The Longevity of Kids’ Dental Crowns: How Long Do They Last

Kids' dental crowns are one of the most common ways to restore teeth that are in bad shape due to cavities, injuries, or damage. While the concept and material makeup tend to be the same as adult crowns, there are some slight differences, which play a role in how long they last. Understanding the longevity of kids' dental crowns can be helpful for parents who want to know ahead of time. Continue reading to find out more.

Understanding the lifespan of a kid’s dental crowns

Outlined below are a few important things to know about how long kids' dental crowns last. Additionally, we cover what factors play a role in the length of time that they last.

The average timeline

Generally speaking, kids' dental crowns tend to last a couple of years. Most dentists that work with pediatric patients will not recommend an extremely long-lasting permanent dental crown because the tooth will fall out and be replaced by the adult tooth later on. There is no sense in spending the extra cost to have a tooth covered for 10 years or more when it will eventually become an adult tooth.

With that being said if a kid does need a dental crown but they already have their adult teeth in, then a more reliable crown material does make sense. Gold and porcelain crowns are the most durable and can last an entire decade on adult teeth.

Special circumstances

In some cases, the dentist may recommend a dental crown designed for just a short period of time, such as one that is made of composite resin. This type of kids' dental crown is one that is used for very temporary situations! It is ideal when the tooth is very near falling out, to be replaced by an adult tooth. In general dentistry, composite resin dental crowns are used as temporary ones until the permanent fixture is ready.

The factors

There are a few crucial factors that play a role in how long a child's dental crowns last. Understanding the factors listed below can be helpful for parents trying to make the most of the fixture.

• Oral hygiene is key. Brushing and flossing daily helps to keep the surrounding area in good shape, thus lowering the chances that the crown will become damaged
• Avoid foods that may dislodge the dental crown. Sticky, chewy, and tough foods should be avoided at all costs
• Risk of injury is another factor, as a lot of children play rough or engage in physical sports, which puts the crown at risk of becoming damaged.