Your dentist may have spoken with you about getting a temporary dental crown on your tooth before getting your permanent crown. Why is this? And what exactly is a temporary dental crown? Here is the total 411 about temporary dental crowns—everything you need to know before getting one!
What Are Temporary Dental Crowns?
Temporary dental crowns function as “pre” dental crowns that are made out of either plastic or stainless steel. These crowns are adhered to your teeth using a temporary binding solution that will be removed before your permanent crown is placed. They look just like a permanent dental crown and provide many of the same benefits and even help to prepare your mouth for the new dental crown.
How Is a Temporary Dental Crown Different from a Permanent One?
A temporary dental crown is only used until your permanent one is ready. While temporary dental crowns are made from plastic or metal, your permanent crown will be made from ceramic or ceramic bonded to metal. They are also typically made at your dentist office, whereas your permanent crown will be made in a lab to be custom for your smile. Your dentist office may also have the ability to create permanent crowns in office via CEREC same-day crowns technology, so no temporary crown will be needed.
Why Are They Used?
A temporary dental crown is used for several reasons and they have several benefits. These include:
Protecting the tooth. Your temporary crown will prevent food from getting trapped in your affected area and provide the necessary protection to prevent sensitivity and further damage.
Preparing gums for the permanent crown. A temporary crown is often very similar to your future permanent one, so it helps “prepare” the mouth for the adhesion of the permanent solution by helping the gums adjust while your temporary crown is in there.
Restoring function. The temporary crown will allow you to speak and chew like normal until your real crown is placed.
Keeps you looking great. Waiting for a permanent crown can take weeks. A temporary crown will restore your natural appearance until you’re ready for the permanent solution.
Keeps teeth in their place. The temporary crown helps teeth to resist shifting and stay where they are so that the place for the permanent crown is held and ready for you!
How Long Will I Have My Temporary Dental Crown?
Usually lab preparation of your crown will take about two weeks. This is the approximate length of time you’ll have your temporary dental crown. Since your dentist will use a temporary adhesive solution, the temporary crown is easily removed and you’ll be ready for your permanent crown when it’s completed for you!
Temporary dental crowns serve many functions and provide short-term solutions for you while you’re waiting for your lab-created custom crown. Talk with your dentist about a temporary crown and how it can effectively hold a place for your real crown until its ready to make your smile gorgeous again!
