How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last? Maintenance Tips

Wondering how long Crowns and Bridges last? Learn their lifespan, expert maintenance tips, warning signs, and ways to extend their durability!

Health Apr 26, 2025 23 Add to Reading List

How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last? Maintenance Tips

A bright, confident smile is often built on a strong foundation—and for many people, that foundation includes Crowns and Bridges. Whether you need to restore a single damaged tooth or replace missing teeth, Tooth Crowns and Bridges offer a reliable and aesthetic solution.

But just like any dental restoration, understanding their lifespan and how to maintain them is key to preserving your investment and your smile.

If you're wondering about the durability of Dental Crown and Bridges in Abu Dhabi, how long they last, and what you can do to keep them in top shape, you're in the right place.

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Before diving into longevity, let’s first understand what Crowns and Bridges actually are.

Dental Crowns: These are custom-made "caps" placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns help restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Dental Bridges: A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It typically involves two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth (or teeth) in between.

Both options are essential in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for enhancing smiles, restoring chewing ability, and maintaining face shape.

Common Materials Used:

Porcelain (most natural-looking)
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
Gold alloys
Zirconia (high strength and durability)

Average Lifespan of Dental Crowns

On average, Tooth Crowns and Bridges can last between 5 and 15 years. However, with excellent care, it’s not uncommon for crowns to last up to 20–25 years.

Factors Affecting Crown Lifespan:

Material:

Porcelain fused to metal: Typically lasts 10–15 years.
All-ceramic/porcelain: Lasts 10–15 years.
Gold crowns: Extremely durable, lasting 20 years or more.
Zirconia crowns: Offer exceptional durability with up to 20+ years of lifespan.

Placement: Crowns on molars endure more biting pressure, sometimes reducing their longevity compared to crowns on front teeth.
Personal Habits: Bruxism (teeth grinding), chewing on ice, or poor oral hygiene can shorten their lifespan.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), over 90% of dental crowns still function after 10 years with proper maintenance.

Average Lifespan of Dental Bridges

Similarly, the average Dental Bridges last 5 to 15 years, with many lasting over 15 years if well maintained.

Key Factors Influencing Bridge Lifespan:

Strength and Health of Supporting Teeth: The longevity of bridges heavily depends on the health of the abutment teeth.
Material: Metal-supported porcelain or all-ceramic bridges tend to have longer life spans.
Bite Stress: Misalignment or jaw problems can cause undue pressure.
Oral Hygiene: Bridges can trap food; poor cleaning increases the risk of decay.

Statistics Insight:
A study published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry found that 72% of dental bridges remain functional after 10 years.

Factors That Influence the Longevity of Crowns and Bridges

The lifespan of your Crowns and Bridges is not solely dependent on material or placement. Several other critical factors come into play:

Material Type

Choosing higher-quality materials, like zirconia or gold, generally means a longer-lasting restoration.

Location in the Mouth

Restorations on front teeth face less biting force and generally last longer than those on molars.

Oral Hygiene

Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular professional cleanings help prevent decay around the restoration.

Diet

Avoid biting on hard foods (ice, hard candies) and sticky foods (caramel, toffee) that could dislodge or crack crowns and bridges.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Nighttime grinding can dramatically shorten the lifespan of Tooth Crowns and Bridges. A custom nightguard can offer protection.

Dentist's Expertise

A poorly fitted crown or bridge is more likely to fail. Always choose a reputable dentist specializing in Dental Crown and Bridges in Abu Dhabi for the best results.

Lifestyle Habits

Smoking, chewing pens, and even nail-biting can all undermine the durability of your restorations.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan

If you want your Crowns and Bridges to last for decades, follow these proven maintenance strategies:

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

Brush: Twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
Floss: Daily—especially critical under bridges. Use floss threaders or water flossers.
Mouthwash: Antimicrobial rinses reduce bacteria and plaque buildup.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Professional cleaning and exams every six months are essential.
Dentists can spot early issues like tiny cracks or decay.

Protect Against Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth at night, invest in a custom night guard.
Stress management techniques can also reduce bruxism.

Be Careful with Foods

Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, and very sticky foods.
Cut hard fruits or crusty bread into smaller, manageable pieces.

Special Tools for Cleaning

Interdental brushes: Great for cleaning around crowns and under bridges.
Water flossers: Effective at removing debris.

Early Intervention

If you notice looseness, pain, or discomfort, contact your dentist immediately. Early repairs can prevent more serious issues.

Signs Your Crown or Bridge May Need Replacement

Keeping an eye on your restorations can help you catch problems early. Here are the warning signs:

Pain or Sensitivity: Especially when biting or consuming hot/cold foods.
Visible Damage: Chips, cracks, or fractures.
Gum Recession: Exposing the edge of the crown or bridge.
Looseness: Wobbling is never a good sign.
Bad Breath: A Persistent odor could indicate decay beneath the crown.
Metal Showing Through: Especially in porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Aesthetic Changes: Discoloration or misalignment.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Them on Time?

Delaying necessary repairs or replacements can lead to:

Underlying Tooth Decay: Leads to infection or tooth loss.
Gum Disease: Inflammation or periodontitis can set in.
Loss of Adjacent Teeth: Stress on neighboring teeth can cause damage.
Bite and Jaw Problems: Poor bite alignment can cause TMJ issues.
Costlier Treatments: Ignoring minor issues can lead to major surgeries.

Timely intervention preserves your oral health and saves you significant expenses.

Cost of Replacing Dental Crowns and Bridges

Estimated Costs in Abu Dhabi:

Dental Crowns: AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 each.
Dental Bridges: AED 3,000 – AED 8,000+, depending on the number of teeth replaced.

Factors Influencing Costs:

Material chosen (zirconia, porcelain, PFM, gold)
Clinic reputation and expertise
Technologies used (e.g., same-day CAD/CAM crowns)
Insurance coverage and financing plans are available

Although the initial investment can seem significant, well-maintained Crowns and Bridges can last for decades, making them a cost-effective choice in the long term.

Final Thoughts: Smile Confidently with Proper Care

Crowns and Bridges are powerful tools for restoring function, beauty, and health to your smile. By understanding their typical lifespan and adopting proactive maintenance strategies, you can enjoy lasting results.

For the best results, consult an expert in Dental Crown and Bridges at Best Dental Clinic in Abu Dhabi who can provide custom solutions tailored to your needs.

With excellent care and regular dental checkups, your Tooth Crowns and Bridges can keep your smile shining brightly for many years to come!