On average, dental crowns will be functional for five to fifteen years. However, in conjunction with proper oral hygiene and care, their lifespan can even stretch to several decades depending on the type of material, the placement, and your habits. For example, a metal crown will frequently have the longest lifespan, while a resin one would be the shortest, with porcelain and PFM coming somewhere in between. Proper brushing, flossing, hard food avoiding, and if necessary, using a night guard for grinding, are the things that will keep them for a long time.
Dental crowns lifespan greatly depends on the factors that influence them
The most important factors are good oral hygiene, decay at crown margins prevention which is the cause of 60% of failures, brushing twice a day, flossing thoroughly, and using antimicrobial rinses. Grinding of teeth or bruxism can shorten dental crowns lifespan by half.
1. Zirconia crowns: They last 15-20+ years, are resistant to fractures, and can be used for molars while having a natural look.
2. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): 10-15 years, PFM can be considered as a good combination of both strength and appearance but, the main problem is the risk of the metal chipping.
3. All-ceramic/porcelain: their lifespan is between 5-15 years, they are the best solution for front teeth because of the translucency.
4. Gold/metal alloys: 20-30+ years, the most durable of all but not very attractive.
One of the best ways to prevent cracking is to stay away from hard foods (i.e., ice, nuts), smoking, and clenching. The health of the tooth comes first, if it is poorly prepared its lifespan will be halved.
Signs of Failure and Maintenance Tips
Some of the trouble signs that dental crowns may have are fit loosening, sensitivity, dark lines and fractures. As a result, early replacement is the way to go if you want to avoid root canals that will cost you twice as much. In addition, CAD/CAM digital fitting has become so accurate that it results in prolonging the lifespan of crowns by more than five years. To keep them in a good condition, use soft toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and visit your dentist 6 times a year.
Thinking about enhancing your smile? Visit our page on Dental Crowns in London to explore treatment options, costs, and expert advice.