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How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Jan 31, 2025

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are small caps that are placed on the teeth to act as a replacement for damaged or missing teeth, to restore their appearance, size, and shape. But for anyone considering getting a dental crown, you may be wondering how long dental crowns last.

While they are intended to be a long-term solution, they’re not guaranteed to last forever—but they can be replaced if anything happens to them. In this blog, we’ll cover how long a crown should last, how to care for your crown to make it last longer, as well as answer some commonly asked questions about dental crowns! 

How Long Should a Dental Crown Last?

A dental crown can last anywhere between 5 and 20 years. The amount of time it lasts depends on several factors, including what the crowns are made of, and how well they’re looked after. Crowns made from gold and platinum generally last the longest. 

If you’re wondering how long porcelain crowns last, the answer is between 10 and 20 years with the proper care and maintenance. Ceramic and resin dental crowns can last a similar amount of time with the right care.

How To Make Your Dental Crown Last Longer

There are several factors that can determine how long your dental crown will last, particularly the material they are made of, and how well they are cared for and maintained. Here are some ways you can look after your dental crowns to help them last as long as possible.

Girl with dental crowns brushing teeth

Dental Crown Aftercare

When your dental crown is first fitted, it’s important to be particularly careful with them during the first two or three weeks. It takes some time for the dental cement to fully set, so try not to bite down too strongly, and avoid hard foods like nuts and chewy foods like sweets and caramel.

General Dental Hygiene

Practising good dental hygiene is good for your teeth, and will help your dental crowns last longer by preventing plaque build-up and gum disease. This means brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled tooth brush, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary drinks or lollies which can cause tooth decay under the crown. 

Be Mindful Of Foods 

Even once your crown is set, chewing some foods can be particularly tough on dental crowns. This includes hard or chewy sweets, nuts, chewing on ice cubes, and chewing gum. Sticky foods can cause dental crowns to lift from the tooth, and hard foods can lead to accidental breakage. 

Visit The Dentist Regularly

Visiting the dentist often should be regular practise to help maintain your teeth, but it will also allow your dentist to monitor your dental crowns for any wear and tear. If your dental crowns do become damaged or dislodged, contact your dentist for a replacement as soon as possible. 

Restore Your Smile With SmileOn Perth

Looking to get yourself a dental crown? Contact SmileOn Perth today to schedule your consultation. We can help you find a beautiful smile and keep your teeth healthy with expert solutions and dental services tailored to you. 

More Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

What Are Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns can be made of ceramic, porcelain, resin, metal alloys like gold and platinum, or PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal). While porcelain, ceramic and resin look similar to natural teeth, metal dental crowns are considered sturdier, making them ideal replacements for molars and back teeth. 

How Is a Crown Put on a Tooth?

Dentists secure crowns onto teeth using permanent dental cement, which should help your dental crown last 5 – 20 years. When crowns are first placed on the teeth, it’s important not to bite down too hard as the cement can take a couple of weeks to fully set. 

What is a Dental Crown Procedure?

A dental crown procedure typically involves two visits to the dentist. First, the tooth is prepared by removing decay or damaged portions and shaping it to fit the crown. The dentist will take an impression of your tooth and fit a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready. In the second visit, the permanent crown is cemented onto the tooth.