How Long Does A Dental Crown/Cap Last

Are you curious about how long those dental crowns last? Well, Let me simplify this for you! Dental crowns act as a protective cover for your teeth, fixing things like decay and breaks. 

They can be made of different materials like metal, porcelain, zirconia, resin, and lithium disilicate, each with varying lifespans of about five to 15 years. Remember that they’re strong, but not unbreakable. It’s really important to look after them well so they stick around for longer. 

So, in this guide, I will talk about why dental crowns are used, the various types available, and how long they typically last. I will also share the factors which you should avoid to maintain a prolonged duration of crowns along with simple tips to keep your teeth healthy and safe.

Overview Of Dental Crowns

A dental crown acts as a shield for a tooth that is damaged or weak, similar to a well-fitted cap for your tooth. Dentists use it to fix things like decay or breaks. Before putting it on, they might have to take off a bit of your tooth’s outer layer of enamel. Crowns are made from different stuff like metal or porcelain by dental experts. However, if you are wondering how long does a dental crown last? Well, they’re tough, but they don’t last forever. So, keeping them well cared for makes crowns stick around longer.

Understanding the Purpose of Dental Crowns

Crowns serve various purposes in dental care, such as:

• Strengthening weak and decaying teeth.
• Holding dental bridges securely.
• Concealing severely stained or discolored teeth.
• Protecting teeth that have had root canal therapy.
• Restoring worn-down or broken teeth.
• Completing the appearance of dental implants.
• Protecting and supporting cracked teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns and How Long They Typically Last

There are lots of different kinds of dental crowns, and the one that’s best for you depends on your preferences and what your mouth needs. I will also discuss how long each type usually lasts:

Metal Crowns

Dentists use different metals like gold, nickel, palladium, and chromium to make strong dental crowns. These metal crowns hardly ever chip or break and last a long time. They’re great for chewing and biting. The only downside is that they look metallic, so they’re best for molars at the back of your mouth where they can’t be seen easily.

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are quite popular for making your front teeth look natural. But they have some downsides. The porcelain coating can chip off over time, revealing the metal underneath. Also, using PFM crowns for a long time can damage the enamel on the teeth as they touch when your mouth is closed. Generally, PFM crowns last around 5 to 15 years, but taking good care of them can make them last longer.

Zirconia (Ceramic Crown)

Zirconia crowns are super strong caps for your teeth, made from a tough material called zirconium dioxide. They’re really hard to break, even more than regular ceramic crowns. But sometimes, getting them to fit just right can be a bit difficult. With good brushing and dental check-ups, they can stick around in your mouth for a good 10-15 years, or even longer.

Resin Crowns

Resin dental crowns are cheaper but more fragile than other types like porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns. Dentists often use resin for temporary crowns because they’re affordable. These crowns usually last around three to five years.

Lithium Disilicate Crowns

This special type of strong glass ceramic is made from lithium (a shiny metal) and silicon (a hard, crystal-like material). Dentists use it to make crowns right in their labs using special machines called as CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) machine. 

This means that your dental crown is created and placed in just one appointment. These crowns are tough, look good, fit well, and stick to your teeth nicely. With the right care, they usually last for at least 5-15 years, sometimes even longer.

Signs that a Dental Crown Needs Replacement

If you notice any signs of decay or problems with your dental crown, it might be time to get it replaced. Here are a few things to look out for:

• If you feel pain near a tooth with a crown, it might indicate decay underneath. To fix this, they first take out the old crown, then treat any decay, and finally, put in a new crown.
• Occasionally, you may notice the crown feeling loose or shifting, especially when chewing sticky foods like gum or caramel.
• If the crown appears worn or chipped, you may consider replacing it for cosmetic purposes. Some individuals prefer new crowns to match their whitened teeth or have a different shape or style.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Dental Crowns

The time a dental crown lasts can change based on different things like what it’s made of, how well you care for your teeth, and what you do in your daily life. However, Here are some important factors:

1. Crown Material and Quality: What the crown is made of and how good it’s made can affect how long it lasts.
2. Dentist’s Skill: The dentist’s expertise in preparing your tooth and ensuring a good fit for the crown is important. Using modern techniques like digital scans can improve the crown’s fit.
3. Tooth Health: A healthy tooth with strong roots and good gums can contribute to the longevity of the crown.
4. Avoiding Damaging Habits: Avoid using your teeth for tasks like opening bottles or biting hard objects as it can harm the crown.
5. Managing Bruxism: Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially while sleeping, can accelerate crown wear. Wearing a night mouthguard can help protect it.

By knowing these factors, you can ensure regular care of teeth which can extend the durability of your dental crown.

Tips for Prolonging the Duration of Tooth Crowns

To maintain your crown in good condition for a long time, take good care of your teeth. Here are some simple tips:

• Brush your teeth two times every day and use dental floss every day to keep them clean.
• Do not chew on hard objects or use your teeth to open items.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
• Be careful with what you eat, avoiding sticky or hard foods.
• Consider wearing a mouthguard during sports to protect your crown and teeth.

What’s Another Common Option Instead of a Crown?

You have different choices instead of getting a crown, depending on what you want for your teeth.

Inlays and onlays:

Dentists use inlays or onlays for teeth that are too harmed for fillings but not harmed enough for crowns. They are custom-made pieces that fit perfectly into the affected area.

Tooth extraction:

If your tooth is bad and can’t be fixed with a crown, your dentist might suggest taking it out and putting in a dental implant instead.

Veneers:

If your teeth look good but you’re not happy, veneers can help. These thin ceramic shells cover chips, cracks, or stains, giving you a better smile without major dental work.

Conclusion

How long a dental crown lasts depends on how effectively you take care of it, the material it’s made of, and your daily habits. Usually, a crown can stay in good shape for 5 to 15 years if you look after it properly. Regular visits to the dentist and maintaining good oral health are key to making your crown last longer. Follow your dentist’s recommendations on how to take care of your crown to keep it in the best situation and maintain a healthy smile. Additionally, you can read our guide on the most common dental problems to gain a deeper understanding of teeth and their care.

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