Top Insight: How Long Do Zirconia Dental Crowns Typically Last?

Zirconia dental crowns, as ceramic restorations that cover the entire tooth surface without a metal inner crown, are a concern for many patients regarding their lifespan. Here is a brief introduction to the lifespan of zirconia dental crowns:

The lifespan of zirconia dental crowns is influenced by various factors, but generally speaking, it ranges from 10 to 20 years.

What Are Zirconia Dental Crowns?

Zirconia dental crowns are ceramic restorations that cover the entire tooth surface without a metal inner crown. Made of high-strength ceramic materials that are similar in color to teeth, zirconia crowns are more aesthetically pleasing than metal-based porcelain restorations. They have a semi-transparency similar to natural teeth, providing a more natural appearance at the gum line after restoration, achieving a realistic effect. Additionally, they are non-irritating to surrounding tissues.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Zirconia Dental Crowns

1. Material of Zirconia Dental Crowns: There are various types of zirconia crown materials, each with different characteristics and prices. Generally, higher-priced materials tend to last longer. However, it’s not absolute; the best choice is the one that suits you best. At HINNO Dental, we strictly prohibit the use of inferior zirconia dental crowns.

2. Doctor’s Skill and Technique: The material is one thing, but the doctor’s skill is equally important. Therefore, we often advise that dental procedures should be performed at formal medical institutions by professional dentists with solid technical skills and clinical experience.

3. Patient’s Own Teeth Condition: If the patient’s teeth have minimal defects and inflammation, the zirconia dental crown will generally last longer after installation.

4. Daily Use and Care: Daily use and care play a crucial role. For example, using zirconia crowns to chew hard foods like bones is different from drinking porridge. Even our natural teeth should avoid excessive wear. Therefore, patients should correct improper dental habits, such as using teeth to open bottles, tear packaging, or crack nuts. Tools should be used when necessary.

Additionally, daily cleaning and care must be thorough, including brushing teeth at least twice a day and regular dental maintenance (such as teeth cleaning and check-ups) to maintain periodontal health. A healthy and clean oral environment is crucial for extending the lifespan of zirconia dental crowns.

Of course, oral health maintenance should not be overdone, such as brushing too hard or using dental floss, interdental brushes, water flossers, and mouthwash excessively.

Marcus Chow, Zirconia Dental Crown – FDA Approved/CE Certified Chinese Lab

How Long Can Zirconia Dental Crowns Last?

Generally, zirconia dental crowns are broadly classified into two categories: glass-ceramic zirconia crowns and alumina/zirconia crowns.

① Glass-ceramic zirconia crowns, such as hot-pressed porcelain crowns, glass-infiltrated porcelain crowns, and glass-ceramic crowns milled using CAD/CAM technology.

② Alumina/zirconia crowns, which involve milling the alumina or zirconia inner crown using CAD/CAM technology and then adding an outer veneering porcelain through layered porcelain build-up techniques, resulting in a zirconia crown with or without an outer veneering porcelain (full zirconia crown).

Regardless of the type, zirconia dental crowns share the common characteristics of material strength and stability. When placed by a skilled dentist, zirconia crowns typically have a longer lifespan than traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. According to relevant data, approximately 65% of zirconia crowns can last for over 10 years. This is the reason why people choose zirconia dental crowns. With careful care in daily life, the lifespan of zirconia crowns may even be longer.

Therefore, for patients requiring dental restorations, choosing zirconia dental crowns is undoubtedly a wise decision. They not only provide excellent restoration results but also ensure a longer lifespan, allowing patients to feel more confident and comfortable in their daily lives.