Key Takeaway
- Dental crowns generally last 10–15 years, but many can last 20+ years with excellent care.
- Lifespan varies depending on crown material, oral hygiene, bite forces, and lifestyle habits.
- Common crown materials—porcelain, metal, zirconia, EMAX, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and gold—have different durability levels.
- Problems such as decay under a crown, gum recession and bite misalignment can shorten lifespan.
- Daily care, regular check-ups, using a nightguard and avoiding hard foods greatly increase longevity.
- Knowing when a crown needs replacing helps prevent further damage.
💡 Whites Dental offers high-quality dental crown treatments with durable crown materials and bespoke after treatment care.
Introduction: Why Crown Lifespan Matters
Dental crowns are one of the most reliable restorative treatments used to rebuild damaged teeth, restore bite function, and enhance aesthetics. While crowns are made from highly durable materials, they are not permanent and will eventually need replacement.
Understanding how long tooth crowns last—and what you can do to extend their lifespan—helps you protect your investment and maintain long-term oral health. This article explores average longevity, material differences, patient experiences, causes of early failure and the most effective ways to prolong your crown’s lifespan.
Average Lifespan Of Dental Crowns
Most dental crowns last 10–15 years, but many last well beyond this range when they are properly maintained. Several studies show that modern materials, especially ceramic and zirconia crowns, can last 15–25 years depending on placement and patient habits.
Factors Affecting The Average
- Material used
- Quality of the tooth preparation
- Strength of the underlying tooth
- Bite alignment and chewing forces
- Oral hygiene and lifestyle choices
- Frequency of dental check-ups
💡 Unlike fillings, which wear down faster, crowns are designed to withstand years of chewing pressure. However, they rely heavily on the health of the underlying natural tooth, meaning that decay or fractures beneath the crown can impact longevity.
Lifespan By Crown Material
Each crown type comes with its own durability expectations. Some are ideal for aesthetics, others for strength, and some provide a balance of both.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are known for being one of the strongest and longest-lasting options available.
Average lifespan: 15–20+ years
Strengths:
- Extremely durable and crack-resistant
- Suitable for both front and back teeth
- Highly biocompatible
Ideal for: Patients who grind their teeth or require long-term resilience.
EMAX (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
EMAX crowns are popular for their natural translucency and strong performance on front teeth.
Average lifespan: 15–20 years
Strengths:
- Highly aesthetic
- Stronger than porcelain-only crowns
- Excellent for visible teeth
Ideal for: Patients prioritising natural appearance.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns
A PFM crown is a combination of a metal inner layer and a porcelain overlay.
Average lifespan: 10–15 years
Strengths:
- Good strength and durability
- Suitable for front and back teeth
Considerations:
- Porcelain can chip over time
- Metal margins may become visible with gum recession
All-Porcelain Crowns
These crowns provide excellent aesthetics but are slightly less durable than zirconia or EMAX varieties.
Average lifespan: 10–15 years
Strengths:
- Very natural appearance
- Good for front teeth
Considerations:
- More prone to cracks under heavy pressure
- Not ideal for patients who clench or grind
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are some of the longest-lasting historically, though less common today due to appearance.
Average lifespan: 20–30+ years
Strengths:
- Exceptional durability
- Gentle on opposing teeth
- Rarely chip or crack
Ideal for: Back teeth, functional priority, and patients who prefer longevity.
Stainless Steel Crowns
These are typically used temporarily or for children.
Average lifespan: 2–5 years (for temporary or paediatric use)
What Affects How Long Dental Crowns Last?
Crown longevity depends on a mix of structural, hygienic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these can help you significantly extend the lifespan of your restoration.
Oral Hygiene Practices
One of the biggest risks to any crown is decay at the margin, where the tooth meets the restoration.
Good hygiene prevents:
- Tooth decay under the crown
- Gum disease
- Cement breakdown
- Crown looseness
Brush twice daily and floss around the crown regularly to maintain its health.
Bite Forces And Grinding (Bruxism)
Excess pressure from grinding or clenching can:
- Crack or chip porcelain
- Loosen the cement bond
- Wear down opposing teeth
- Cause jaw discomfort
Patients with bruxism often benefit from:
- A custom nightguard
- Zirconia crowns due to their superior strength
Gum Health
Your gums support your crown. If they recede, the crown margin becomes exposed, allowing bacteria to accumulate and damage the underlying tooth.
Healthy gums help crowns last longer by preventing:
- Exposure of the root
- Sensitivity
- Decay beneath the crown
Dietary Habits
Certain foods can shorten your crown’s lifespan, especially those that damage or loosen restorations.
Foods to be cautious with:
- Very hard foods (nuts, ice, hard sweets)
- Sticky foods (toffees, caramel)
- Chewing bones or biting hard cutlery
Age Of The Patient
Younger patients tend to require crown replacements later in life simply because their crowns must endure more years of wear.
Quality Of The Dental Work
Longevity is influenced by:
- Precision of the tooth preparation.
- Quality of the impression or digital scan
- Fit and cementation
- Correct bite alignment
💡High-quality crown work can significantly extend lifespan.
