A temporary crown is a short-term restoration that protects a prepared tooth while the final crown is being made. A permanent crown is the custom restoration intended to provide long-term protection, appearance and function.
Temporary crowns are usually made from resin or acrylic materials and are held in place with temporary cement so the dentist can remove them. Permanent crowns are made from stronger materials such as zirconia, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal or metal and are bonded or cemented for long-term use.
The main differences involve:
- How long the crown is intended to remain in place
- The material used
- Crown strength
- Fit and appearance
- The type of cement
- Food restrictions
- Daily care
- The number of dental appointments required
Understanding the difference between a temporary crown vs permanent crown can help you protect the tooth and know what to expect during treatment.
Temporary Crown vs Permanent Crown at a Glance
| Feature | Temporary crown | Permanent crown |
| Main purpose | Protects the prepared tooth while the final crown is being made | Restores and protects the tooth over the long term |
| Expected use | Short term, usually days or weeks | Long term, although it may eventually need repair or replacement |
| Common materials | Resin, acrylic or other provisional materials | Zirconia, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal or metal |
| Cement | Temporary cement designed to allow removal | Stronger dental cement or bonding material |
| Strength | Lower than a permanent crown | Designed for normal biting and chewing |
| Fit | Made to protect the tooth but may not have the final precision | Custom-made for the prepared tooth and bite |
| Appearance | May provide a basic tooth shape and shade | Designed with greater attention to contour, shade and finish |
| Food restrictions | Avoid sticky, very hard and chewy foods | Normal eating is usually possible after placement |
| Dental visits | Worn between preparation and final placement visits | Placed once the final restoration is ready |
| Lifespan | Not intended for long-term use | Can last for years, depending on the tooth, bite and care |
| If it comes loose | Contact the treating dental office promptly | Stop chewing on the crown and arrange an evaluation |
What Is a Temporary Crown?
A temporary crown is a provisional cap placed over a tooth after it has been prepared for a permanent crown.
Preparing a tooth for a crown usually involves removing damaged areas and shaping the remaining tooth so the final restoration can fit over it. The prepared tooth may be sensitive and is not meant to remain uncovered while a laboratory makes the permanent crown.
The temporary crown covers and protects the tooth during this waiting period.
It may help:
- Reduce sensitivity
- Protect the prepared tooth from damage
- Keep food and bacteria away from exposed tooth structure
- Maintain space between neighboring teeth
- Support the gum tissue around the tooth
- Preserve the patient’s bite
- Improve appearance while the final crown is being made
- Allow the patient to eat and speak more comfortably
A temporary crown is not a practice version of the permanent crown. It has an important protective role, but it is intentionally made to be removable.
What Is a Permanent Crown?
A permanent crown is the final custom restoration placed over the prepared tooth.
The word “permanent” refers to the way the crown is intended to function. It is bonded or cemented for long-term use rather than being removed after a few weeks.
A permanent crown may be made from:
- Zirconia
- Lithium disilicate or another dental ceramic
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Gold or another dental alloy
- Resin-based materials in selected situations
The American Dental Association defines a crown as an artificial tooth that fits over a specially shaped natural tooth or dental implant.
The selected crown material depends on factors such as:
- The location of the tooth
- Chewing pressure
- The patient’s bite
- How much natural tooth remains
- The color of the supporting tooth
- The appearance of nearby teeth
- Available space
- Grinding or clenching
- Whether the crown will be made in the office or by a laboratory
A permanent crown is designed to restore the tooth’s shape, contact points and chewing surface while protecting the remaining tooth structure.
Why Do Some Dental Crowns Require a Temporary Crown?
Traditional laboratory crowns usually require at least two appointments.
During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and takes a digital or physical impression. That information is sent to a dental laboratory, where the permanent crown is made.
Because laboratory manufacturing takes time, a temporary crown is placed before the patient leaves the first appointment.
At the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans the tooth and checks the permanent restoration. The final crown is then adjusted and cemented once its fit, appearance and bite are acceptable.
The temporary crown protects the tooth during the period between these appointments.
Why Is Temporary Crown Cement Weaker?
Temporary cement is designed to hold the provisional crown in place while still allowing the dentist to remove it without causing unnecessary damage to the prepared tooth.
This means the cement must balance two different requirements:
- It needs to hold the crown during ordinary speaking and eating.
- It must release when the permanent crown is ready to be placed.
Because of this, a temporary crown is more likely to come loose when exposed to sticky foods, repeated pulling forces or an uneven bite.
A loose temporary crown does not necessarily mean the treatment failed. It may simply need to be cleaned and recemented by the dental office.
Are Permanent Crowns Much Stronger?
