How Long Do Dental Restorations Usually Last?

Dental restorations include prostheses such as implants and crowns, as well as dental veneers, that are used to restore missing, damaged, or severely discolored teeth. People who need to repair or replace teeth can benefit from dental restorations that enhance the appearance and function of their smiles.

When investing in dental restorations, you want to know that your investment will last as long as possible. After all, getting dental crowns, veneers, and implants can require multiple steps that will permanently change your smile for the better.

So how long do dental restorations such as these usually last? Here we compare the national average of dental restorations to Elite Prosthetic Dentistry’s restorations and why the difference matters.

Dental Implants

Dental implants generally have a high success rate and can last for many years. In fact, research shows that after 15 years, 86% of dental implants are still in place [1]. 

However, dental implants can last much longer when they are properly placed and maintained over the years. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, more than 97% of our patients still have a healthy implant after 20+ years, which is significantly higher than the national average.

When combined with our in-house lab’s custom-fabricated dental crowns, dental implants can be a lifelong investment into your smile.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are durable restorations that have the potential to last five, 10, or even 20 years. Our crowns are able to meet and exceed the scientific evidence because we take the time to ensure the criteria for long term survival are exceeded. We spend time with every patient to educate them in home care to ensure their dental restorations last a long time.

However, dental crowns can last much longer when they are high-quality, custom-made, and properly placed. Elite Prosthetic Dentistry fabricates dental crowns at our in-house dental lab with experienced technicians who work directly with you to create a crown for your specific smile. 

As a result of our in-house crown fabrication technology and craftsmanship, along with strategic placement by Dr. Marlin and Dr. Talmazov, our dental crowns last over 35 years on average.

Dental Veneers

Like dental crowns and dental implants, dental veneers have the potential to last for many years, especially when they are correctly designed, placed, and bonded. Research shows that dental veneers have a survival rate of 91% after 20 years [2].

As with all the dental restorations we craft in-house at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we make your veneers seamlessly fit your smile. So not only will your veneers look completely natural and beautiful—they will also last for many years to come with proper care.

How to Make Your Dental Restorations Last & Protect Your Investment

There are a few things you can do to ensure your dental restorations last as long as possible.

1. Work with a prosthodontist (dental implant specialist) for your restorations. Although some general dentists can place dental implants, crowns, and veneers, a prosthodontist has received several additional years of training and experience to ensure your restorations are placed in the best position possible for maximum longevity.
2. Ensure your provider crafts their restorations in-house, not send them out to a third-party lab. Custom-made crowns and veneers will ultimately provide a better fit and look more natural, and when you can work directly with the technician who makes them, you will have a stunning final restoration.
3. Take excellent care of your teeth. In addition to brushing and flossing at home, be sure to visit your dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings to ensure tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth grinding do not jeopardize the health or longevity of your restorations.

Work With Elite Prosthetic Dentistry for Picture-Perfect Restorations

Your smile deserves the best, most natural-looking restorations that last as long as possible. For the highest quality dental restorations, work with our experienced team at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry. We have decades of experience working with patients alongside our in-house lab technicians to craft picture-picture dental crowns and veneers to enhance your smile. Contact us for a consultation today.

Sources:

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cid.12994 
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23101040/