How Long Dental Crowns Last and How to Care for Them
Dental crowns are a reliable solution for restoring damaged, weak, or heavily filled teeth. Many patients in Christchurch choose dental crowns to protect teeth while improving strength and appearance.
Understanding how long dental crowns last—and how to care for them properly—can help you maintain your restoration for many years.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. Crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling alone.
Dental crowns are often used to:
- Protect cracked or broken teeth
- Restore teeth after root canal treatment
- Support large fillings
- Improve tooth shape and appearance
- Strengthen worn or weakened teeth
Crowns are designed to blend naturally with surrounding teeth while restoring normal chewing ability.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are durable restorations that can last many years with proper care. On average, most crowns last between 10 and 15 years, although some may last longer depending on materials used and daily habits.
Factors that influence crown lifespan include:
- The type of crown material
- Oral hygiene habits
- Bite pressure and grinding
- Regular dental checkups
- Diet and lifestyle choices
With consistent care, many patients keep their crowns functional well beyond the average lifespan.
Types of Dental Crown Materials and Their Durability
Different crown materials offer varying levels of strength and appearance.
Common crown materials include:
Porcelain or ceramic crowns
These provide a natural appearance and are commonly used for front teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns
These combine strength with aesthetics and are suitable for both front and back teeth.
Metal crowns
These are highly durable and often used for molars where chewing pressure is greatest.
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable material based on your needs.
Signs a Dental Crown May Need Replacement
Even strong dental crowns eventually wear down over time. Recognising early warning signs helps prevent complications.
You should contact your dentist if you notice:
- Pain when biting
- Sensitivity around the crowned tooth
- A loose crown
- Visible cracks or wear
- Gum irritation around the crown
Early evaluation helps protect the underlying tooth structure.
How to Care for a Dental Crown
Dental crowns do not require special cleaning tools, but they do need consistent oral hygiene care to last as long as possible.
Helpful care habits include:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes
- Avoiding very hard foods
- Attending regular dental checkups
- Wearing a night guard if recommended
These steps protect both the crown and the natural tooth beneath it.
Foods to Avoid With a Dental Crown
Most patients can eat normally after crown placement, but limiting certain foods helps prevent damage.
Try to avoid:
- Chewing ice
- Hard sweets
- Sticky toffees
- Extremely hard nuts
- Using teeth to open packaging
Reducing these habits helps extend crown lifespan.
Why Regular Dental Visits Help Crowns Last Longer
Routine dental visits allow your dentist to check both the crown and the supporting tooth. Early detection of wear or gum changes can prevent more complex treatment later.
During checkups, your dentist may:
- Examine crown stability
- Check gum health around the crown
- Monitor bite pressure
- Recommend maintenance advice
Regular monitoring helps keep restorations functioning properly.
Protecting Your Smile With Long-Lasting Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a strong and effective way to restore damaged teeth and improve long-term oral health. With good daily care and regular dental visits, many crowns continue working well for many years.
If you already have a crown or are considering treatment in Christchurch, your dentist can provide personalised guidance to help you maintain a comfortable and durable result.
