If you’re getting a root canal, dental implant, or dental bridge, the last stage of your treatment plan likely involves adhering a dental crown to the affected tooth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering cemented over your existing tooth to strengthen it and restore its appearance. As you discuss the dental crown procedure with your care team, you might hear mentions of temporary and permanent crowns. But what’s the difference, and do you need both?
What is a temporary crown?
A temporary crown is a short-term solution for covering a tooth while a permanent crown is being created. Often, temporary crowns are only used for a few weeks, so the materials they’re crafted from aren’t quite as durable as those used for permanent crowns.
Temporary crowns may be made from metal or plastic, and they won’t fit teeth quite as snugly as permanent crowns. They may also look slightly out of place and not be an exact match to the shape and color of other teeth.
What is a permanent crown?
A permanent crown is a durable, long-lasting solution for protecting teeth after certain dental procedures. Crowns are generally used after root canal treatment, dental implants, or to secure dental bridges. They may also help protect a tooth that’s cracked, broken, or generally weakened.
Permanent crowns are most often made from ceramic or porcelain, highly durable materials that tend to last for 10 to 15 years or longer. Since a permanent crown is custom molded to your tooth, they tend to fit snugly and leave little space for bacteria to sneak in and create problems like plaque or cavities.
Temporary vs. permanent crowns
There are distinct differences between temporary and permanent crowns, and in most cases, you’ll need both types. However, some dentists are adopting technology to mold and print dental crowns (and other dental appliances, like veneers) right in the office. These advances mean you could receive your permanent crown the same day and forego the temporary crown altogether. The table below shows key differences between temporary and permanent crowns.
| Temporary Crown | Permanent Crown |
| Lasts a few weeks | Lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care |
| Made from resin | Made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal |
| May not match the color of the surrounding teeth | Crafted to match the color and shape of surrounding teeth |
| Higher risk of tooth damage since the fit isn’t perfectly tight | Fits snugly against the tooth, creating a less penetrable seal |
| Bonded with temporary cement for easy removal | Bonded with stronger cement to ensure longevity |
| Need to avoid hard or sticky foods | Can eat like normal after a few days of softer foods |
The bottom line
Unless your dentist’s office has a 3D printing machine to create permanent crowns, you’ll likely end up with both a temporary and permanent crown. With both types of crowns, it’s important to pay extra attention to your oral health, practice gentle brushing, and choose food options that won’t compromise the integrity of the crown.
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