How Long Do Full Coverage Crowns Last?
Full coverage dental crowns can last as long as 15 to 30 years, depending on what they’re made of and how you take care of them. Dental crowns are used to save or restore a tooth and enhance its function and, usually, its appearance; in some cases, less cosmetic materials like gold or metal alloys might be preferred when the molars are being crowned and strength is more important than aesthetics. While wear and tear happen naturally, this does gradually wear on crowns. In some cases, this wear and tear may happen faster. For example, patients who clench or grind their teeth, and patients who eat a lot of hard or crunchy foods may face a higher likelihood of a crown breaking. There are other factors that could contribute to premature crown fracture or failure, but most of these are within the patient’s control. To optimize the lifespan of your dental crown, observe some basic behaviors and follow your dentist’s recommendations; with a few simple steps, you can effectively support a decades-long lifespan for your full coverage crowns.
Step One:
Make sure to maintain effective oral hygiene by following a solid dental hygiene routine. While the crown itself isn’t susceptible to decay, the tissues that surround and support the teeth, as well as the teeth themselves, are still vulnerable to disease and decay. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, along with daily flossing. Ask your dental hygienist to demonstrate the proper brushing technique to ensure that you’re doing your part to prevent gum disease and preserve the longevity of your teeth and your crowns. Finally, visit your dentist as directed for professional cleanings and checkups to check on the condition of the crown and ensure that gum disease and tooth decay are kept at bay.
Step Two:
Modify your diet to minimize the amount of very hard or sticky food, like nuts or candy, that you may consume. If you habitually chew on ice or other hard objects, ask your dentist for some behavior-modification ideas to help support you as you learn to change this habit. Some crown materials are more durable than others, and your dentist may recommend different materials depending on where in your mouth the crown will be placed. Carefully consider your dentist’s recommendations in light of your own behaviors and habits.
Step Three:
If you habitually clench or grind your teeth, which often happens at night while sleeping, ask your dentist about a nightguard. Grinding the teeth wears down crowns, and natural teeth, and compromises their strength, and wearing a nightguard while sleeping can protect the teeth and minimize this risk.
Step Four:
Replace your dental crown as recommended by your dentist. While crowns could last as long as 30 years with the proper care, many insurance providers will subsidize replacement crowns every five years. If your crown continues to fit well and doesn’t sustain damage, there’s no reason to replace it; if your dentist suggests that it’s time to replace it, however, look into your own insurance plan to see if this is an affordable option for you. With routine dental visits, proper maintenance, and healthy habits, you could reap the benefits of your full coverage crown for decades.