Signs Your Crown May Need Replacing
While crowns are durable, they may need replacement if certain changes occur.
Common Indicators
- Pain when biting down.
- Visible cracks or chips.
- Crown feels loose.
- Gum recession around the crowned tooth.
- Dark lines at the margin
- Bad taste or smell from decay
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Wear on the chewing surface
💡If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to book an appointment promptly so issues can be addressed before they worsen.
Increasing The Lifespan Of Your Tooth Crown
With proper care, crowns can last for decades. Here are proven strategies to protect your investment.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss around the crown daily
- Consider interdental brushes or water flossers
- Use a fluoride mouthwash if recommended
Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine visits help identify early signs of:
- Decay
- Gum inflammation
- Bite misalignment
- Cement deterioration
Most dentists recommend check-ups every 6 months, though some patients may require more frequent reviews.
Avoid Hard Or Sticky Foods
To prevent cracking or loosening:
- Do not chew ice
- Avoid hard sweets
- Be cautious with hard nuts
- Limit sticky toffees or treats
Wear A Nightguard If You Grind
A custom nightguard protects both the crown and natural teeth from excessive force and reduces the risk of fracture.
Correct Harmful Habits
Avoid using your teeth as tools. Activities that shorten crown lifespan include:
- Nail biting
- Chewing pens
- Opening packages with teeth
Choose The Right Crown Material
Your dentist will advise the best material based on:
- Tooth position.
- Pressure from your bite
- Aesthetic needs
- Longevity expectations
💡 Zirconia and gold crowns generally offer the longest lifespan.
How Long Do Crowns Last On Front Teeth Versus Back Teeth?
Front Teeth
Crowns on front teeth generally last longer because they endure less chewing force. Materials such as EMAX and also all-porcelain are known to offer very good aesthetics results and are also very durable.
Back Teeth
Back teeth experience the highest bite pressure. For molars and premolars, materials like zirconia, PFM or gold typically offer the longest lifespan.
Why Some Crowns Fail Earlier Than Expected
Even high-quality crowns can fail prematurely if underlying issues develop. Common causes include:
Decay Under The Crown
Even though the crown itself cannot decay, the tooth beneath it can. Poor hygiene or gaps at the margin allow bacteria to enter.
Failed Dental Cement
Over time, the cement bond can weaken, allowing the crown to become loose or fall off.
Trauma Or Accidents
Chipped porcelain or cracked crowns can occur when biting down on something unexpectedly hard.
Gum Recession
This exposes the crown margin, leading to sensitivity and decay risk.
Improper Bite
If the bite is not balanced, excessive force may crack or wear down the crown faster.
Do Temporary Crowns Last As Long?
Temporary crowns are designed for short-term use—typically 1–4 weeks. They are made from weaker materials such as:
- Acrylic
- Resin
- Stainless steel (paediatric use)
💡These crowns will not last long-term and must be replaced with a permanent crown.
Long-Term Expectations For Each Crown Type
Below is a summarised longevity comparison:
| Crown Type | Expected Lifespan | Strength | Aesthetics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | 15–20+ years | Excellent | High |
| EMAX | 15–20 years | Very good | Excellent |
| Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal | 10–15 years | Good | Moderate–high |
| All-Porcelain | 10–15 years | Moderate | Excellent |
| Gold | 20–30+ years | Exceptional | Low |
| Stainless Steel | 2–5 years | Low | Low |
How Much Does Crown Replacement Cost?
Crown replacement costs depend on:
- Material chosen
- Tooth position
- Any necessary additional treatments (root canal, build-up)
In London, average private fees typically range from:
- £600–£1,000+ for porcelain and PFM crowns.
- £700–£1,200+ for zirconia and EMAX crowns
- £900–£1,500+ for premium ceramic crowns
💡Investing in a high-quality crown often extends long-term durability and reduces replacement frequency.
Whites Dental Can Help With Tooth Crowns
Whites Dental offers some of the best tooth crowns in London, using modern digital scanning equipment and advanced crown materials designed for longevity.
Why Choose Whites Dental For Your Crown Treatment?
- Expert restorative dentists with extensive crown experience
- Modern materials: zirconia, EMAX, porcelain, PFM
- Digital scans for highly accurate fit
- Fast turnaround with high-end laboratories
- Comfortable, patient-focused approach
- Transparent pricing and finance options
- Long-term aftercare provided
Services Whites Dental Provides
- New dental crowns
- Replacement of old or failing crowns
- Emergency crown repairs or re-cementing
- Cosmetic upgrades to improve appearance.
- Bite analysis to prevent premature wear.
- Nightguards for patients who grind.
💡By choosing a high-quality crown material and following professional aftercare, patients at Whites Dental can expect long-lasting, reliable results.
Conclusion: Maximising The Lifespan Of Your Dental Crown
Dental crowns are a long-term investment in oral health, and with proper care, they can last many years—often 15–20+ years depending on the material and lifestyle. Understanding what affects their longevity and taking simple steps like maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding harmful habits and attending regular check-ups can significantly extend their lifespan.
If you are considering dental crowns or need a replacement, Whites Dental in London offers expert care and long-lasting solutions tailored to your needs.