Permanent crowns are generally stronger because they are made from materials intended for long-term function and are attached with stronger cement or bonding systems.
However, a permanent crown is not impossible to damage.
Its performance depends on:
- The crown material
- Crown thickness and design
- The condition of the supporting tooth
- Tooth preparation
- Cementation
- The patient’s bite
- Grinding or clenching
- Oral hygiene
- Diet
- Dental care
- Accidents or trauma
A permanent crown can chip, crack, loosen or develop problems around its edge. The natural tooth underneath can also decay or fracture.
The purpose of a permanent crown is to provide greater long-term protection and function, not to make the tooth indestructible.
How Do Temporary and Permanent Crowns Feel Different?
A temporary crown may feel slightly different from the natural tooth or final restoration.
You may notice:
- A different surface texture
- A less detailed chewing surface
- A slightly different shape
- Mild pressure at the gumline
- Greater sensitivity to temperature
- A contact point that feels different when flossing
- A bite that requires adjustment
Some differences are expected because the crown is provisional. However, the temporary crown should not cause ongoing severe pain or prevent you from biting comfortably.
A permanent crown is designed to fit the prepared tooth more precisely. It should make appropriate contact with neighboring teeth and fit into the bite without creating excessive pressure.
A newly placed permanent crown may feel unfamiliar for a short time, but it should not continue to feel noticeably high, loose or painful.
What Can You Eat With a Temporary Crown?
A temporary crown requires more food restrictions than a permanent crown.
The Journal of the American Dental Association patient guide to wearing a crown advises avoiding chewing gum and sticky foods while wearing a temporary crown.
Foods that can pull at or damage a temporary crown include:
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummies
- Chewing gum
- Sticky candy
- Very chewy bread
- Hard candy
- Ice
- Unpopped popcorn kernels
- Extremely hard nuts
- Brittle snacks
Use the other side of your mouth when possible and cut firmer foods into smaller pieces.
A temporary crown should still allow you to eat, but it needs more care because both the material and cement are less durable than those used for the permanent restoration.
What Can You Eat With a Permanent Crown?
Once numbness and short-term tenderness have passed, a permanent crown should support normal eating.
You do not usually need to follow a permanent soft-food diet.
Continue avoiding habits that can damage both crowns and natural teeth, including:
- Chewing ice
- Biting unpopped popcorn kernels
- Cracking shells with your teeth
- Biting directly on fruit or olive pits
- Opening packaging with your teeth
- Chewing pens or other objects
Be cautious if the crown feels loose, painful or different during chewing. Stop using that side and contact a dentist for an evaluation.
Read the Only Crowns dental crown recovery guide for more information about eating after placement.
How to Care for a Temporary Crown
A temporary crown still needs to be cleaned, but the area should be treated gently.
Brush Carefully
Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean around the gumline without placing unnecessary force on the temporary crown.
Follow the Office’s Flossing Instructions
The dental team may advise you to slide the floss out through the side instead of lifting it directly upward. Pulling floss against the crown can dislodge some temporary restorations.
Instructions can vary depending on the tooth and temporary crown design, so ask your dentist how to clean the area.
Avoid Testing the Crown
Do not keep pushing the crown with your tongue or testing it with sticky or hard food. Repeated movement can weaken the temporary cement.
Keep the Final Appointment
A temporary crown is not designed to replace the permanent restoration. Attend the placement appointment even if the temporary crown feels comfortable.
How to Care for a Permanent Crown
A permanent crown must be cleaned like the rest of your teeth.
The crown material cannot develop a cavity, but the natural tooth at the crown margin can still decay. Plaque can also affect the gum tissue around the restoration.
The ADA’s home oral care guidance recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth every day.
To protect a permanent crown:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between the crown and neighboring teeth daily.
- Pay attention to the gumline around the crown.
- Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
- Do not chew ice or very hard objects.
- Wear a sports mouthguard when appropriate.
- Ask about a nightguard if you grind or clench.
- Keep regular dental appointments.
- Report changes in the crown or bite.
- Do not use crowned teeth as tools.
What Happens If a Temporary Crown Falls Off?
If the temporary crown falls off:
- Remove it from your mouth so you do not swallow or damage it.
- Keep it in a clean container.
- Avoid chewing on the exposed tooth.
- Contact the treating dental office promptly.
- Follow the office’s instructions until you are seen.
- Do not force the crown back into place.
The prepared tooth may become sensitive when exposed. It can also shift or sustain further damage if the crown is not replaced.
A temporary crown that falls off should not be ignored simply because the permanent crown appointment is approaching.
What Happens If a Permanent Crown Comes Loose?
