Short answer: Zirconia crowns are made of a durable material and can be used for many years with good care; however, it is not possible to give an exact lifespan. What really determines how long a crown lasts is the health of the tooth and gums underneath, oral hygiene, any teeth-clenching habit and regular check-ups. Most problems come not from the crown itself but from decay and gum inflammation developing at the crown margin.
What is a zirconia crown?
Zirconia is a durable, tooth-coloured ceramic material used in dentistry to make crowns and bridges. It is made as a "crown" that covers the tooth all round. Because it has no metal framework, it may be preferred for its translucency and its appearance at the gum line. For a general comparison with other crown types, see our article on dental crown types.
What affects the lifespan of a crown?
The condition of the tooth underneath
A crown is only as strong as the tooth underneath it. In teeth that have had root canal treatment, have lost a lot of structure or have had large fillings before, whether the crown stays problem-free for a long time depends on the remaining tooth tissue and its support.
Margin fit and the gums
The margin where the crown meets the tooth is a critical area where bacterial plaque collects. If this area is not cleaned well, gum inflammation and decay at the crown margin can develop. If the gums recede over time, the crown margin may become visible. Our article on gum recession can guide you on this.
Clenching and grinding
Clenching or grinding the teeth at night (bruxism) puts excess load on the crown and the opposing teeth. This can increase the risk of fractures, cracks or wear on the opposing tooth. If the dentist considers it necessary, they may recommend a protective night guard. For general information on bruxism, take a look at our bruxism page.
Habits and check-ups
Habits such as biting hard objects, opening packets with your teeth and chewing ice strain the crown. Checking the crown margins, the bite and the gums at regular check-ups means small problems can be spotted before they grow.
Possible problems with zirconia crowns
"Are zirconia crowns harmful?" is a frequently asked question. The material itself is widely used in the mouth; however, as with any treatment, some problems can occur:
- Decay under the crown: If cleaning at the margin is inadequate, decay can develop. Because the crown covers the tooth completely, decay may not be noticed at first; this is why check-ups with X-rays are important.
- Gum inflammation: Plaque collecting at the margin can cause redness and swelling of the gums and bleeding when brushing.
- Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot and cold may be felt for a while after the crown is fitted. In most cases it eases over time; if it does not go away, see your dentist.
- Fracture or crack: Although it is durable, the crown or the porcelain layer on its surface can break under excessive force.
- Nerve problems: In living teeth that have been prepared, root canal treatment may, although rarely, become necessary later.
Most of these problems can be dealt with by simpler methods when they are noticed early.
What should daily care look like?
- Brush at least twice a day, paying attention to the crown margins and the gum line.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss, an interdental brush or a water flosser. Special floss can be used to clean under the pontic of a bridge.
- Avoid biting hard objects and using your teeth as tools.
- If you have a teeth-clenching habit, tell your dentist.
- Attend check-ups and scaling at the intervals your dentist recommends.
When should you see your dentist?
- If the crown is loose or has come off
- If there is a bad smell, a bad taste or constant bleeding around the crown
- If you feel pain when biting or sensitivity that does not go away
- If you notice a crack or fracture in the crown
- If you see swelling or a colour change at the gum margin
For similar problems seen with bridges, see our articles on a loose dental bridge and gum recession under a bridge.
Should orthodontics be considered before crowns?
Zirconia crowns are sometimes requested purely for cosmetic reasons, to "make crowded or tilted teeth look straight". In this case more tissue may need to be removed from the teeth to achieve a straight look. Moving the teeth into the right position with orthodontic treatment first can mean crowns are no longer needed or that less tissue has to be removed. We explain this option on our wire-free orthodontics for adults page. For a comparison of zirconia and veneers, take a look at our article veneers or zirconia crowns.
What happens at check-ups?
Regular check-ups for teeth with zirconia crowns are done not only to look at the crown itself but also to assess the tissues around it. The dentist checks how well the crown margins fit, the colour of the gums and whether there is bleeding, and whether there are any excessive contact points in the bite. If considered necessary, X-rays may be taken to check for decay at the crown margins. Scaling and, if needed, surface polishing can also be done at these appointments. How often check-ups take place is decided by the dentist according to your gum health, decay risk and habits.
Frequently asked questions
How many years do zirconia crowns last?
It is not possible to give an exact figure. With good care and regular check-ups they can be used for many years; the lifespan varies from person to person according to the condition of the tooth underneath, oral hygiene and habits.
Can a tooth decay under a zirconia crown?
The crown material does not decay; however, decay can develop at the margin of the crown, where it meets the tooth. That is why cleaning the margin and check-ups with X-rays are important.
Do zirconia crowns darken the gums?
Because zirconia contains no metal, it does not create a dark line at the gum margin. Even so, if the gums recede, the crown margin or the tooth underneath may become visible.
Can a zirconia crown be replaced?
Yes. If the crown breaks, decay develops at its margin or the appearance deteriorates because of gum changes, it can be replaced after the dentist's assessment. The condition of the tooth underneath determines how it is replaced.
How can you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right option for you is determined through an examination and the dentist's assessment. For appointments and directions, see our contact page.
