How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last?
A dental crown is a cover for a damaged tooth. It helps restore the normal shape, function, and size of the tooth and protect the tooth. Crowns will not last forever, but you can certainly extend the life of a crown if you take the proper precautions.
Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), if you have a large filling but not enough tooth remains to hold it, a dental crown will help strengthen and protect the tooth.
Your dentist might also use a crown to:
- Restore a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth.
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking.
- Attach dental bridge, or dental implant.
- Protect a fragile tooth after a root canal.
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, some of which last longer than others.
The Different Types of Materials used for Dental Crowns
Different kinds of materials can be used in crowns, including:
- porcelain
- ceramic
- zirconia
- metal
- composite resin
- a combination of materials
For example, you might have a porcelain crown that is fused to metal, as opposed to an all-porcelain crown.
When selecting the material for your crown, your dentist will consider some factors such as:
- The location of your tooth.
- How much of the tooth will be visible when you smile.
- The position and health of your gum tissue.
- The function of the tooth that needs the crown, how much pressure with biting and chewing.
- How much of the natural tooth is remaining.
- The color of the surrounding teeth.
The Benefits of a Zirconia Crown
Zirconia is a white solid ceramic glaze and one of several newer materials that combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic, natural tooth-like appeal of porcelain. Zirconia crowns are continually being developed to improve their performance even further.
Some of the benefits of zirconium crowns are:
- They can look natural and match the color of your teeth.
- They are the most durable.
- They can be shaped in the dental office and need less preparation than other materials, which means you can be fitted for your zirconia crown and have it placed in one appointment.
- Zirconia can be layered with porcelain for an even more natural tooth-like appearance.
- These zirconia crowns can be bonded or cemented to your tooth, giving your dentist more options.
- Zirconia is biocompatible, it will not cause any adverse reactions in your body.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Zirconia Crown?
Categorized as a type of ceramic crown, zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, an extraordinarily strong type of material that is related to titanium. The durability of these crowns makes them extremely resistant to fracture. A recent study found that zirconia crowns were the least likely to crack or split after being subjected to high bite forces. With proper oral hygiene and care, a zirconia crown can easily last more than 15 years, or even longer. Depending on the type of dental material used, the average lifespan of a dental crown is around 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care, good dental hygiene habits, and regular dental exams, some crowns can last for decades. Your dentist can talk to you about the cost, durability, and other factors to help you determine the best type of crown for your needs.