Dental crowns are used to cover cracked, broken, or even discoloured teeth. The natural tooth is shaped slightly to remove some of the enamel, then a mould is made to ensure the crown will fit perfectly over the tooth, without any gaps. It’s then bonded to the tooth where it can stay for many years, depending on the material used.
Crowns can be made from metals such as gold, ceramic, porcelain, resin, and zirconia. Gold teeth were the most popular option in the past, however, the distinct colour and metallic taste inspired the creation of more natural-looking crowns for a blended, less obvious aesthetic.
Ceramic mimics the translucency of natural teeth and can be coloured to match the shade of the surrounding teeth. This has become the most popular material for crowns in recent years.
But different materials offer more than just different appearances – they also affect the lifespan of the crown fixture. So how long do dental crowns last?
How The Crown Material Impacts Its Lifespan
Each material type comes with a list of pros and cons. As a general rule, the more advanced the crown is, the more expensive it will be. So before you make your decision, consider whether or not this is to be a temporary fixture or permanent feature in your smile.
Resin
Resin crowns are the softest of all the materials available. They’re fragile and easily broken. They generally last between 3-5 years and are great as a temporary placeholder whilst you wait for a more permanent solution to your dental issue.
Metal
Because of the sheer strength of these metal crowns, you can expect one to last up to 20 years. The drawbacks, however, have to be taken into consideration. Metal teeth are instantly noticeable – which is great for the rockstar look, but could be a hindrance in other spheres.
Some people have a sensitivity to metal, and the metallic taste can be quite pronounced, so if you’re a foodie consider this option carefully.
Metal teeth are still in use, though dentists prefer to use this option for back molars rather than front teeth.
Porcelain
Porcelain teeth can be customised to suit the natural surrounding teeth. Teeth aren’t all brilliant white, they come in different shades. So getting a perfect match with your crown means it becomes virtually undetectable in conversation.
However, these crowns aren’t as strong as metal ones and are prone to chipping – much like natural teeth. Following a good oral hygiene routine and caring for your crowns as you do your natural teeth will help them last longer.
In all, proper care will help porcelain crowns last up to 15 years.
Ceramic
Ceramic crowns are incredibly similar to porcelain crowns, but they are an even closer match to natural teeth than porcelain. Ceramic is the top choice for front teeth crowns because they can easily be mistaken for real teeth, even when viewed up close.
Ceramic teeth are also prone to chipping but with the proper care can also last up to 15 years.
Zirconia
This is a relatively new addition to the crown materials market. It combines the strength and durability of metal crowns with the blending capability of porcelain and ceramic. Made from an alloy that resembles titanium, a zirconia crown is at the peak of tooth replacement.
Because it’s so new, there’s a little uncertainty on how long these crowns will actually last, but it has the potential to last a lifetime. There’s no danger of chipping or cracking, there’s no pressure on neighbouring teeth with temperature changes, and there’s minimal loss of the natural tooth that holds a zirconia crown.
The Lifetime Of A Crown – In Summary
Most crown materials last for over a decade, making them an excellent investment. Resin crowns are the exception, which is why they are viewed as a temporary measure.
Metal, porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia teeth can be customised to match the surrounding teeth, helping you perfect your best smile. If you want a dental crown that’ll last for years, these are the best options to consider.
For further guidance on the durability of crown materials, please reach out to us here at My Family Dental where we’re always happy to answer your questions and offer our professional advice.