Quick Answer: How long do dental crowns last? Dental crowns usually last 10 to 15 years, but they can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years or more with good care.
When you get a dental crown to fix a damaged tooth, you want to know how long it will last. The answer depends on what type of crown you get and how well you take care of it. Here’s what you need to know about crown life in Calgary.
Types of Crowns and How Long They Last
At Northland Smiles Dental, we offer three main types of crowns:
| Crown Type | How Long They Last | Best For |
| Gold or Metal Crowns | 20 to 30 years or more | Back teeth |
| Porcelain Fused to Metal | 10 to 15 years | Any tooth |
| All-Porcelain or Ceramic | 5 to 15 years | Front teeth |
Gold or Metal Crowns
These crowns last the longest. They can work for 20 to 30 years or even longer. They are very strong and don’t break easily. The downside is that they look like metal in your mouth. They work best on back teeth where people can’t see them.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
These crowns have a metal base with a white porcelain top. They last about 10 to 15 years. They look more like real teeth than metal crowns. Sometimes the white part can chip off. These work well for most teeth in your mouth.
All-Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
These crowns look the most like real teeth. They last about 5 to 15 years. They work best on front teeth where you want them to look natural. They can break or chip more easily than other types.
What Makes Crowns Last Longer or Shorter?
Taking Care of Your Teeth
The most important thing for making your crown last is keeping your teeth clean. You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. If you don’t clean around your crown, bacteria can cause problems that make the crown fail.
Pay special attention to where the crown meets your gum. Food and germs can get stuck there. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Mouthwash can also help clean areas that are hard to reach.
Where the Crown Is in Your Mouth Can Influence how Long do Dental Crowns Last
Crowns on front teeth usually last longer because you don’t bite down as hard with them. Back teeth work harder when you chew food, so crowns there might not last as long. This is why we pick different materials based on which tooth needs the crown.
Your Daily Habits
Some things you do can make your crown wear out faster:
- Grinding your teeth puts a lot of pressure on crowns and can break them
- Using your teeth as tools to open packages or crack nuts can damage crowns
- Chewing on hard things like ice, hard candy, or pen caps can chip crowns
If you grind your teeth at night, we can make you a special guard to wear while you sleep. This helps protect your crowns and your natural teeth.
How Well the Crown Fits
A crown that fits properly will last longer. At Northland Smiles, our team makes sure your crown fits just right. A poorly fitted crown can let food get trapped underneath, which can cause decay and make the crown come loose.
Your Overall Mouth Health
Having healthy gums and strong teeth around your crown helps it last longer. If you have gum disease or other dental problems, your crown might not last as long. This is why regular dental checkups are so important.
Signs Your Crown Might Need to Be Replaced
Watch for these warning signs:
Problems That Need Quick Attention
- Pain or sensitivity around the crowned tooth
- The crown feels loose when you chew
- You can see cracks or chips in the crown
- The crown falls out
How the Crown Looks
- The crown changes color or gets stained
- It doesn’t match your other teeth anymore
- Your gum pulls back and shows dark edges
- The shape looks different
Problems with Eating or Chewing
- It hurts to chew on that side
- Food gets stuck around the crown all the time
- You notice bad breath coming from that area
- Your bite feels different
If you notice any of these problems, call us right away. Fixing small problems early can help your crown last longer.
How to Make Your Crown Last as Long as Possible
Daily Care
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day around the crown and gumline
- Use mouthwash to kill germs in hard-to-reach spots
- Don’t use whitening toothpaste that might be too rough on your crown
What to Eat and What to Avoid
Stay away from:
- Hard foods like ice, hard candy, or nuts
- Sticky foods like caramel or taffy
- Using your teeth to open things
Better choices:
- Cut hard foods into small pieces
- Choose softer snacks
- Use scissors or bottle openers instead of your teeth
Regular Dental Visits
Come see us every six months for cleanings and checkups. We can spot small problems before they become big ones. We can also clean your crown in ways you can’t do at home.
If you grind your teeth, we might suggest a night guard. This plastic piece fits over your teeth while you sleep and protects your crowns from grinding damage.
Other Ways to Protect Your Crown
- Wear a mouth guard when playing sports
- Try to reduce stress, which can make you grind your teeth
- Don’t smoke, as it can cause gum problems
- Tell us about any health problems that might affect your mouth
Getting the Most from Your Crown Investment
Dental crowns cost money, so you want them to last as long as possible. At Northland Smiles Dental in Calgary, we help you choose the right type of crown for your needs and teach you how to care for it properly.
Many people think they need to replace their crowns every few years, but with good care, they can last much longer. The key is daily cleaning, regular dental visits, and being careful about what you eat.
The Bottom Line
Most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years, but many people get 20 years or more from their crowns when they take good care of them. The type of crown you choose, how well you clean your teeth, and your eating habits all affect how long your crown will last.
A crown is more than just a way to fix a broken tooth. It helps you chew food properly and keeps your smile looking good. When you take care of your crown, it takes care of you.
Remember: Good brushing, daily flossing, regular dental visits, and careful eating can help your crown last for many years. This makes crowns a smart choice for fixing damaged teeth.
Ready to learn more about crown options or check on a crown you already have? The team at Northland Smiles Dental in Calgary is here to help. Call us at (403) 286-5030 or book your appointment online today.
