How Long Do Different Dental Restorations Last?

When a filling, crown or veneer is fitted, one of the most common questions is how long it will last. There is rarely a precise answer. Dental restorations spend every day dealing with chewing forces, changes in temperature and the bacteria naturally present in the mouth.
How long they remain in good condition depends on the material, the tooth being treated, your bite and how well the surrounding teeth and gums are maintained. A restoration can still look perfectly acceptable after many years, while another may need attention sooner because something has changed underneath or around it.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Usually Last?

Modern white fillings are made from tooth-coloured composite material and can remain serviceable for many years. Research has found good survival rates at 10 years, although larger fillings and those placed on heavily used back teeth tend to face greater stresses.
Dentists usually monitor the edges of older fillings during routine examinations. Small gaps, cracks or areas of decay can develop where the filling meets the natural tooth.
Grinding your teeth, regularly biting very hard foods and having a large filling that replaces a considerable amount of tooth structure can all influence how long it lasts.

How Long Can a Dental Crown Last?

A crown covers and protects a tooth that has been weakened, damaged or heavily restored. There is considerable variation in longevity, although NHS patient information places the average lifespan of crown and bridgework at around five to ten years, with some lasting considerably longer.
Often, the crown itself remains strong. Problems can develop at its edge if plaque accumulates and decay affects the remaining natural tooth underneath.
This is why a crown that has been in place for ten years does not automatically need replacing. If it remains secure, comfortable and healthy around the margins, your dentist may simply continue monitoring it.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by using neighbouring teeth for support. With careful maintenance, bridges can provide many years of use. Leeds Teaching Hospitals reports that around 80% of conventional bridges last for ten years or longer with relatively minor complications.
Cleaning underneath the replacement tooth is particularly important. Food and plaque can collect around areas that an ordinary toothbrush cannot easily reach, so floss or suitable interdental cleaning aids may be needed.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers can last ten years or considerably longer when they are well maintained. Long-term research has reported porcelain veneer survival rates above 90% at ten years in suitable cases.
Veneers can eventually chip, crack or loosen. People who grind or clench their teeth may place considerably more pressure on them, particularly overnight.
Composite veneers and composite bonding may need maintenance more frequently because the resin material can gradually wear, stain or chip. One advantage is that smaller areas can sometimes be repaired without replacing the entire restoration.

Do Dental Implants Last Longer Than Other Restorations?

Dental implants are slightly different because there are usually two parts to consider. The titanium implant sits within the jaw, while a crown, bridge or denture is attached above it. Quorn Dental uses implants as foundations for these replacement teeth.
Research suggests implants can have very good long-term survival, with one systematic review estimating a survival rate of around 96% after ten years. The visible crown or bridge attached to the implant may require repair or replacement during the implant’s lifetime.
Daily cleaning remains important because inflammation and bone loss can develop around implants if plaque repeatedly collects around them.

What Can You Do to Help Restorations Last Longer?

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth each day. Regular examinations also allow a dentist to spot small changes around fillings, crowns and bridges before they become more difficult to manage.
If you grind your teeth, mention it during your dental examination. A protective night guard may sometimes be recommended to reduce repeated pressure on restorations.
Most importantly, avoid thinking of a restoration as having a fixed expiry date. Its condition, the health of the supporting tooth or implant and the surrounding gums are more useful indicators of whether treatment is actually required.