How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last?
A dental crown is a common dental restoration that can be used to restore a tooth that has extensive decay or has fractured. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth all the way to the gum line and is considered a permanent solution. Left untreated, a tooth that needs a crown can eventually be at risk of failure and require extraction. A dental crown can save a tooth for 20 years or even a lifetime.
Types of Crowns
The average lifespan of a dental crown is about 10 to 20 years but with proper care and maintenance, a dental crown can last a lifetime. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth being treated and where the tooth is located to determine what type of material will give you the best results.
- Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide which is a type of material derived from zirconium, a metal related to titanium. Even though it is derived from a metal, zirconia crowns are safe for patients with metal allergies. Zirconia crowns are durable and resistant to fracture. With proper care and regular visits to the Dentist, zirconia crowns can easily last 15 to 20 years.
- Porcelain fused to metal: Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a type of crown that have an underlying layer of metal that is covered with a tooth-colored, porcelain overlay. They are best suited to the posterior teeth because over time, the metal can begin to show at the gum line. On average, PFM crowns can last from 5-15 years.
- Gold and base metals: Gold is a great material because of its strength, ability to fit the tooth perfectly, and resistance to chipping and cracking. Gold crowns have a 95% survival rate over a span of 10 years but with proper care, can easily last for decades.
What can affect the lifespan of a crown?
The lifespan of a crown can vary depending on the type of material used and oral hygiene habits. To get the most out of your investment, you should maintain a good oral care routine of brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing at least once a day, and having your teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months unless your Dentist recommends a more frequent schedule.
Additional factors that affect the lifespan of a dental crown include:
- Type: The quality of the material and how well it is made.
- The expertise of your provider: How well the tooth is prepared and how they took the impression or scanned the tooth for fabricating the crown can also make a difference in the fit and life of the crown.
- Health of the affected tooth: If the tooth was relatively healthy with healthy gum and bone levels, the crown and the tooth have a better prognosis.
- Bruxism: Bruxism is the clenching and grinding of the teeth that a lot of us do in our sleep. It can wear down the surface of the crown and compromise its stability. Your Dentist can have a custom night guard fabricated to combat nightly bruxism.