Temporary Crowns vs Permanent Crowns
Posted on December 29th, 2023
Dental crowns are a versatile treatment used in a variety of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. Dentists often use crowns to repair damaged teeth, including decayed and broken teeth. They’re also used to reshape teeth and cover minor flaws like tooth discoloration. Additionally, crowns are an essential part of many smile makeover treatments, including dental bridges and dental implants.
Crowns can be used to either restore strength and functionality to teeth or improve the overall appearance of your smile. No matter what procedure is performed, a temporary crown will usually be secured to the tooth before the permanent restoration.
Permanent crowns are created in a dental lab using molds of your teeth. This ensures that the final product fits your smile correctly.
To learn more about the distinctions between temporary vs permanent crowns, continue reading.
Why are Temporary Crowns Necessary?
Whether you’re undergoing a root canal or having a chipped tooth repaired, temporary dental crowns play a crucial role in the dental restoration process. Temporary crowns are necessary because they serve several important functions until the permanent crown is ready to be placed.
- Protects the Exposed Tooth Structure
After a tooth has been prepped for a crown, its natural enamel is compromised. This makes it more vulnerable to damage. A temporary crown shields the tooth from bacteria and plaque, reducing sensitivity and the risk of tooth decay.
- Maintains Proper Dental Alignment
When a tooth is removed, a temporary crown prevents adjacent teeth from shifting until a permanent crown can be placed. Additionally, when a tooth is shaved down to accommodate a crown, it can negatively affect bite alignment and smile appearance. Temporary crowns help preserve your smile and prevent malocclusion. If you’re receiving a dental implant, a temporary crown will also fill in the unattractive gap left by the missing tooth.
- Improves Fit and Bite Assessment
Temporary dental crowns allow your dentist to further evaluate the fit and feel of restorations. This makes it easier for adjustments to be made before the final crown is crafted.
- Eases the Transition to the Permanent Crown
Temporary crowns help gum tissue and surrounding teeth adapt gradually to the shape and size of the new restoration. This ensures a smoother final placement.
Temp Crowns vs Permanent Crowns: What’s the Biggest Difference?
The biggest difference between temp crowns and permanent crowns is their durability. Temporary crowns are only meant to last a few weeks, while permanent ones last between 5-15 years.
Temporary restorations are usually made from either a metal or plastic material. They are much easier to remove than permanent ones. Permanent dental crowns are usually crafted from a highly durable metal, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal.
Benefits of Permanent Crowns vs Temporary Crowns
While temporary crowns are an essential step in most dental procedures, it’s almost always necessary to graduate to a permanent crown later. Below are several benefits that permanent crowns offer that temp crowns do not.
- Permanent crown materials are stronger, more durable, and therefore longer lasting than their temporary counterparts.
- Permanent crowns are designed in a lab to ensure they fit your smile. This means they’re more comfortable and the margins of these restorations will be highly accurate.
- Permanent crowns are more aesthetically pleasing than temps. This is because they’re crafted carefully to ensure they match your natural teeth and flawlessly complete your smile.
Visit Us at Oak Lawn Smiles for Quality Dental Restorations
If you’re in need of restorative or cosmetic dentistry in Oak Lawn, IL, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile throughout your life. We provide trusted dental care to patients of all ages.
