we list below to ensure that your crowns last longer:

Keep your gums and the teeth surrounding the crowned tooth healthy by maintaining efficient oral hygiene. This way, you can ensure that there is no infection present in the mouth that can make the tooth underneath the crown start decaying. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every evening. We also recommend adding a water flosser as the first step in your hygiene routine to boost its effectiveness.
Do not skip your bi-yearly dental visits for checkups and professional cleanings. This way, you will improve your oral hygiene and health even more. Also, your dentist will be able to check the condition of your crowns and spot any potential issues before they become more serious.
Avoid over-the-counter whitening solutions and toothpaste, as well as toothpaste containing abrasive particles, as both these products can scratch or damage the surface of your crowns. Crowns covered with micro scratches can appear discolored or stained.
Be mindful of what you eat, and avoid hard and crunchy foods that can chip or crack your crowns. Also, sticky foods, such as toffee, might pull the crown. In addition, we advise abstaining from staining foods and beverages, such as black coffee and tea, red wine, beetroot, etc., or brushing your teeth immediately after the meal if you consume such products.
Prevent your crowns from chipping or breaking by protecting your teeth with a mouthguard when playing sports or engaging in other activities that might result in oral trauma.

Make an Appointment Today

If you need reliable dental crowns, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at the Chino Aesthetic dental office. We use high-quality materials and modern techniques to provide our clients with long-lasting dental restoration appliances. We look forward to your visit.