Tooth crowns are a long-term solution for damaged teeth, but they don’t last forever. The average lifespan for a dental crown is typically between 5 and 15 years, although it’s possible to extend the longevity of your tooth cap by taking exceptional care of it. With proper aftercare, excellent dental hygiene habits, and regular dental check-ups, you may find that it can last for decades or potentially even longer. The benefit of a crown is that it protects the tooth underneath. If you were to accidentally chew on something hard, the crown will absorb the force and break off the tooth. This leaves the underlying tooth underneath intact and protected. A new crown can then be made over the intact tooth. Without a crown in the same scenario, the tooth may fracture completely causing a catastrophic loss.