A permanent crown should not move during normal eating.
Signs that it may be loose include:
- Movement when chewing
- Clicking
- A changed bite
- Sensitivity underneath the crown
- Food or liquid getting under the crown
- A bad taste
- A visible gap near the gumline
- Repeated food trapping
- Pain when biting
Stop chewing on that side and arrange a dental evaluation. The dentist will need to determine whether the crown can be recemented or whether the crown or supporting tooth needs treatment.
Do not continue testing a loose crown with your tongue or food.
Is Sensitivity Normal With a Temporary Crown?
Mild sensitivity can occur after the tooth has been prepared. The tooth and surrounding gum tissue may respond to pressure, temperature or recent dental work.
Sensitivity should generally remain manageable and improve over time.
Contact the dental office if you develop:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Swelling
- Drainage
- A fever
- Pain when biting
- Pain when you release your bite
- A temporary crown that moves
- A bite that feels too high
- Sensitivity that does not improve
These symptoms do not always mean the tooth needs a root canal, but they should be evaluated.
Is Sensitivity Normal After a Permanent Crown?
Some patients experience short-term sensitivity after final crown placement. This can result from tooth preparation, cementation or gum irritation.
Contact the dentist if the sensitivity becomes worse, lasts longer than expected or occurs with biting pressure.
A permanent crown that feels too high can place extra force on the tooth. A bite adjustment may be needed.
Does “Permanent Crown” Mean It Lasts Forever?
No. Permanent crowns are designed for long-term use, but they are not lifetime guarantees.
A crown may eventually need repair or replacement because of:
- Decay at the crown edge
- Cement failure
- Crown fracture
- Supporting tooth fracture
- Gum recession
- Heavy wear
- Grinding
- Bite changes
- Trauma
- Changes in nearby teeth
- A problem with the tooth nerve
How long a crown lasts depends on the complete restoration and supporting tooth, not only the crown material.
Read Are Dental Crowns Permanent? for a closer look at crown longevity and replacement.
Do Same-Day Crowns Require a Temporary Crown?
Same-day crowns can often remove the need for a temporary restoration.
During a same-day appointment, the dentist prepares and digitally scans the tooth. The permanent crown is then designed and manufactured in the office before being placed during the same visit.
Because the patient receives the permanent restoration before leaving, there is no waiting period requiring a temporary crown.
Same-day treatment is not appropriate for every case. The dentist must first confirm that:
- The tooth can be restored
- A crown is the correct treatment
- Additional procedures are not needed first
- The available crown material is appropriate
- The bite can support the restoration
- The crown can be made safely during the appointment
Four Common Crown Scenarios
Scenario 1: Your Temporary Crown Feels Slightly Different
A temporary crown may have a different texture or shape from the permanent crown. This is usually expected if it remains secure and allows comfortable biting.
Call the dental office if it rocks, feels very high, creates severe pain or prevents you from closing your teeth normally.
Scenario 2: Sticky Food Pulls Off the Temporary Crown
Save the crown, stop chewing on the exposed tooth and contact the office.
Do not wait until the permanent crown appointment without telling the dentist. The tooth may need to be covered again to prevent sensitivity, movement or damage.
Scenario 3: The Permanent Crown Hurts When You Bite
The crown may be contacting the opposing tooth too early, or the supporting tooth may need further evaluation.
Do not assume that all crowns feel painful at first. Contact the office, especially if the pain is sharp, worsening or present when you release your bite.
Scenario 4: The Temporary Crown Feels Fine, So You Consider Keeping It
A comfortable temporary crown is still not intended for long-term use. The provisional material and cement are more likely to wear, loosen or break.
Keep the appointment for the permanent crown.
How Only Crowns Avoids the Temporary Crown Stage
Only Crowns uses digital scanning, computer-guided design and CEREC manufacturing technology to create permanent zirconia crowns in the office.
For eligible patients, the tooth is prepared, scanned and restored during one appointment. This removes the waiting period between crown preparation and final placement.
Patients do not need to:
- Wear a temporary crown for several weeks
- Avoid sticky food while waiting for a laboratory
- Return for a separate permanent crown appointment
- Worry about a temporary crown falling off
- Have the provisional restoration removed
The appointment is often completed in about 90 minutes, although treatment time depends on the tooth and work required.
Only Crowns currently lists a flat cash price of $799 per crown. According to its patient information, the fee includes the evaluation, required X-rays or images, crown design, in-office manufacturing and placement. A build-up is also included when needed as part of the crown appointment.
An evaluation must first confirm that the tooth is suitable for a crown. Separate treatment may be required before crown placement.
