Dental crowns are a common solution to damaged teeth and come in both temporary and permanent options. Your dentist may provide both options when you need a protective or restorative dental procedure, but patients may not completely understand the difference. If you have never had any kind of dental work, including fillings, crowns, or root canals can feel very daunting. In this blog, we will compare the major differences between temporary and permanent dental crowns.
Material Differences
The first aspect of temporary and permanent crowns you should consider is the material. Material composition is crucial to the comfort and longevity of an oral additive. Temporary options are made from stainless steel or acrylic, which is used to protect the tooth before a more permanent solution can be made. Temporary materials are seen as durable, but may need to be replaced sooner after eating and talking for multiple months.
Permanent crowns are made of a more durable material because they are meant to last through years of consistent use. Porcelain, ceramic, or metal are all used in permanent crown construction, ensuring a long-lasting result that blends with your natural tooth. Temporary crowns are typically a placeholder, meaning that their composition is more about preserving what is left of the tooth while a permanent solution can be made.
Comparing Durability And Longevity
Durability is important for all dental work because we use our teeth and mouth for much of our daily lives. Temporary crowns are not made to last for years because they are meant to be replaced with a more permanent option. Temporary crowns are susceptible to damage over time, especially with acidic or crunchy foods. These crowns can serve their purpose, but if you want to fully protect your teeth from sensitivity and further damage.
Permanent crowns are more robust and able to withstand consistent use. When you have a temporary option, you may still feel sensitivity in the tooth or struggle to eat comfortably. Permanent crowns help to restore the tooth’s natural shape and completely cover the root and nerves of a damaged tooth. Having this permanent solution will help you achieve long-term durability for your teeth.
Installation Process
The installation of a dental crown is tailored to each patient, but temporary dental crowns are also slightly different than permanent options. Temporary crowns are placed with an adhesive, allowing them to be removed easily by a dentist or hygienist when your permanent crown is ready. When used for too long, this adhesive will begin to deteriorate, causing the crown to pop off or become loose on one side.
Permanent crowns are custom-fitted and bonded straight to the tooth with a dental cement. This is much stronger than adhesive, which is why permanent options are more durable and are used as a long-term solution. Dental bonding isn’t prone to deterioration from saliva, acidic foods, or alcohol.
Comfort And Fit
All dental work needs to be comfortable for the patient. Veneers, dentures, implants, and crowns need to be comfortable in the mouth. These procedures are used to make the patient more comfortable and enjoy their favorite foods again, so if the fit of a crown is not comfortable, it defeats the purpose. Temporary crowns are not the final solution, which means that their fit might be slightly off, leading to slight discomfort for the patient.
If you want the most comfortable and perfect fit, permanent dental crowns are the best option. Dental crowns are made to match the unique contours of your teeth, providing a seamless fit that helps restore the tooth to its full size and function.
Can They Be Replaced?
Temporary crowns are supposed to be replaced, which is why an adhesive is used instead of dental cement. Temporary crowns are easy to replace and should be replaced within a few months of being placed if a patient wants to fully protect their tooth. Permanent dental crowns are not meant to be removed. If the crown needs to be removed or replaced, it is a complex process that needs special care to protect the integrity of the real tooth.
Services From Avenues Dental
Avenues Dentistry offers dental crown services to our patients to help them enhance their smile and prevent further dental issues. Crowns are extremely reliable, helping each patient to experience less discomfort and enjoy life to the fullest. Our family dentist in Salt Lake is the top-rated dental practice for family services and cosmetic dentistry. Each member of our team is happy to work with different patients, helping them to have confidence in their smile. Reach out to our team to schedule your appointment today!
