“How long will these last?” It’s one of the most common questions patients ask after receiving dental crowns or veneers. While modern materials are incredibly strong and lifelike, the longevity of these restorations depends on more than just the quality of the work—it relies heavily on your habits, lifestyle, and overall oral health.
At our Moore County dental practice, we believe in empowering patients with knowledge. Everyday choices and underlying health conditions can significantly impact the longevity of your crowns and veneers. If you’re interesting in talking further about our dental treatment options that improve your smile, call us today at (910) 692-4450.
Daily Dental Care: The First Line of Defense
Caring for your crowns and veneers begins with daily oral hygiene. Just like natural teeth, these restorations require regular cleaning to prevent issues like decay and gum disease, both of which can shorten their lifespan.
Although veneers and crowns themselves are not prone to cavities, the natural tooth structure beneath and around them can still decay if not cared for properly. Dental crowns are custom-fitted caps that cover the entire visible surface of a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. When decay develops underneath, it can compromise the seal and stability of the crown, meaning the entire restoration may need to be removed and replaced.
Here’s what a strong daily routine should include:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing daily or using a water flosser to clean between teeth and around restoration edges.
- Using a non-abrasive mouthwash to support gum health.
- Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months.
Your Diet Matters More Than You Think
What you eat plays a significant role in maintaining your crowns and veneers. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth to enhance their shape, color, and overall appearance. While they are crafted from durable porcelain designed to resist staining and mimic natural enamel, they still require mindful care.
Even though restorations don’t stain as easily as natural teeth, constant exposure to certain types of foods can still weaken or fracture them. Avoiding excessive sugar and acidity helps protect the margins where the restoration meets the tooth. And chewing on hard items may cause cracks, chips, or even dislodgement of your crowns or veneers.
Here are a few examples:
Foods and habits to avoid:
- Chewing on ice, pens, or fingernails
- Eating sticky or hard candies
- Drinking soda and citrus juices frequently
Veneer- and crown-friendly choices:
- Soft fruits and cooked vegetables
- Cheese, nuts, and lean proteins
- Water or unsweetened beverages
You can reduce the risk of future damage and decay by making small adjustments to your diet.
Clenching, Grinding, and TMJ: Silent Threats to Your Restorations
You may not even realize you’re clenching or grinding your teeth, especially if it happens at night. But these forces—known collectively as bruxism—can significantly reduce the lifespan of your crowns and veneers. Crowns are designed to reinforce teeth that have been weakened by decay or damage, acting like a protective cover that restores strength and balance to your bite. When constant pressure is applied, that protective layer can crack, loosen, or wear unevenly, shortening the restoration’s durability and effectiveness.
Bruxism is often linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and even chipped or cracked teeth. This is why Dr. Grimshaw points out that patient habits, especially unconscious ones, are just as important as brushing and flossing.
Warning signs of bruxism or TMJ-related stress:
- Waking up with jaw or facial soreness
- Unexplained headaches, especially in the morning
- Flattened or worn-down teeth
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, speak with your dentist. Addressing these habits early can protect both your natural teeth and your restorations.
The Sleep Apnea Connection: More Than Just Snoring
In the video, Dr. Grimshaw highlights an important but often overlooked link: “There’s a big correlation between TMJ, clenching, grinding, bruxing, and sleep apnea.” Many patients don’t realize that sleep apnea—a condition that disrupts normal breathing during sleep—can contribute directly to nighttime clenching and grinding.
Even patients using a CPAP machine may continue to experience these damaging habits if the root cause isn’t fully addressed. And while CPAP helps with airflow and oxygenation, it doesn’t always reduce the physical forces exerted on the teeth and jaw during sleep.
For patients with sleep apnea and dental restorations, the risk of accelerated wear is very real. That’s why a comprehensive approach to treatment—including dental appliances—may be necessary.
Dental Appliances: A Smart Investment in Longevity
If you’ve invested in crowns or veneers, protecting them is a smart next step. Custom-fitted dental appliances, such as nightguards or sleep appliances, can help reduce harmful nighttime forces.
These devices are designed to absorb and redistribute the pressure from grinding or clenching, minimizing the strain on your restorations. For patients with sleep apnea, an oral appliance may even improve breathing while reducing bruxism.
Unlike over-the-counter guards, custom appliances made by your dentist are tailored to your bite and offer better protection and comfort.
When Should Crowns or Veneers Be Replaced?
Even with perfect care, dental restorations don’t last forever. On average, veneers can last 10 to 15 years, while crowns may last 15 years or more. However, these timeframes can vary dramatically depending on factors like health, hygiene, and nighttime habits.
You may need to replace a restoration sooner if you experience:
- Looseness or shifting in your bite
- Cracks, chips, or fractures
- Decay forming near the gumline
- Persistent sensitivity or discomfort
Regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor your restorations and intervene early if problems arise.
Watch: Dr. Grimshaw Explains Why Longevity Starts With You
Watch the video below to hear Dr. Grimshaw explain how your habits—especially those related to nighttime clenching, TMJ issues, and sleep apnea—can impact how long your crowns and veneers last.
This short video explains why some restorations last decades while others don’t make it past five years. The difference often lies in what happens after the dental work is complete. With CEREC same-day crowns, patients can receive a custom-designed restoration in a single visit, created using advanced digital technology that scans your tooth and mills a perfectly fitted ceramic crown on-site. These crowns are made from durable, high-quality materials that closely resemble natural enamel and provide exceptional strength. However, even with the precision and quality of CEREC technology, ongoing care and protection against clenching or grinding remain essential for long-term success.
You Have More Control Than You Think
Dental restorations like crowns and veneers are a valuable investment in your oral health and confidence. But they aren’t maintenance-free. How you care for them, what you eat, how you sleep, and whether you address underlying conditions all affect their longevity.
By adopting healthy habits and working closely with your dentist, you can extend the life of your crowns and veneers—often well beyond the average lifespan. At Kuhn Dental Associates, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call our office today at (910) 692-4450 for more information on our treatment options.
