How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last?
If a tooth becomes cracked, chipped, or broken, a dental crown may be used to restore its normal function, size, and shape. Because the materials used in crowns are not as strong as natural tooth enamel, the restorations will not last forever. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to maximize the lifespan of a crown.
This article will examine the various materials dental crowns are made of, including zirconia, and their typical longevity.
What Are Crowns For?
The American Dental Association (ADA) indicates that dental crowns can be used to:
- Strengthen a tooth with a large filling but insufficient area to hold it
- Repair a cracked or broken tooth
- Guard a weak tooth from fracturing
- Attach dental bridges
- Shield a fragile tooth after a root canal procedure
Different Types of Dental Crowns and Related Lifespans
Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, some of which have longer lifespans than others. On average, a dental crown has a lifespan of about 10 years. However, when properly manufactured and cared for, crowns can last for decades regardless of the material.
When selecting a crown, the dentist will take into consideration the durability, strength, and aesthetics of the various materials when determining which crown is ideal for the patient’s specific needs. Other variables the dentist will consider when choosing a crown material are:
- Location of the tooth
- How much natural tooth remains
- How much of the crown is visible when smiling
Zirconia
Classified as a ceramic, zirconia crowns are fabricated from zirconia dioxide, a strong material related to titanium. These crowns are highly durable and extremely resistant to fractures. In fact, zirconia is considered the strongest non-metallic material used in dental crowns. One 2016 study found that monolithic zirconia crowns had the lowest instance of splitting or cracking after exposure to bite forces.
Patients that care for their zirconia crowns and practice sound oral hygiene, can expect their restorations to last 10 to 15 years – or more.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
Another popular crown type, PFM crowns offer one of the more natural looking restorations. As such, they are ideal for treating front teeth. While PFM crowns have been used extensively over the past 60 years, porcelain risks chipping and over time, the metal edge or margin frequently shows as gum recession occurs. Despite this, PFM crowns are still used particularly with dental bridges.
Proper oral care could extend the lifespan of PFM crowns but in general, they last 5-15 years.
Lithium Disilicate
A glass ceramic made of lithium and silicon, dentists can use lithium disilicate to fabricate dental crowns in their clinic using a specialized unit. As such, these crowns can be made and placed in a single office visit. Along with their convenience, these crowns appeal cosmetically, fit well, and bond to the teeth well.
With proper care, these crowns last 5-15 years.
Gold
Used for over 100 years, yellow gold has been a sought-after material for crowns because of its ability to fit well, its strength, and resistance to cracking and chipping. As recently as 2015, gold was still considered the industry standard with 95% of crowns having a survival rate of 10 years.