Getting a dental crown usually involves two separate appointments, and for many patients, the phase between those appointments raises a number of questions. The temporary crown placed at the first visit does a very different job from the permanent crown fitted at the second. Understanding the distinction between the two — how they are made, what they are designed to do, and how to care for them differently — can help you feel far more at ease during the process.
The two-appointment approach to dental crowns is the standard process in most practices, and it exists for good reason. The permanent crown is a precision-made restoration, crafted in a dental laboratory to exact specifications based on impressions or digital scans of your prepared tooth. While that work is being carried out, your tooth needs protection — and that is where the temporary crown comes in.
Why Are Temporary Crowns Used?
Once a tooth has been prepared for a crown, a significant amount of enamel and tooth structure has been removed to create space for the restoration. The prepared tooth is then vulnerable: it may be sensitive to temperature changes, susceptible to bacteria, and at risk of shifting position slightly if left unprotected. The temporary crown addresses all of these concerns while you wait for the permanent restoration to be completed.
The temporary crown also plays a practical role in helping your dentist and the dental laboratory achieve the best result. It allows you to check aspects of the fit, comfort, and appearance — giving your dentist useful feedback before the permanent crown is finalised. In some cases, minor adjustments to the design of the permanent crown can be made based on how the temporary performs.
How Temporary Crowns Are Made
Temporary crowns are made chairside during your appointment, typically from an acrylic or composite resin material. Your dentist will use a pre-made shell or mould, or may fabricate the temporary directly on the prepared tooth. The process takes only a few minutes and the crown is cemented in place with a temporary cement — one that is designed to hold firmly enough for normal use but release relatively easily when the permanent crown is ready to be fitted.
Because temporary crowns are made quickly and from less durable materials, they do not have the same strength, fit precision, or appearance as the final restoration. They are functional enough to get you through a few weeks comfortably, but they are not designed for longevity.
How Permanent Crowns Are Made
The permanent crown is fabricated in a specialist dental laboratory by a dental technician using impressions or digital scans taken at your first appointment. This process typically takes around two weeks. During fabrication, the technician uses highly durable materials — porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal alloy, or a combination — and shapes the crown to precisely replicate the natural contours of your tooth.
The fit of a permanent crown is far more exacting than a temporary one. It is designed to sit flush with the gum margin, contact the adjacent teeth in the correct positions, and meet the opposing teeth with the right biting relationship. When cemented in place, it uses a permanent dental cement rather than the temporary variant, bonding securely to the prepared tooth and becoming a long-term restoration.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Temporary Crown | Permanent Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic or composite resin | Porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or metal |
| Where made | Chairside, in the dental practice | Dental laboratory |
| Cement used | Temporary (removable) | Permanent dental cement |
| Strength | Moderate — sufficient for short-term use | High — designed for long-term function |
| Fit precision | Approximate | Exact, tailored to your tooth |
| Duration | 1–3 weeks typically | 10–15+ years with good care |
| Appearance | Acceptable but not matched to shade | Closely matched to natural teeth |
How to Care for a Temporary Crown
Looking after a temporary crown requires slightly more caution than your usual routine. Although it should feel comfortable and allow you to eat normally, there are a few things worth being careful about during this short period.
According to NHS patient guidance from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, temporary crowns should be treated with care, and patients are advised to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could dislodge the restoration. Here is a summary of the key advice:
- Avoid sticky or chewy foods such as toffees, chewing gum, or sticky sweets — these can pull the temporary crown off
- Avoid biting into hard foods with the temporary crown, including crusty bread, hard sweets, or nuts
- Floss gently around the temporary crown, sliding the floss out sideways rather than lifting it up through the contact point, which could dislodge the crown
- Brush normally but take care around the gum margin of the temporary
- If the temporary crown comes off, keep it safe and contact your dentist — it can often be re-cemented
What Happens If the Temporary Crown Comes Off?
Temporary crowns do occasionally come loose, particularly if exposed to sticky foods or if the cement was not ideal. If this happens, do not panic. The temporary cement is designed with some degree of flexibility. The most important thing is to keep the crown safe and contact your dentist promptly to have it re-cemented. Leaving the prepared tooth unprotected for any length of time increases the risk of sensitivity, bacterial contamination, and tooth movement that could complicate the fit of the permanent crown.
Some patients ask whether they can temporarily re-seat the crown themselves using a temporary dental cement kit from a pharmacy. This is acceptable as a short-term emergency measure if you cannot reach your dentist immediately, but it should not be used as a substitute for seeing your dentist as soon as possible.
What to Expect When the Permanent Crown Is Fitted
At your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent restoration checked for fit, shade, and bite before being permanently cemented. You may notice that the gum around the tooth has settled slightly differently from when the temporary was first placed, which is normal. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments before cementing the permanent crown.
After the permanent crown is fitted, you may notice a slight period of adjustment as your bite settles. If the crown feels high or uneven after a day or two, contact your dentist to have the bite adjusted — this is a straightforward procedure and nothing to be concerned about.
Sensitivity During the Temporary Phase
Some sensitivity to hot and cold is entirely normal while you have a temporary crown in place. The prepared tooth beneath the temporary has had its outer layer removed and is naturally more sensitive. This should resolve once the permanent crown is in place. If you experience significant pain or prolonged sensitivity, contact your dentist, as this may occasionally indicate that the nerve of the tooth requires further attention.
If you are about to begin the crown process or have questions about what to expect at any stage, our team at Tarbert Dental Surgery is always happy to talk you through it. We aim to make the experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible from start to finish. Get in touch on 01880 820 387 and we will be glad to help.