How long do crowns really last, and what shortens them
The material sets the ceiling; grinding, gum health and the dentistry underneath decide whether you reach it.
The published numbers
Monolithic zirconium: 15-20 years. Metal-ceramic: 10-15. Lithium disilicate veneers: 10-15. These are medians from long-term studies, not guarantees, half of all crowns outlive them comfortably.
Grinding is the biggest variable
Nocturnal bruxism can generate several times normal chewing force. It chips porcelain, loosens cement and fractures the tooth underneath. A night guard costs a fraction of a crown and doubles its expected life. We make one for every patient who shows wear facets.
The margin is where crowns fail
Most crowns are not lost because the ceramic broke, but because decay started at the margin where crown meets tooth. That is a hygiene and fit issue, not a material issue, which is why we scan digitally rather than take impressions that distort.
What to do at ten years
A crown that is intact, sealed and comfortable does not need replacing on a schedule. Replace when there is decay, recurrent sensitivity, a fracture or a gum line that has exposed the margin, not because a decade has passed.
The Ones People Actually Ask.
Does the warranty cover grinding damage?
Warranties typically exclude damage from untreated bruxism, which is exactly why the night guard matters.
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What Stands Behind The Plan.
