It's no surprise that dental crown treatment requires time and money. So many patients have a common question: How long is this solution going to last? A few years, decades or even more?

The duration for which the dental crown treatment remains intact can vary from one person to another, considering several factors. These include the type of material used for the crown, your dental habits and how one takes care of it. 

When the procedure is carried out by a trained dentist, the dental crown can last at least a decade, if not more. This article should help you realize how long various types of dental crowns are supposed to serve you. This'll equip you with the proper information for effective decision-making.

How Long Do Different Types of Dental Crowns Last?

The following is how long every type of crown lasts in general.

Porcelain Fused To Metal Crowns

Want sturdy and reliable dental crown treatment? Go for Porcelain fused metal(PFM) crowns. They are engineered with a metal core and a porcelain covering. So they offer strength and beauty at the same time.

PFM crowns can stay in the mouth for ten to fifteen years. However, the outer porcelain layer may be more exposed to chipping. To ensure that your crown fits properly, look for a family dentist in Warriewood with experience in cosmetic dentistry. 

Complete Porcelain Crown or All Ceramic Dental Crown

Does your front teeth require a dental crown? Then, your preference will be aesthetics. Here, porcelain or ceramic crowns became ideal choices. They offer the greatest aesthetics by matching the shade of teeth. 

Porcelain dental crown procedures usually remain intact for 10 to 15 years. But they can go beyond if you maintain them and take proper care. 

Crowns of Gold or Other Metal Alloys

Dental crowns and bridges crafted using gold, platinum or their alloys are the strongest. These rarely break or chip. The only disadvantage? These crowns have a metallic look. 

In contrast to other crowns, a metal crown may last anywhere between 20 to more than 30 years. They're ideal for molars. 

Zirconium Crowns

Need structural integrity without compromising on beauty? These dental crowns and bridges are your answer. They serve as a great alternative for ceramics or porcelain crowns.

On average, zirconia is designed to last a decade and a few more years. They have lower tendencies to friction, thermal fracture or cracking than porcelain crowns.

Lithium Disilicate Crowns

Crown-like structures created using Lithium Disilicate are now so much in vogue due to their elegance and firmness. If you want an affordable and appealing dental crown procedure for your front tooth, this is an optimal option. 

They have a natural teeth-like appearance. If fitted properly by a trained dentist, this material stays intact for 10 to 15 years.

Factors That Impact The Longevity of Your Dental Crowns

Dental Habits

There are certain dental habits that can wear out the dental crowns quickly. These include: 

  • Teeth grinding, 
  • Chewing on hard objects, 
  • Nail biting or cracking open packages with your teeth. 

If you grind your teeth at night, a Northern Beaches dental clinic can provide you with treatment options like night guards to help manage these problems.

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is crucial in preventing damage to the crowned tooth due to decay or gum disease that might occur in the tissues surrounding it. 

The dental crown is not going to decay, but any tooth under the cap may have progressive cavities. To help your crown stay as long as necessary, it is essential to brush, floss, and get regular dental check-ups & cleanings from a Family Dentist in Warriewood. 

Fit and Placement

How well your crown fits and how it is placed also dictates its durability. If you had a poorly fitted crown or if your dental crown needed bite adjustments that were not done, the crown would likely break faster. Just like your Orthodontic Dentist offers custom braces, your dental crown and bridges also need tailored precision. 

Common Indicators Signifying That You Might Also Need a New Crown

No matter how well these crowns are maintained, irritation can only last for so long before the crown needs to be substituted. Look out for these signs:

  • Pain or discomfort
  • Loose crown
  • Visible wear and tear

If you have any of them, it is best to get an evaluation with an orthodontic dentist or general dentist to see if you require a crown replacement.

Wrapping Up

Although the initial cost is quite high, the long-term benefits and the enhancement in the quality of life make dental crowns worthy of the cost. You can get dental crown treatment at a renowned Northern Beaches dental, which will offer you individualised treatment so that your crown will last longer.