Average lifespan of a dental crown
The average lifespan of a dental crown is five to fifteen years. The amount of “wear and tear” a crown experiences, how well you practice good oral hygiene, and your personal mouth habits all have an impact on the crown’s lifespan (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packaging).
Decay can cause serious damage to a tooth over time. The cost of a crown, as well as its longevity, is determined by a number of factors. Accidents, in addition to decay, can cause a tooth to be broken or damaged in other ways. The average lifespans of different materials differ because some are more durable than others. If a tooth’s crown has been significantly damaged for any reason, it must be repaired.
Types of dental crowns
- Zirconia: Zirconium dioxide, a very strong type of material related to titanium, is used to make zirconium dioxide crowns, which are classified as a type of ceramic crown. These crowns are extremely resistant to fracture due to their durability.
- Porcelain fused to metal: PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns are a popular option that also happens to be one of the most natural-looking. As a result, they’re ideal for front teeth.
- Lithium disilicate: This glass ceramic is made of lithium (a silver-white metal) and silicon and is very strong (a hard, crystalline solid).
- Stainless Steel: Temporary stainless steel crowns are used to protect a tooth or filling while a permanent crown (made of a different material) is being prepared. Stainless steel crowns are frequently used on children’s teeth to protect them from further decay and to allow the crown to fall out naturally when the permanent tooth arrives.
Temporary Crowns vs Permanent Crowns
A dentist will shave down a patient’s teeth before placing permanent crowns to ensure that the crown has a properly shaped base to adhere to. Temporary crowns made from a mold of the patient’s natural teeth will be placed after the teeth have been shaved down. These temporary crowns protect the patient’s newly shaved teeth from damage and allow them to function normally until their permanent crowns are placed. Temporary crowns are made of less expensive materials such as acrylic or certain types of metal because they only need to last a few weeks.
Factors that Determine Dental Crown Longevity
- The tooth’s location (rear, front)
- Underneath the crown, the condition of the original tooth
- Clenching or grinding
- Oral hygiene and crown tooth maintenance
- Negative habits (chewing ice, fingernails, removing bottle caps)
- Gold, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, and other materials were used.
- Installation
- The crown must be made correctly.
- Crown (full or partial)
- The state of your gums (gum disease)
- External adversity (accidents)
Tips To Help Your Crown Last Longer
- To prevent crown wear and tear, avoid biting down on hard objects or foods.
- Regular cleanings in our office will ensure that everything is in good working order and that your crown remains healthy.
- Do not clench or grind your teeth.
- If you have bruxism, a mouth guard may be recommended.
- Brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, paying special attention to the crown area.
Do crowns last longer than veneers?
The primary distinction between a veneer and a crown is coverage. A veneer only covers the front of your tooth, whereas a dental crown covers the entire tooth. A crown is thicker than a veneer, so there’s a difference in thickness there as well.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
A dental crown can range in price. The cost varies between $1,000 and $3,500, depending on the needs of each patient. Third-party financing companies can be used to create a payment installment plan if a dental crown is not covered by an insurance policy—or if a patient does not have insurance.
How will you know when a crown needs to be replaced?
Clinical examination or dental X-rays are the only ways to determine if a crown needs to be replaced.