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How long do dental crowns last?

The average lifespan of a dental crown is between 5 and 15 years. How long a crown lasts mostly depends on how well it’s placed, how well it’s taken care of and how it’s used.

A well-cared-for crown could last indefinitely, but it’s rare for a crown that has been well-fitted to crack or malfunction sooner than five years. This is why most dental insurance providers cover crown replacements after 5 years.

If the crown is misplaced or needs to be adjusted, this will usually be noticed by the patient and should be fixed by the doctor promptly. Once the adjustment period is over, it’s up to the patient to take good care of their new crown to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

What factors affect crown longevity?

Overall the most important factors that determine how long a dental crown will last are: oral hygiene, chewing and biting habits, crown material, and frequency of dental check-ups.

Oral hygiene tips for healthy teeth (and crowns):

Brushing all your teeth thoroughly, at least twice a day.

Flossing between every tooth, every day.

Using mouthwash, every day.  

Chewing and Biting Tips:

Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.

Refrain from eating foods or drinks that are too hot or too cold.

Avoid chewing hard materials like ice or pencils.

Never use your teeth as a tool, such as opening a plastic container with your teeth.

Never leave pieces of food (such as popcorn or meat) stuck between your teeth or your gums. They are a common cause of infection.

Recommended frequency of dental checkups:

One or more follow-up visits to your dentist in the first several weeks after your crown is placed. These check-ups are to make sure that your mouth is healing property from the procedure.

A cleaning appointment with your dentist once every 6 months, at least. You can schedule more frequent appointments if you have a history of oral disease or want to make sure your mouth health is being regularly checked by a professional.

Crown Material

Some crown materials are sturdier than others.

All-metal crowns, such as gold crowns, are the strongest type of dental prosthetics there are. All-metal crowns are impossibly hard to chip, but nowadays most people prefer more aesthetic alternatives.

Zirconia crowns are very strong as well. Zirconia is a metal oxide material derived from Zirconium metal. Crowns made from zirconia have an appearance that is similar to real teeth and are very strong compared to other ceramic dental prosthetic materials.

Emax crowns are another type of ceramic crown. They have an even closer resemblance to real teeth, but are a little less resistant to chipping. This does not mean that they will chip easily, but they have less of a chance of lasting longer than 15 years. 

(12/26/2021)
by LPA Dental Lab

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