How long do Dental Crowns last

How long do Dental Crowns last?
Dental crowns are very common for tooth restoration, even if the tooth has severe damage. The dental crown serves to cover and protect the tooth that it covers. Otherwise, the treatment would not be considered a method to preserve your natural teeth. Are dental crowns viewed as a long-term or short-term solution to fixing your teeth? Is a dental crown meant to cover your tooth for only a few years, or will it last longer?
The Life Expectancy of a Dental Crown
As a quick example, if you buy new shoes, how long will they last? Varying factors will determine their life expectancy. Two huge contributors are the type of shoe and the amount of time they are worn.
It is the same with dental crowns. You can consider certain factors when estimating the life expectancy of your dental crown, it is impossible to absolutely know for certain. Your dentist can suggest factors that influence its expected lifetime.
Dental crowns have an average lifespan of 10 to 30 years. That is a big span, but every crown and every patient is different. Some crowns might last a lifetime, while others could crack sooner. Your dentist could estimate one crown to last 15 years, and then expect another to last about 20. It is an estimate and not a promise and will help you to make the right choice for yourself.
Dental insurance is usually willing to cover a dental crown replacement after 5 to 8 years. There is a very good chance your crown will not break in that time, so financially speaking dental crowns are a practical choice.
Factors that Affect the Life Expectancy of your Dental Crown
Assuming your dental crown is well fitted and properly made, there are still issues that will affect how long your dental crown can last:
* Your Dental hygiene- If you do not brush your teeth often enough, your crown will not last as long. This is because the natural tooth inside the crown will still decay if you do not properly care for it.
* Bad habits- If you consistently bite on hard things like ice cubes, or if you chew lollipops or sucker instead of licking them, your dental crown can break sooner than expected. Habits like clenching or grinding your teeth will have the same effect. If you suffer from grinding your teeth while you sleep, it will be best to wear a protective mouth guard while sleeping. This will prevent damage to your dental crown and healthy teeth as well.
* Crown materials- The materials used to make dental crowns all vary in appearance and durability. A porcelain crown looks the most like your natural teeth, but it is not as durable as dental alloys. Dental alloys, on the flip side, do not match the appearance of your natural teeth like porcelain. Discuss with your dentist about what material will be best for you.
All things considered, a dental crown on a tooth is still one of the best ways to restore it. Dental crowns are versatile and can be used for multiple reasons to protect and preserve a natural tooth.