Dental crowns, also known as caps, are restorations that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, and function. Crowns fully encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and can be made from various materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination. Many patients wonder how long dental crowns can last with good oral care. This article will explore whether it is possible for dental crowns to last 20 years.
What is the average lifespan of dental crowns?
Most dental crowns are expected to last between 5-15 years before needing replacement. However, many factors impact how long dental crowns last:
Crown material
– Porcelain fused to metal crowns – Lasts 5-15 years
– All-ceramic/porcelain crowns – Lasts 10-15 years
– Gold crowns – Lasts 15-30 years
– Zirconia crowns – Lasts 10-15 years
Location in mouth
– Crowns on molars or back teeth – More force placed on them during chewing so tend to last 5-10 years
– Crowns on front teeth – Less force while biting so can last 10-15 years
Oral hygiene/habits
– Good oral hygiene – Can help crowns last longer
– Bruxism/teeth grinding – Can wear down crowns more quickly
Quality of fit
– Well-fitted crowns last longer
– Poor marginal fit leads to decay and shortens lifespan
Considering all these factors, most dental crowns last between 7-15 years on average before needing replacement. Proper care and maintenance can help them last towards the higher end of that range.
Can dental crowns really last 20 years?
While less common, it is possible for dental crowns to last 20 years or longer with optimal conditions. Here are some factors that can contribute to dental crowns lasting two decades:
Ideal crown material
Gold crowns are most likely to last 20+ years. The gold is very durable, does not chip or crack, and does not wear down teeth opposing it. Gold is kind to the surrounding tooth structure. Gold crowns have been known to last 30+ years.
Minimal wear and tear
Patients who do not have habits like bruxism that put excessive biting force on teeth can keep dental crowns intact longer. Front crowns usually withstand more wear since they see less force.
Proper oral hygiene
Good brushing and flossing keeps the crown and surrounding tooth clean. This prevents decay that can undermine the crown margins. Regular dental visits allow for evaluation and early intervention if needed.
Excellent crown fit
Well-fitted crowns distribute stress evenly and do not allow leakage around margins. This protects the underlying tooth from decay. Proper precision and bonding when placing the crown helps it last.
Gentle bite and diet
People with a light bite force and who avoid very hard, crunchy, sticky foods put less stress on the crowns. This also prevents cracking porcelain.
No grinding or clenching
People without bruxism avoid the extreme forces that can chip, crack, or dislodge dental crowns. Nightguards can protect the crowns.
Initial crown quality
High-quality materials and an experienced dentist’s precise technique for impressions, tooth preparation, and placement impact longevity.
Good fortune
Some people get many years of service by chance and good luck despite less than ideal conditions. Maintaining the same bite force and habits over decades helps.
So while not the norm, dental crowns can last 20 or more years with the right conditions. This occurs more frequently for gold crowns in the front of the mouth.
Case studies on 20-year-old dental crowns
Here are some examples of dental crowns lasting over 20 years:
Gold crowns
A 65-year old man had gold crowns placed on his top front teeth when he was 42 after an accident. With routine dental care and a mild bite, they lasted over 20 years before one recently cracked from closing down on a hard candy. He had the one crown replaced but the other gold crown remains intact 23 years later.
Porcelain fused to metal
A 60-year old woman had porcelain fused to gold crowns placed on her molars when she was 39. She maintained meticulous oral hygiene and saw her dentist twice a year. At age 59, one crown had to be replaced due to decay starting at the margin but the others remain intact over 20 years later.
All-ceramic
A 52-year old man had an all-ceramic (zirconia) crown placed on a front tooth fractured in a fall when he was 30. The crown has lasted over 20 years despite high bite forces. It cracked recently but remains functional 22 years after placement. The excellent dental work and bonding has preserved it beyond the typical lifespan of this material.
These cases demonstrate that while unlikely, some well-made dental crowns on the front teeth of patients practicing good oral care can last 20 years or more. Having no damaging oral habits also helps prolong crowns.
