If you’ve been informed that you’re getting a temporary crown, you’re not the only one. These temporary crowns are essential in protecting your tooth before a permanent restoration can be made. From what temporary crown material is to the temporary crown types, temporary dental crown procedure, and temporary crown cost, we are going to cover it all in this temporary crown guide. Leading the way, companies like Aidite are making it easier than ever to discover premium dental solutions
What Is a Temporary Crown?
A temporary crown is a short-term covering over a tooth meant to protect the tooth until a permanent crown can be made. It preserves the shape, function, and appearance of that tooth with this crown. It is often recommended by your dentist following a root canal, dental implant, or large filling.
The material used for temporary crowns is chosen for its strength and durability, allowing it to endure bite forces for short durations. It’s not as permanent as long-term solutions, but it acts as a cover for your tooth whilst it awaits healing or modeling.
Understanding Temporary Crown Types
There are different types of temporary crowns that may be used, based on your particular dental situation:
- Preformed Metal Crowns: These are stock crowns that come in standard dimensions that can fit different teeth. They can consist of stainless steel (very common tool for back teeth, specifically in kids), lightweight aluminum, or polycarbonate. Your dentist chooses the appropriate one and customizes it to your tooth.
- Custom-made crowns: These are custom-designed in the office by your dentist or in a laboratory from an impression of your tooth after it has been prepared. Typically, they provide a better fit and appearance compared to other types.
Being aware of temporary crown types will enable you to ask more specific questions about your dental appointment. Certain temporary crown types will work more effectively on front teeth while others serve molars better.
Temporary Crown Material Options
A significant factor is the temporary crown material used for the temporary crown. Common materials include
- Acrylic resins (PMMA): This was the old standard for temporary crown material. It is cost effective and easy for dentists to work with chairside. It may wear, however, and it probably isn’t the most aesthetically appealing material for a visible temporary crown.
- Composite resins (Bis-acryl): This is a temporary crown material used popularly nowadays for temporary crowns. Some of the latest innovations, such as in bis-acryl materials, exist by brands such as Aidite that have superior strength, good aesthetics with improved color stability, and a smoother finish. They are not as stain resistant and are a bit less durable than the simple acrylics, but they can provide longer-term temporization or a temporary crown on the anterior teeth. It is a versatile temporary crown material.
- Metal: Grade in the above type is either stainless steel or aluminum, depending on the less visible molars basically. They will last 30-50 years but do not look like natural teeth.
The temporary crown types and temporary crown material will be left to your dentist in his or her best clinical judgment.
Temporary Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
The temporary dental crown procedure is quite simple and is generally performed after the preparation of the final crown of the natural tooth. Your dental appointment to receive your temporary crown does not need to be a source of anxiety, especially if you understand the steps you’ll go through, so here are the step-by-step guide of what will happen.
Overview of temporary dental crown procedure:
1. Tooth Preparation (if not already done): If this is the same visit that has your tooth prepped, your dentist will first numb you. Then, they will prepare the tooth by shaving a small amount of enamel to allow room for the permanent crown.
2. Impression or scan: An impression (mold) or an intraoral scan of the prepared tooth and the neighboring teeth is made. In general, this is intended for the creation of a custom-fit permanent crown as well as for the production of a custom temporary crown.
3. Making of the Temporary Crown:
- Indirect Method (Chairside): For the temporary crown, it is commonly made in your mouth. A dentist may fill a pre-formed shell or a template (made from the initial impression) with a temporary crown material (usually bis-acryl composite resin, but sometimes polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA). Then it is put on top of your ready tooth. The dentist will then remove it once the material has hardened, trim the excess, and polish the temporary crown.
- Indirect method : In some cases, especially for a durable or more pleasing temporary crown for a longer period of time, the impression will be sent to a dental lab (Or processed chairside by CAD/CAM) for the temporary crown. For instance, things such as milled PMMA.
4. Cementation: After your dentist sculpts your temporary crown and checks for a good fit, your dentist will cement it to your prepared tooth with temporary cement. This type of cement is sufficiently strong to hold the temporary crown in place but is not so strong that the temporary cannot be taken out when the permanent crown is ready.
5. Bite Check and Adjustments: Your dentist will check your bite and make sure the temporary crown isn’t too high, so you can bite together comfortably. We will amend when the condition calls for it.
Placement of the temporary crown itself is a relatively quick part of the temporary dental crown procedure, often taking less than 30 minutes from the time tooth preparation is finished. The aim is to give you a temporary crown that is functional, comfortable, and protects the prepared tooth until the final restoration.
Temporary Crown Cost And What To Expect
The temporary crown cost will depend on your location, the material used, and whether insurance is involved. Usually, the temporary crown cost is included in the total price for obtaining a permanent one.
On average, a temporary crown costs typically between $100 and $300 if billed separately. The use of quality materials along with emergency protocols may drive up the temporary crown cost a bit. The following are the average costs by type of temporary crown:
| Temporary Crown Type | Average Cost (USD) | Typical Use Case |
| Acrylic Resin Crown | $100-$150 | Front teeth, short-term use |
| Composite Resin Crown | $120-$180 | Front teeth, better aesthetics |
| Aluminum Crown | $90-$130 | Back teeth, affordable option |
| Stainless Steel Crown | $110-$160 | Back teeth, durable option |
| Preformed Temporary Crown | $100-$140 | General, quick placement |
| Custom-made Temporary Crown | $150-$300 | Tailored fit, complex cases |
FAQs about Temporary Crowns
Q1. Is it painful to have a temporary crown?
The procedure for a temporary dental crown typically isn’t painful since the area will be numbed. You’ll have some mild concealment afterwords, and that ought to wear off quickly
Q2. Can I eat normally with a temporary crown?
Mostly, yes. But do not eat very hard, sticky, or chewy foods on the side with the temporary crown so that it will not come off or break.
Q3. What should I do if my temporary crown comes off?
Get in touch with your dentist right away. They may teach you how to reseat it temporarily, or you can go in to have the temporary crown re-cemented or replaced.
Conclusion
The temporary crown is not just a placeholder; it plays an important role in your dental care. Whether it is the best temporary crown material, choosing temporary crown types, or preparing for a temporary dental crown procedure, the below guide is crafted to empower you with knowledge, clarity, and the ability to take action. Sure, a temporary crown cost can come with a tag, but in the end, it’s a small price to pay when you consider the benefits. Turn to trustworthy suppliers, such as Aidite, for high-quality, long-lasting dental products to help make your smile last!