Learn more about Only Crowns’ same-day dental crowns, review the dental crown procedure FAQs or request an appointment.
Questions to Ask Before Crown Treatment
Ask your dentist:
- Why does this tooth need a crown?
- Is the tooth healthy enough to support the restoration?
- Will I receive a temporary or permanent crown at this appointment?
- How long will I need to wear the temporary crown?
- What foods should I avoid?
- How should I floss around the temporary crown?
- What should I do if the crown comes loose?
- What material will be used for the permanent crown?
- Can the permanent crown be made during the same appointment?
- Does my bite place extra pressure on this tooth?
- Is a build-up required?
- Could the tooth need a root canal first?
- What is included in the crown price?
- What symptoms should make me contact the office?
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary and Permanent Crowns
How Long Is a Temporary Crown Supposed to Last?
A temporary crown is usually designed to protect the tooth for the short period needed to make and place the permanent restoration. This may be several days or weeks.
Follow the treatment schedule provided by your dental office rather than treating the temporary crown as a long-term restoration.
Can I Eat Normally With a Temporary Crown?
You can eat with a temporary crown, but you should avoid sticky, chewy and very hard foods. Chewing on the other side of your mouth may reduce the risk of loosening or cracking the crown.
Can I Brush a Temporary Crown?
Yes. Brush gently around the temporary crown with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Do not avoid cleaning the area completely, as plaque can irritate the gum and affect the prepared tooth.
Can I Floss Around a Temporary Crown?
You may be able to floss around the temporary crown, but follow the instructions from your dental office. You may be advised to slide the floss out through the side rather than pulling upward against the crown.
Is It Normal for a Temporary Crown to Feel Rough?
A temporary crown may not have the same polished surface as the permanent restoration. A slightly different texture can be normal.
Call the office if the crown has a sharp edge, is cutting your tongue or cheek, or appears cracked.
What Should I Do If My Temporary Crown Is Loose but Has Not Fallen Off?
Stop chewing on that side and contact the treating office. Do not continue moving or testing the crown.
A loose temporary crown may allow food and bacteria to reach the prepared tooth.
Can I Wait Until My Next Appointment If the Temporary Crown Falls Off?
Contact the dental office first. The dentist will decide whether the crown needs to be replaced before the final appointment.
Leaving the tooth uncovered may lead to sensitivity, tooth movement or further damage.
Are Permanent Crowns Stronger Than Temporary Crowns?
Yes. Permanent crowns are made from materials and cement intended for long-term function.
They can still chip, crack or loosen, particularly when exposed to an uneven bite, grinding, trauma or very hard objects.
Can a Permanent Crown Fall Off?
Yes. A permanent crown may come loose if the cement bond fails, decay develops underneath, the supporting tooth fractures or the crown is exposed to unusual force.
A permanent crown that moves should be examined promptly.
Can a Tooth Decay Under a Permanent Crown?
Yes. The crown material does not develop a cavity, but the natural tooth at the edge and underneath the crown can decay.
Daily cleaning and regular dental examinations help protect this area.
Why Does My Permanent Crown Feel Too High?
The crown may contact the opposing tooth before the rest of your teeth meet. This can create pressure or pain during chewing.
Contact the dental office for a bite evaluation and possible adjustment.
Does a Same-Day Permanent Crown Last as Long as a Laboratory Crown?
The manufacturing time alone does not determine how long a crown lasts. Material selection, tooth preparation, crown design, fit, bite, cementation and daily care all affect performance.
The dentist must determine whether a same-day crown is appropriate for the tooth.
Do Same-Day Crowns Always Avoid Temporary Crowns?
A same-day process often avoids a temporary crown because the permanent restoration is completed during the appointment.
However, treatment may need to be postponed if the tooth requires a root canal, gum treatment or another procedure first.
How Much Does a Permanent Crown Cost at Only Crowns?
Only Crowns currently lists a flat cash fee of $799 per crown. Confirm the current price and whether separate treatment is needed during your evaluation.
Move From a Temporary Fix to Long-Term Tooth Protection
A temporary crown protects a prepared tooth during a short waiting period. A permanent crown is made for long-term protection, appearance and everyday function.
The temporary restoration should be treated carefully because it uses provisional material and removable cement. The permanent crown is stronger, but it still depends on the health of the supporting tooth, a balanced bite and consistent dental care.
For eligible patients, same-day treatment can remove the temporary stage by completing the permanent zirconia crown during one appointment.
Request an appointment with Only Crowns or call 1-866-474-0717 to have your tooth evaluated for a same-day permanent crown.
This article is for general education and does not replace an examination, X-rays, diagnosis or advice from a licensed dentist who has evaluated your tooth.