Tips to make your dental crowns last 20 years
If you want to try and make your dental crowns last two decades, here are some tips:
Choose gold crowns when possible
Request gold crowns on back teeth or porcelain fused to gold on front teeth. The gold provides the most durability.
See an experienced dentist
Ensure your dentist takes proper impressions, fits the crowns precisely, and bonds them securely. A good prep design avoids stress.
Practice excellent oral hygiene
Brush twice a day, floss thoroughly, and see your dentist biannually to achieve the best crown lifespan.
Protect teeth from clenching/grinding
Wear a nightguard to prevent cracking or dislodging crowns while sleeping. Address other sources of stress.
Maintain a well-balanced diet
Avoid excess sugary and acidic foods and beverages which can erode crowns over time.
Use a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
Gentle brushing helps preserve the crown material without scratching or damaging it.
Carefully chew hard foods
Biting cautiously with back teeth allows you to enjoy hard or crunchy foods while minimizing crown damage.
Get crowns replaced as soon as needed
Repairing damaged crowns quickly protects the underlying tooth and may allow an existing crown to be re-cemented.
Consider crown replacement after 15 years
Have crowns evaluated after 15 years of wear and replace them proactively if concerned about damage.
With diligent oral care and smart habits, you can aim to be one of the rare cases where dental crowns last 20 years or beyond. But be sure to see your dentist regularly for assessment and maintenance.
Limitations to 20-year dental crowns
Despite best efforts, there are still factors that can cut short a dental crown’s lifespan to under 20 years:
New decay
Decay around crown margins from inadequate oral hygiene can lead to crown failure, even with otherwise acceptable material wear.
Material fracture
Chewing on very hard foods, trauma, bruxism, or simple material fatigue over decades can cause material cracks.
Dislodged crowns
Excessive biting force or trauma from accidents over 20 years may eventually dislodge crowns from the underlying tooth.
Undetectable poor fit
Even with initial excellent placement, undetectable gaps between crown and tooth can eventually contribute to decay or fracture.
Need for root canals
Root canal treatments on crowned teeth may be required for infections. This disrupts the crown foundation.
Development of gum disease
Gum disease can cause bone and gum loss around the crown margins, leading to poor crown fit.
Unforeseen habits
Newly developed habits like bruxism, tooth grinding, jaw clenching or nail biting over decades can accelerate crown damage.
Despite your best efforts, unexpected dental issues and simple material fatigue can limit a crown’s lifespan. Be prepared to replace crowns every 15-20 years, if not sooner.
When to replace dental crowns
Here are signs indicating a dental crown requires replacement:
– Part of the crown broke off or chipped, exposing the underlying tooth
– Tooth decay detected at the crown margin
– The crown is loose, moving slightly when bitten down upon
– Discoloration at the crown margin indicating possible leakage
– Dark line visible at the crown edge (metal crowns) – indicating corrosion
– The crown feels uncomfortable or does not fit smoothly against adjacent and opposing teeth
– Aesthetic concerns with appearance of the crown
– The tooth below the crown requires root canal treatment
– Gum or bone loss is causing gaps around the crown margin
Consult your dentist promptly if your crowned tooth exhibits any of these conditions for evaluation and replacement if needed. Waiting too long risks additional tooth damage or decay.
Conclusion
In most cases, dental crowns last between 7-15 years before needing replacement. However, with optimal conditions like a gold crown on a front tooth, excellent oral hygiene, regular dental care, gentle habits, and a bit of luck, it is possible for some dental crowns to last 20 years or more. This is more likely for the front teeth. However, factors like decay and material fracture commonly limit crowns to under 20 years even with the best efforts. See your dentist regularly so they can evaluate your crowns and recommend replacement at the appropriate time, often between 15-20 years. With proper care, you can maximize the lifespan of your dental crowns.