So, there are lots of factors that can affect the lifespan of a crown. But on average I’d say a crown lasts about 10 years. There is great variation in that number too. When my patients ask about how long a crown will last I like to compare any dental work, like crowns to automobiles. Very few people are able to keep a car longer than ten years. We’ve all seen those gorgeous vintage autos of 50 years ago that look like new.