How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are a frequent treatment for advanced dental damage. Dental crowns restore teeth compromised by tooth decay, acid erosion, or oral injury. Porcelain crowns surround a damaged tooth to improve the bite, oral functions, and the smile’s appearance.
When considering dental crown treatment at Smiles Montreal in Montreal, QC, patients often ask, “how long do dental crowns last?” The lifespan of dental crowns depends on several different factors. Our dentists inform patients about the best way to care for dental crowns so they get the most life out of their restorations.
Average Crown’s Lifespan
Dental crowns are crafted to be strong, well-fitted dental restorations. But even under the best conditions, dental crowns are not expected to last forever. Fortunately, with proper care, dental crowns can last for many years, and possibly the duration of a patient’s lifetime. The average lifespan of dental crowns is around 15 years, though they can last much longer.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Crown
A dental crown may last longer for some patients than it does for others because the lifespan of a dental crown depends on many different factors. The factors that have the most impact include:
- Dental crown materials - A dental crown can be made of composite materials, metals, or porcelain. Some materials have the potential to last longer than others.
- Dental habits - Dental crowns are susceptible to damage like natural teeth. Those of our Montreal patients who bite their nails, clench or grind their teeth, or practice other bad dental habits are more likely to damage a dental crown prematurely.
- Oral hygiene practices - Dental crowns cannot develop decay, but the teeth beneath them can. Poor oral hygiene practices increase the risk of decay and infection, which could shorten a crown’s lifespan.
Common Reasons for Dental Crown Replacement
Ideally, dental crowns will only need to be replaced when age has caused them to become weak or worn down. Unfortunately, there are many conditions that could shorten a crown’s lifespan and require it to be replaced before it reaches its optimal lifespan. Common reasons for dental crown replacement include damage to the dental crown itself (chips, cracks, fractures) and decay or infection in the natural tooth beneath the crown.
Prolonging the Lifespan of a Dental Crown
There are many steps that our Montreal patients can take to prolong the lifespan of a dental crown. Some of the best practices for preserving a dental crown include:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Routine dental exams and cleanings
- Minimizing consumption of foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy
- Refraining from using the teeth as tools or biting on non-food objects
- Refraining from clenching or grinding the teeth
- Wearing a mouth guard when participating in contact sports
Contact Us
Dental crowns are one of many restorative dentistry treatments offered at Smile Montreal. If you are interested in learning more about our comprehensive range of dental services, we invite you to call our dental practice at (514) 937-6558 or schedule an appointment online.