How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last anywhere between five and 15 years. Their life span depends on how you expose them, how well you clean them, and overall oral hygiene. Poor dental hygiene, clenching or grinding your teeth, opening packages using your teeth, or chewing on hard foods and ice can damage your teeth and dental crowns.

Aside from your dental hygiene and lifestyle practices, the type of dental crown you choose can affect its longevity.

Types of Dental Crowns

Long-lasting dental crowns can be made out of various materials. These materials may include:

Metal

Metal is a popular material for dental crowns because it is sturdy, does not chip, and more affordable than other crown options. Besides, metal crowns are the longest-lasting type of dental crowns, with a lifespan of 15 to 25 years or more.

They do not wear down and only remove a small amount of your tooth. Metal crowns can also endure chewing and biting strains due to their strong material. The main drawback of metal crowns is their metallic shade that does not give teeth a natural appearance. Thus, metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight teeth.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)

PFM dental crowns match your teeth's natural color. It is made of metal on the inside and covered with porcelain on the outside. Both materials are durable and can survive the stress of biting and chewing and years of wearing away.

PFM crowns can last 10 to 15 years. But the porcelain part of the crown can chip or break off and affect the teeth that come into contact with it.

All-porcelain or All-ceramic

All-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns mean the whole crown is made from porcelain or ceramic material. These materials give your teeth a more natural look, thanks to their snowy and natural-looking white color.

All-porcelain and all-ceramic crowns are not as strong as metal or PFM crowns. However, they can last anywhere between 10 and 15 years with proper dental care. They are a good option if you are allergic to metal or if the repair is on your front teeth.

Pressed Ceramic

Pressed ceramic means that the powdery ingredients are hard-pressed to form a solid shape and body. Pressed ceramic crowns have a stronger inner core in place of the metallic liner that all-ceramic crowns use.

They have a porcelain cover to best match your teeth to their natural color. Pressed ceramic crowns last longer than all-porcelain crowns. With proper care, they can last well over 15 years.

All-resin

All-resin means the entire dental crown is made from resin material. Also known as composite resin, all-resin crowns have the shortest lifespan. They last three to five years or up to eight years with appropriate care.

Resin materials closely tone with your natural tooth color and are the most cost-effective type of crowns. However, all-resin dental crowns rank among the weakest and least durable crowns.

See Your Dentist

Do you need a dental crown? A dental exam with your dentist can help determine if you need a dental crown or a different type of tooth restoration.

For more on dental crowns, visit Today's Family Dental at our office in Lutz, Florida. Call (813) 212-8700 to book an appointment today.