How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last
A dental crown is a 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 restoration. Left untreated, a tooth that could be saved with a crown can eventually be at risk of failure and necessitate extraction.
What types of dental crowns are available?
There are a few different types of crowns that your dentist may offer but first, they will evaluate the tooth being treated including where it is located in the mouth to determine what type of material will get the best results.
Porcelain: All porcelain crowns are the most popular type of crown because of the strength and aesthetics of porcelain. It can be tinted to match your natural teeth and is very durable though it is susceptible to chipping. Porcelain crowns can last 10 to 20 years.
Gold and base metals: Gold is a great material because of its strength, fit, and durability. Gold crowns have a 95% survival rate over a span of 10 years but with proper care, can easily last for decades.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a hybrid of porcelain and metal. An underlying layer of metal is covered with porcelain. They are best kept to the back teeth because over time, the metal can begin to show at the gum line. On average, PFM crowns can last from 5-15 years.
Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a material derived from zirconium which is 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, zirconia crowns can easily last 15 to 20 years.
What can affect the lifespan of a crown?
The average lifespan of a dental crown is about 10 to 20 years but with proper care and maintenance with regular visits to the dentist, a dental crown has the potential to last a lifetime. The true lifespan of a crown can vary depending on the type of material used and oral hygiene habits. If the tooth was relatively healthy with healthy gum and bone levels, the crown and the tooth have a better prognosis.
The expertise of your provider can also play a role in how long a crown will last. How well the tooth is prepared and how good the impression or scan is (which is used to fabricate the crown) can make a big difference in the fit and life of the crown.
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. Patients that suffer from bruxism should consider having a custom night guard made to protect not only dental restorations, but natural teeth as well. 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.