Your dental work isn’t meant to last forever. But did you know that dental implants can last 25+ years, while crowns and bridges typically need replacement after 10–15 years? 

With proper care, implants may last a lifetime, but the attached crown or bridge will eventually wear down. Many people assume these treatments are permanent—only to face unexpected repairs. Oral hygiene, material quality, and everyday habits all play a role in how long they last. 

Skipping routine checkups or grinding your teeth at night? That could shorten their lifespan. But which option lasts the longest, and how can you make your restorations last longer? 

In this article, we’ll break down the lifespan of crowns, bridges, and implants—so you can make the best choice for your long-term oral health.

The Lifespan of Restorative Dental Treatments: What to Expect

Not all dental restorations last forever, but some last significantly longer than others. Dental implants, crowns, and bridges each have different lifespans based on materials, oral hygiene, and everyday wear and tear. 

Here’s what you can realistically expect from each option.

A. Dental Crowns: Strong but Not Indestructible

Think of dental crowns as a protective shield for your tooth. They restore strength and function to damaged teeth, but over time, daily wear, biting forces, and even certain foods can weaken them.

 While crowns are one of the most durable restorative treatments, they still have a limited lifespan before needing replacement.

✔ Average Lifespan: 10–15 years, though some last up to 20+ years with excellent care.
✔ Materials Matter:

• Porcelain crowns – Look natural but may chip over time.
• Metal/Gold crowns – Extremely durable, lasting 15–30 years, but less aesthetic.
• Zirconia crowns – One of the longest-lasting, averaging 15–20+ years.

   

✔ What Affects Longevity?

• Grinding/clenching (bruxism) – Can wear down or crack crowns faster.
• Poor oral hygiene – This can lead to decay underneath the crown, requiring replacement.
• Chewing hard foods or ice – Increases the risk of fractures.

   

✔ Signs It Needs Replacement:

• Cracks, chips, or rough edges.
• A loose or shifting fit.
• Decay forming around or under the crown.

B. Dental Bridges: Effective, But Needs Support

Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth without surgery, but they rely heavily on the health of the surrounding teeth. If those supporting teeth weaken, the bridge’s stability is compromised. 

While bridges are designed to last over a decade, they still require proper maintenance to reach their full lifespan.

✔ Average Lifespan: 10–15 years, though well-maintained bridges may last up to 20 years.
✔ Materials Matter:

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) – Strong but can show wear over time.
• All-ceramic bridges – More natural-looking but slightly less durable.
• Metal bridges – Longest lifespan but aesthetically unappealing.
  ✔ What Affects Longevity?
• Health of supporting teeth – If the teeth anchoring the bridge weaken, the bridge fails.
• Gum disease – Receding gums may cause the bridge to become loose.
• Inadequate cleaning – Bacteria buildup under the bridge can lead to decay.
  ✔ Signs It Needs Replacement:
• Gum irritation or pain around the bridge.
• Visible cracks or fractures in the bridge.
• A shifting or unstable fit.

C. Dental Implants: The Longest-Lasting Solution

If you’re looking for the most permanent and worry-free tooth replacement, dental implants are the gold standard. Unlike crowns and bridges, implants are embedded into your jawbone, acting like natural tooth roots. 

With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, but the restoration attached to them (like the crown) may need occasional replacement. Restorative dentists recommend implants as the best long-term solution for maintaining jawbone health and ensuring a natural-looking, durable smile.

Read more about Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?

✔ Average Lifespan: 15–25+ years, with many lasting a lifetime if well cared for.
✔ Implant vs. Crown Longevity:

• The implant post (in the jawbone) – Can last a lifetime with successful bone integration.
• The crown attached to the implant – Usually needs replacement every 10–15 years due to wear.
  ✔ What Affects Longevity?
• Bone health – Implants need strong jawbone support for long-term stability.
• Smoking and gum disease – Both increase implant failure risk significantly.
• Biting forces – Excessive force (like bruxism) can loosen or damage an implant.
  ✔ Signs It Needs Attention:
• Pain or swelling around the implant site.
• The crown on the implant is cracked or loose.
• Signs In the next section, we’ll compare crowns, bridges, and implants side by side to help you decide which option fits your long-term needs best. 

III. Comparing Crowns, Bridges, and Implants: Which Lasts Longest?

Choosing the Best Long-Term Solution

Your smile is an investment—so choosing the right restorative treatment matters. If you want a long-lasting, natural-looking solution, you need to act now before your dental issues worsen.

• Crowns and bridges restore damaged or missing teeth, but they require ongoing maintenance and replacements over time.
• Dental implants are the gold standard for longevity, lasting 25+ years or even a lifetime—making them the best long-term investment for your oral health.

Waiting only leads to more dental complications, higher costs, and unnecessary discomfort. If you’re serious about restoring your smile with high-quality, long-lasting dental work, you need the expertise of a trusted restorative dentist.

Call Corona Family Dental today to schedule your consultation. Our expert team will assess your needs and create a custom treatment plan that gives you the best results for years to come.