How long do Zirconia Crowns last?
A Zirconia crown is a translucent, durable, tooth-like cap or crown attached to a decayed tooth. It can withstand the force of crunching and chewing, just like your real teeth, and can be shaped and fitted by a dentist to fulfill the ergonomics of your jaw. All dental health, especially dental implants, involves proper cleanliness and hygiene to maximize the life of your teeth. With proper hygiene and cleanliness routine, Zirconia crowns should last a very long time, but just how long?
Types of Crowns
Crowns, caps, and bridges have been used in dentistry for hundreds of years. Some say the ancient Etruscans were the first to utilize this tooth replacement strategy. Materials have varied over the years, and we are all seeing the benefits. The average lifespan of a crown sits at around 10 years, but varies based on several factors.
- The condition of the tooth it is attached to- Depending on the severity of decay, the implant may not sit or bond as well. Zirconia can be bonded or cemented to alleviate some of this worry. The durability of the bond will depend on the tooth, the material, the bonding material, and the skill of the dentist.
- Hygiene- Are you brushing twice/flossing once every day? Are you seeing a dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning?
- The fit- Do you have pain? If you’re experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, or having a “loose tooth” sensation around the cap, you should see your Dentist as soon as possible. The durability of Zirconia can be a slight disadvantage if it is not lined into your jaw correctly.
The Material- Materials used for caps vary, - Zirconia- Highly durable, especially if monolithic or “made of one block” on average lasts about 10+years, occasional adjustments may be necessary. Range of 10-15+ years, with 15+ being very reasonable if hygiene is practiced and attended to periodically.
- Gold- Gold teeth are typically reserved for the back of the mouth to avoid sticking out, or layered with porcelain, as a PFM below. Gold caps are durable, but Gold is a relatively soft metal. It can be fused with other materials to increase durability, but it is not biocompatible like Zirconia. Be vigilant if you notice any signs or symptoms of an allergic sort of reaction to this cap. Gold crowns have been the standard in the past, and have the same range as Zirconia 10-15+ years.
- PFMs- Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have a very life-like appeal to them. However, they are a durable metal with porcelain attached, have you ever dropped a porcelain plate? Porcelain is relatively fragile, but has a nice enamel sort of appearance. So, with this option you risk cracks and chips to the exterior, which is possibly the reason you got a crown in the first place. As your gums recede a thin line of metal at the top of the crown becomes more visible as well. This is still a fine option for aesthetic appeal, and is now recommended for bridges where one toot is replaced. Average range is 5-15 years, depending on hygiene and upkeep.
No matter what material you use, you want to have an informed conversation with your Dentist about your options. Voice your concerns and take ownership of your new smile and dental routine.