How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? What Your Smile Deserves to Know

No one wants to get a dental treatment that won’t stand the test of time. And though getting dental crowns today is so much easier than what things were like decades ago, it doesn’t mean you want to be back in the dental chair in a few months, or even a few years.

So this begs the question: How long do dental crowns last? 

Quick Answer: Average Lifespan of a Dental Crown

Most dental crowns will last between five and 15 years. Some crowns may last even longer with proper care. How long a dental crown will last will depend on the material used, the approach you take to oral hygiene, and daily wear and tear. 

The actual length of time that your dental crowns will hold up will depend a lot on how well you care for your smile. Regular dental visits and avoiding habits like teeth grinding can help your crown stay in place for many years.

What affects how long a crown lasts? 

Before we get into the specifics about how you can help your dental crown last as long as possible, let’s talk about why you might need a dental crown in the first place. Typically, dentists place dental crowns (instead of fillings) when there is significant tooth decay but there is still a chance to save the natural tooth rather than extract it. 

But, tooth decay isn’t the only reason. Dental crowns are also helpful for those who have chipped or cracked a tooth and need it protected. And so, clearly, the best thing to do to help your crown last is to take steps to avoid what happened to your natural tooth in the first place.

That said, every dental crown experiences wear over time. Some crowns may need replacement sooner than others based on a combination of oral habits, dental health, and daily use.

Here are some of the biggest factors that can affect how long your dental crown lasts:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) puts extra pressure on both your crown and natural teeth. Over time, this can lead to wear, cracks, or other damage.
• Biting hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails can chip, crack, or loosen a dental crown.
• Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of decay around the edges of the crown. The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath still can.
• The quality of the crown placement plays a role in how long it lasts. A properly fitted crown is less likely to develop problems over time.
• Daily habits and overall dental health can make a significant difference. Some people get 20 years or more from a crown because they take care of their teeth and avoid damaging habits. This can help stretch out the time before a replacement is needed.

Regular dental visits make a difference in maximizing your dental crown’s lifespan.

Visit any dentist’s website and you’re going to see them talking about the importance of professional dental cleanings. And the reality is that this isn’t just lip (or tooth) service. The recommendation to visit the dentist every six months is consistent for a reason. 

Research backs this up. One study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that patients who regularly attended periodontal maintenance visits were less likely to lose teeth over time. 

But does this mean you need to see your dentist every three or four months? Not unless your dentist recommends it. For most people, a visit every six months is appropriate. These appointments allow your dentist to spot small problems before they become larger ones. That can lower your chances of tooth loss and reduce the likelihood that you’ll need a dental crown in the future.

Tips to Help Your Dental Crown Last as Long as Possible

As we noted earlier, no one wants to go to the dentist more than they need to for restorative dentistry services. And so, if you do get a dental crown, we want it to last. That’s why we’ve put together this list of things you can do to keep those dental crowns looking (and feeling) as good as new. 

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day at bedtime to remove plaque around the crown and gumline.
• Pay a visit to your Saint Joseph dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after meals.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to decay around the crown.
• Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping.
• Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and other hard objects.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages, tear tape, or hold objects.
• Address small dental problems early before they lead to larger issues.
• Follow any care instructions your dentist provides for your specific crown.

Give your dental crown the care it deserves. 

As your dentist in St. Joseph, MI, we want your smile, and your dental crown, to truly last as long as it possibly can. And to make that happen, it means keeping up on those dental cleanings.

Yes, we realize we’ve said this already. A couple of times, in fact. And the reason why is simple. The better you adhere to the tips we’ve listed here, including a good professional dental cleaning every six months, the less likely you’ll need to revisit the dental crown procedure anytime soon.

So, if you are overdue for a cleaning, it’s time to get it on the calendar. Request your next appointment with your St. Joseph dentist today.