Temporary Crown vs. Permanent Crown: What’s The Difference? | Kirkland Premier Dentistry
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Temporary Crown vs. Permanent Crown: What’s The Difference?

May 20, 2022

Introduction

Dental cosmetics have come a long way in recent years. Gaining a healthy and attractive smile is much easier these days due to advancements in Dental Science.

Also known as dental caps, ‘Dental Crowns‘ completely cover a tooth to make it stronger and can be used to restore broken, decayed or stained teeth. 

This type of restoration is not only natural-looking but can also completely transform a person’s smile.

A temporary tooth is often cemented in place during the process of preparing the tooth for the crown, as the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory.

This temporary crown is to provide immediate protection before the permanent one is made.

This leads patients to wonder if there is a difference between these two types of crowns and if permanent restoration is necessary.

In this article, we will learn more about these two dental crown types needed to proceed with restorative and preventive dental care needs.

What is the difference between the Structure of Temporary Dental Crowns?

A universal form of crown is utilized by dentists to create temporary dental crowns for the protection of the tooth as these universal forms allow the crown to fit over the remnant of the prepared tooth.

However, it might not perfectly fit as the fabrication and adjustment process allow for a comfortable fit while one waits for the creation of the permanent crown. 

Moreover, temporary restorations being made of a material that is only meant to last for a short time cannot be a permanent fix.  

Understanding the importance of the placement of the custom-fabricated crown after the initial crown preparation procedure is very important for the patients.

Once the process of making the fabricated permanent dental crown is complete, the dentist carefully places the newly made crown over the patient’s tooth, where it can last for anywhere between five and 15 years. 

A dental crown helps reclaim the integrity of the tooth by making it stronger so that it can last longer. The crown can last a long time if it is taken care of.

Thus It is important that they are taken proper care of and every measure is taken to make sure that the teeth last the entire lifetime, as that is exactly what they were designed to do.

As tooth decay is caused by improper oral care, it is necessary for anyone who gets a crown to ensure proper oral care. A visit to the dentist twice a year is vital along with adequate oral hygiene.

Also Read: Bad Breath- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Benefits of a Permanent Crown versus a Temporary Crown

Better Fit

Dr. Sheena Gaur at Kirkland Premier Dentistry explains that the dentist ensures that the permanent crown perfectly mates against its opposite tooth and fits firmly on your repaired tooth material by taking impressions to send to the lab.

The exact dental impressions are used by the lab to create the permanent crown. The permanent Crown is cast to fit the person’s tooth exactly.

An ultra-strong dental adhesive is used to permanently affix the crown over the prepared tooth, during the fitment process.

‘Custom crowns’ have better retention because of the simple reason that they fit on the tooth much better than a temporary one.

Thus, any new cavity starting to form around the margins of the restoration can be prevented because it is tightly sealed.

The risk of tooth damage is greater if the temporary crown is worn for too long.

Stronger Crown Materials

Usually made of composite resin or acrylic material usually, the temporary crowns can withstand the bite for a while without deformation or falling apart, but they are not meant to last permanently.

The temporary materials are only meant to be worn while the new crowns are being made, the process which generally takes a few weeks.

Permanent crowns can be fabricated of porcelain and stronger metals, offering a robust structure to bite.

It is important that the materials used in dental cosmetics can withstand the wear and tear our teeth endure.

Thus the Permanent crowns are typically made from stainless steel, gold or platinum alloys, ceramic or porcelain, and metal composites.

The endurance of these permanent materials prevents chips and breaks in the outer protective surface of the restored tooth.

Improved Appearance

Temporary crowns are not made keeping aesthetics in mind as they are there for a short-term purpose. 

Whereas a permanent crown often looks more natural. A crown that matches the patient’s other teeth can be made at the dental lab ensuring that the new tooth does not stand out. The better quality of materials used looks more pleasing aesthetically.

Conclusion

A dental crown can ensure that the restored remains protected from damage for the long term.

Dr. Sheena Gaur, an expert in the field emphasizes the point that a healthy smile can increase confidence in everyone.

She explains that the advancements in modern dentistry have made it easier than ever before to create a beautiful smile. 

However, a consultation is recommended for patients wishing to opt for crowns.

Temporary crowns or restorations are just the starting point of the process and the permanent crowns need to be placed at the end.

Contact Kirkland Premier Dentistry or schedule your visit to our clinic and start your journey toward improved dental health.

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