How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns (also knows as “caps”) are among one of the most common dental procedures we have. More than 15 million Americans have at least one crown in their mouth. In general, a crown is a restoration that is for either a tooth or dental implant and is meant to support a tooth that is compromised from a large cavity, chipped, cracked or broken tooth, or to replace a large filling that’s already been placed. There may also be cosmetic reasons to have a crown completed or replaced. 

What Are Dental Crowns Made of?

There are many different materials that can be used to make a crown. These materials are:

• Metal Alloy – This material is usually the least expensive but also the least esthetically pleasing as well. Metals can also expand and contract with temperature changes which may affect the fit of the crown over time. 
• Gold – This is one of the best materials for crowns. Because gold is a “soft” metal, they are very strong and rarely break/fracture. They also fit extremely well. Due to the high cost of gold, this material will usually result in a higher fee.
• Porcelain Fused to Metal – This material has a metal substructure that is covered by white porcelain. Because of the metal, these crowns tend to leave a dark line at the “margin,” or where the tooth and crown meet/touch. This material is more esthetically pleasing than an all-metal crown but appears opaque so the metal can be hidden. Due to the thin layer of porcelain, these are more prone to chipping and breaking as well. 
• All Ceramic/Porcelain – These crowns have no metal and are great for people with metal allergies. They are also the most esthetically pleasing and usually used in cosmetic cases. These materials are very strong and are one of the most common materials used today. 

For cosmetic dentistry, restoring teeth with dental crowns also allows a person’s smile to be changed significantly. With crowns, we can change the shape and color of someone’s teeth. All ceramic/porcelain crowns are also translucent, allowing light to pass through, just like your teeth. This gives them a very natural appearance and creates beautiful smiles!

What is the Lifespan of a Dental Crown?

The average lifespan of a crown is 7-10 years with a normal range of 5-15 years. With good home care and oral hygiene, crowns can last 30+ years. It is understood that most crowns completed will need to be replaced at some point in a person’s lifetime. 

In general, most dental crowns will cost anywhere between $500-$4000. The cost of a dental crown depends on a lot of factors. Material choice is a major determining factor, along with your geographic location and your dental plan coverage. Crowns restored for dental implants will usually be more expensive than a crown for your tooth. 

Contact Dr. Erwin Today!

Solana Beach dentist Dr. Erwin stands by his work and any crown completed at our dental office will have a 5-year guarantee and be replaced at no charge if it breaks or if a new cavity forms around the crown requiring it to be replaced (*per office policy). Reach out to our office today at (858) 755-1189 or online to see how a crown could benefit you!