How Long Do Full Coverage Crowns Last?
Effective oral hygiene habits make a big difference in the health of the teeth and gums, and they also influence the lifespan of dental restorations like full coverage crowns. Other factors that can affect the lifespan of a full coverage crown are:
- The material the crown is made of
- The fit of the crown
- Destructive habits, like clenching or grinding the teeth, or using them as tools
- Damage from biting or chewing hard or excessively sticky foods
Full coverage crowns that are custom-fitted and designed by a qualified, experienced dentist should fit properly, and periodic checkups and adjustments will help keep the crown snug and secure. Work on remembering that your teeth aren’t tools, and exercise caution when eating nuts, candy, and caramel, avoiding biting or chewing with the crown whenever possible. If you know that you have bruxism, which is chronic grinding of the teeth that usually happens while sleeping, ask your dentist for a recommendation or a fitting for a night guard, which will protect your teeth and crowns while you sleep and help relieve painful pressure on the jaw. Likewise, if you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and crowns, and learn how to play with less risk of damage to the face or head.
Most dental crowns aren’t designed to last a lifetime even with impeccable care, though it’s not uncommon for gold crowns to endure for decades; thanks to the high cost of gold, however, and its obvious appearance, it’s used less and less in clinical applications, though it remains ideal for rear-molar restorations. Otherwise, it’s common for a dental crown to last 10-25 years with the proper care, which, at a minimum, means brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and seeing the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. While a dental crown can’t be damaged by plaque and tartar like a natural tooth can, the underlying tooth, gums, and bone still can, so proper brushing and flossing remain as important as ever. Make sure to talk to your dentist about the best technique for safely flossing around a crown, learning how to clean around the crown without snagging it. Additionally, exercising caution when eating hard or sticky foods or playing contact sports, and otherwise caring for the teeth and crowns, will only help extend their lifespan.
Different materials have different considerations, and longevity is certainly a factor worth considering when choosing the right material for your full coverage crown. Depending on the location in your mouth, the appearance of the material might make a big difference, too. You and your dentist can review the details, including the cost. In general, crowns made of 100% resin are the least durable option, lasting as briefly as 3-5 years, though they’re aesthetically effective and generally affordable. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are aesthetically superior, but they’re not as durable as metal crowns; this makes them a good option for the front teeth, which bear less force and are highly visible. With proper care, ceramic crowns in the front of the mouth can last 10-15 years.
Metal crowns, on the other hand, are best used in the back of the mouth, on the molars, where they’re less visible – unless, of course, you’re getting a gold crown for aesthetic reasons – and can last 30 years or longer. Some crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain, though the appearance of these types of crowns can degrade over time. Newer dental technologies use innovative materials like pressed ceramic or zirconia to create more durable, entirely natural-looking full coverage crowns designed to last for decades. The verdict is still out on how much these materials endure over the long haul, but with continued research and development, long-lasting, attractive options will only continue to expand and improve.
Related Article: Indication for Full Coverage Crowns