How Long Do Dental Crowns Last in Canada?
Most people hear that a crown should last about a decade and wonder, is that realistic for me? The short answer: yes—if you choose the right material, follow a simple, personalized care plan, and see your dentist on a set schedule. In Canada, crowns commonly last 10–15 years, and many last longer with smart daily habits and early checkups. If you’re still deciding whether a crown is right for you, learn more about why you might need a dental crown.
How long do dental crowns last?
Crowns usually last 10–15 years. Material, bite forces, and daily care matter. Metal often lasts longest. Porcelain and zirconia look natural but still need gentle care. A personalized plan—tailored hygiene, habit changes, and routine checkups—can push lifespan well beyond 15 years.
What actually affects crown lifespan?
A crown’s life depends on a few big factors: the material, how you use your teeth, and how you clean around the crown’s edges (the margins). Here’s a simple overview.
Material choice
• Metal: very durable, great for heavy chewers and back teeth.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): strong and natural-looking; needs gentle cleaning to protect the surface.
• All-ceramic/porcelain and zirconia: very lifelike; handle daily wear well but still benefit from smart habits (no ice chewing).
Your bite and habits
Grinding or clenching (bruxism), chewing ice, nail-biting, or opening packages with your teeth adds stress. A custom night guard prevents micro-fractures and chronic wear. Stress management can help too, since tension often drives clenching.
Daily care at the margins
Most problems start where the crown meets the tooth. Food and plaque can collect there. Gentle brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste and daily cleaning between teeth (floss or a floss threader) lowers the risk of decay at crown edges.
Your personalized plan to make a crown last
There’s no one-size-fits-all routine. Your dentist will customize a plan to your crown material, bite, and habits. Here’s what that plan usually includes.
1) Customized oral hygiene
• Toothpaste: Choose a non-abrasive formula, especially for porcelain or ceramic surfaces.
• Brushing: Use a soft brush. Small circular motions along the margin protect your gums and the crown edge.
• Between-teeth care: Floss daily. If the crown sits near a bridge or tight contact, use a floss threader or a water flosser to reach under and around.
2) Habit adjustments that protect your crown
• Night guard: If you grind or clench, a custom night guard absorbs force and reduces chips and micro-cracks.
• Cut the crown killers: Skip chewing ice, hard candies, and pens. Open packages with scissors, not teeth.
• Nail-biting: Keep clippers handy or consider a non-toxic bitter nail treatment to break the habit.
3) Diet tweaks that reduce stress on your crown
• Hard or sticky foods: Cut tough foods into smaller pieces. Limit sticky candies and caramels that can pull on a crown.
• Temperature extremes: Avoid crunching very hard, frozen items (like ice) that can shock the material.
4) Follow-up intervals that fit your risk
Some people do best with visits every six months. Others, especially if they grind or have dry mouth (less saliva), may benefit from a three- to four-month schedule. These quick checks catch looseness, chips, or early decay before it becomes a bigger fix.
“On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years.” — Cleveland Clinic
How material and fit influence longevity
Strong materials help, but precise fit is just as important. A well-sealed margin lowers the chance of decay creeping beneath the crown. If your dentist suggests same-day crowns or traditional lab-made crowns, both can last well when done properly and paired with good home care. If you want to review the full picture of crown reasons, materials, and steps, explore when and why you may need a dental crown.
Real-life example
Emily has a zirconia crown on a back molar. She grinds at night, so her dentist made a custom night guard. She switched to a gentle toothpaste, learned to clean along the margin with a floss threader, and cut steak into small bites. Ten years later, her crown still looks and feels great. Small changes, big result.
Early detection saves crowns
Call your dentist if you notice any of the following:
• A crown that feels high or your bite suddenly changes
• New roughness on the crown surface
• A visible chip or hairline crack
• Soreness when chewing or temperature sensitivity
• Food trapping at one spot along the gumline
These are often easy to fix if caught early. A quick polish, a minor adjustment, or re-cementing can prevent a larger issue later.
Simple daily checklist
• Brush twice daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily—floss, floss threader, or water flosser.
• Avoid chewing ice and hard objects; slice hard foods into smaller pieces.
• Wear a night guard if you grind or clench.
• Book routine checkups (every 3–6 months, based on your risk).
Common risks—and how a plan prevents them
• Chips or cracks: Night guards and avoiding hard foods reduce force spikes.
• Loosening: Early re-cementing is simple; routine checks spot looseness before the crown dislodges.
• Decay at margins: Margin-focused brushing and daily flossing (or a threader) lower risk; your dentist may also add fluoride during cleanings if you’re higher risk.
• Gum recession: Gentle brushing and regular cleanings protect your gums and the crown edge.
Choosing the right crown for your mouth
Your dentist looks at your bite, where the crown sits, and your habits. Back teeth with heavy chewing may benefit from metal or zirconia. Front teeth often favour porcelain or ceramic for a natural look. If you’re weighing cosmetic needs and strength, your dentist can help balance both. For a deeper look at indications and material trade-offs, see why you might need a dental crown.
Already have other dental work?
Many Canadians with crowns also have bridges or implants. Each piece needs its own care routine. If you also wear a bridge, it’s worth reviewing how to care for a dental bridge so you can protect all your restorations at once.
Conclusion
Crowns are built to last. With a smart, personalized plan—gentle daily hygiene, protection from grinding, a few diet tweaks, and regular follow-ups—you can keep your crown in great shape for 10–15 years and often longer. The key is prevention and early checks. Small steps today protect your smile for years.
FAQ
Can a crown last 20 years?
Yes. Many crowns make it past 15 years, and some last 20 or more. Material, bite forces, and care matter. Regular checkups and a night guard (if you grind) help crowns go the distance.
Which crown material lasts the longest?
Metal crowns are usually the most durable. Zirconia is also very strong. Porcelain and ceramic look very natural and last well with gentle care and smart habits.
Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
Yes. Decay can start at the margin where the crown meets the tooth. That’s why margin cleaning is so important. Brush gently along the gumline and floss daily; consider a floss threader if contacts are tight.
What’s the best way to clean around a crown?
Use a soft brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste and focus on the margin. Floss daily. If you struggle with standard floss, try a floss threader or a water flosser to reach under and around edges.
What foods should I avoid with a crown?
Skip chewing ice and very hard candies. Limit sticky caramels and taffy that can tug on a crown. Cut tougher foods into smaller bites. These simple changes lower chip and loosening risks.
Do I need a night guard if I have a crown?
If you grind or clench, yes. A custom guard absorbs force and protects both the crown and your natural teeth. It’s one of the easiest ways to extend a crown’s lifespan.
