Dental crowns are fantastic solutions for restoring damaged teeth, acting like a protective cap that fits snugly over your tooth.
At Smile Line Dentistry in Livermore and Antioch, CA, we understand you might be wondering: How long do crowns last?
This is a common and important question, and understanding the lifespan of your crown is key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Let's explore what makes crowns a lasting solution and what factors influence their durability.
Dental crowns at Smile Line Dentistry are custom-made caps that cover a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Think of them as personalized helmets for your teeth—offering both function and aesthetics. Crowns are bonded in place to fully encase the visible part of the tooth above the gumline.
You might need a dental crown if you have a large cavity that can’t be filled, a cracked or broken tooth, or after a root canal.
Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes to improve the look of a discolored or misshaped tooth and to cover dental implants. Essentially, they protect what’s vulnerable and restore what’s missing.
The longevity of a crown largely depends on the material it’s made from. Some materials are more durable than others.
The way you care for your crown will significantly influence how long it lasts. Poor oral hygiene, chewing on hard objects, grinding your teeth, and eating acidic or sticky foods can all cut a crown’s life short.
On the other hand, good habits and routine checkups can help them last much longer.
Porcelain crowns are known for their natural appearance, making them ideal for front teeth. They match the color of surrounding teeth but are less durable compared to other materials. They’re also more prone to chipping.
Ceramic crowns are also tooth-colored but tend to be stronger than pure porcelain. They’re good for people with metal allergies and work well on front and back teeth.
These crowns may not look as natural, but they’re extremely durable. Metal crowns are less likely to chip or break and are usually reserved for molars that handle heavy chewing forces.
PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the look of porcelain. They’re strong and aesthetically pleasing, but the porcelain portion may wear over time, exposing the metal underneath.
Zirconia is among the most durable crown materials. It’s tough, biocompatible, and also comes in tooth-colored options. These crowns are becoming increasingly popular due to their strength and aesthetic appeal.
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential. Poor hygiene can lead to decay under the crown, gum disease, or infections that may require a crown replacement.
Frequent consumption of sugary foods, acidic beverages, or chewing on hard items like ice or pens can shorten the life of a crown. Smoking and alcohol can also contribute to wear and tear.
Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can crack or wear down your crown. A night guard can help protect your investment while you sleep.
The precision of the crown fit and the quality of materials used directly impact how long it lasts. Poor fit may lead to bacterial leaks or early loosening.
Back teeth take more stress from chewing and biting, which means crowns placed on molars usually wear out faster than those on front teeth.
Pain, sensitivity to temperature, or discomfort while chewing could indicate problems with the crown or the tooth underneath it.
If you notice a crack or chip in your crown, it’s time to see your dentist. Even small fractures can lead to bigger issues if not addressed.
A crown that moves or a receding gumline can allow bacteria to sneak in, leading to decay or infection. Prompt evaluation is important to avoid complications.
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Use fluoride toothpaste and rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to maintain strong, healthy teeth and crowns.
Don’t use your teeth to open packaging or bite nails. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy. These habits can easily damage your crown and natural teeth.
Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. These checkups help catch minor issues before they become major problems.
A failed crown can expose the tooth underneath, making it susceptible to decay. If caught early, your dentist can replace the crown and treat any decay.
Ignoring a failing crown can lead to an infected tooth root. In that case, a root canal or even tooth extraction may be required.
Your dentist will remove the old crown, clean the tooth, and check for damage. After reshaping the tooth if necessary, a new crown is placed, restoring function and appearance.
Thanks to advancements in dental materials and technology, replacement crowns are often more durable and lifelike than earlier models.
Many insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of the cost of crown replacement, depending on your coverage details and the reason for replacement.
The cost of a crown can vary:
Costs depend on location, dentist, and insurance plan.
Crowns on baby teeth usually last until the tooth naturally falls out—often just a few years. These are mostly made of stainless steel for durability.
Children's crowns are designed for short-term use and must withstand different biting forces. Adult crowns focus on long-term function and aesthetics.
Not inherently. But root-canaled teeth are more brittle, which makes the crown’s role even more critical. A properly placed crown can actually preserve the tooth.
Crowns support and protect teeth weakened by decay, fractures, or root canals, helping them function like normal teeth again.
Have your crowns inspected during your regular dental visits. If anything feels off—like discomfort or loosening—don’t delay.
If your crown affects your bite, it can create uneven wear and jaw discomfort. Adjustments help keep everything in harmony.
Smile Line Dentistry proudly serves Livermore, CA and Antioch, CA, offering expert dental services backed by years of experience and modern technology. We’ve been caring for smiles in the California Bay Area since 2006.
Visit us at our Livermore office at 2545 East Ave Suite A, right next to Valley Care Hospital. The facility offers plenty of parking and is wheelchair accessible. Our Antioch location at 3220 Lone Tree Way, Ste. 102 Antioch, CA 94509 is also fully equipped with the latest dental tools and patient amenities.
Both locations are open Mon - Thu at 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Call us today to schedule your visit. Your crown—and your smile—are in great hands.
To sum it up, how long crowns last depends on a mix of factors—materials, oral hygiene, habits, and professional care. Most crowns last between 10 and 20 years, with some even exceeding that range with proper maintenance. By choosing high-quality materials and staying on top of your oral health, you can make sure your crown goes the distance.
And remember, where you get your crown matters just as much as how you take care of it. Trust a reliable dental team at Smile Line Dentistry to give your smile the royal treatment it deserves.
No. Crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments. If discoloration becomes an issue, replacing the crown may be the best solution.
Watch for symptoms like pain, swelling, bad taste, or sensitivity. If you notice any of these, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Most dental plans offer coverage for replacements after a certain number of years. Check your policy for specific details.
While uncommon, it’s possible with excellent care and no complications. However, most crowns eventually need to be replaced.
Not always. Same-day crowns can be just as durable depending on the material and technology used.
Not at all. The treatment is done under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the process.
We are proud to provide our patients with the best in dental technology, treatment options and patient comfort. It is our pleasure to address all your questions and concerns.
