Temporary Crown vs. Permanent Crown: What to Know

Dental crowns serve as a reliable solution to restore t broken, severely decayed, or damaged teeth. They are commonly used by patients seeking to enhance their smiles.

While discussing tooth crowns with your dentist, you may come across the terms “temporary crown” and “permanent crown.”

So, what sets a temporary crown apart from a permanent crown?

Continue reading to learn the key differences between temporary and permanent crowns.

Understanding Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are often made from inexpensive materials such as plastic or metal. Their purpose is to offer short-term protection for the tooth.

Keep in mind that temporary crowns are not a long-term solution. Dentists often place them to safeguard the tooth while patients wait for the installation of their permanent crown.

Permanent Dental Crowns

In contrast, permanent crowns are designed to endure for several years. They last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. They are constructed from durable materials like gold, ceramic, porcelain, or stainless steel. These crowns are custom-made based on a mold of your tooth.

To accommodate the permanent crown, the dentist may need to reshape a portion of your tooth. They use a robust bonding agent to securely attach the crown to your tooth.