A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over a damaged, decayed, or worn-down tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It can also cover a dental implant or support a bridge.
Crowns can be made of various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, metal, or a combination. But before your final (permanent) crown is placed, you’ll typically wear a temporary crown for a short period.
⏳ Temporary Crowns: A Short-Term Solution
Temporary crowns are exactly what they sound like — a short-term protective covering for your tooth while your permanent crown is being custom-made in a dental lab.
Key Features:
- Material: Usually made from acrylic or composite resin
- Placement: Cemented with a temporary adhesive, so it’s easy to remove
- Duration: Worn for 1–3 weeks, depending on the dental lab and your treatment plan
Why You Need It:
- Protects your tooth and nerves from sensitivity
- Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth
- Maintains your bite and ability to eat (carefully!)
Things to Avoid with a Temporary Crown:
- Sticky or chewy foods
- Hard or crunchy snacks
- Flossing too aggressively (slide, don’t lift)
💎 Permanent Crowns: The Long-Term Fix
Permanent crowns are custom-designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and colour. These are made from more durable materials and are built to last many years with proper care.
Key Features:
- Material: Porcelain, ceramic, metal, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Placement: Bonded with strong dental cement
- Lifespan: Can last 10–15 years or longer
Benefits:
- Strong and durable for chewing
- Natural-looking and colour-matched
- Resists wear and staining (depending on material)
- Comfortable, long-term fit
🤔 So, What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature | Temporary Crown | Permanent Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects the tooth during the wait | Long-term restoration |
| Material | Acrylic or resin | Porcelain, metal, or ceramic |
| Durability | Fragile, short-term | Strong and built to last |
| Appearance | Basic and not colour-matched | Natural look, customized to your smile |
| Cement | Temporary adhesive | Permanent dental cement |
🇨🇦 A Note for Canadian Patients
In Canada, most dental clinics follow a two-visit crown procedure: one for prepping the tooth and placing the temporary crown, and a second for fitting the permanent crown once it’s back from the lab. Some clinics may offer same-day crowns using digital technology, so be sure to ask your dentist if that’s an option.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Whether you’re getting your first crown or replacing an older one, our experienced dental team in [City, Province] is here to guide you every step of the way.
Have questions about materials, cost, or insurance coverage? We’re happy to walk you through the process.
👉 Book your appointment today — your smile deserves long-lasting protection.