How to Make the Most of Your Temporary and Permanent Crown

Made of durable porcelain and shaped and tinted to match your natural teeth, dental crowns have many uses. But before your permanent crown, you’ll have a temporary crown to protect your tooth. Here’s how to care for both types of crowns.

Dental crowns are highly versatile restorations designed to encircle an entire tooth, from the tip to the gum line. Crowns are a beautiful, natural-looking solution for teeth that are cracked, broken, or deeply stained, restoring your beautiful smile while preventing further tooth damage.

Custom created in a special dental lab, dental crowns are made from porcelain and can take a few weeks to create. During that time, a temporary crown that’s not quite as durable as the permanent restoration will protect your tooth.

At Dental Studio of Pasadena, our team offers dental crowns made from the most durable materials, custom-shaped and tinted to blend beautifully with your smile. In this post, learn how to protect your temporary and permanent crown so your smile always looks its best.

Taking care of a temporary crown

While a temporary crown is just that — temporary — it still needs some special care to help it last until your permanent crown is ready.

Use a gentle touch

Because they’re removable, temporary crowns use dental adhesives that aren’t as strong as those used to affix a permanent crown. As a result, vigorous brushing and flossing could wind up dislodging it. Call the office immediately if the crown becomes loose or comes off completely.

Be careful when eating

Temporary crowns are made of materials that aren’t nearly as durable as the porcelain used for a permanent crown. Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods while the temporary crown is in place, and stay away from very sticky foods.

Don’t ignore discomfort

Temporary crowns roughly fit your bite, but they’re not lab-created. As a result, they can sometimes cause discomfort. If you have tooth, gum, or jaw pain, call immediately so we can refit the crown and help you feel better.

Caring for your permanent crown

Your permanent crown is much more durable than the temporary version but still benefits from a little extra attention.

Brush and floss regularly

Even though the porcelain crown can’t decay, twice-daily brushing and daily flossing are very important for getting rid of plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease. If your gums recede, the lower part of the tooth can be exposed to decay-causing bacteria, too. Use a soft-bristled brush and follow up with an antiseptic mouthwash.

Be aware of grinding habits

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common habit, and without treatment, it can quickly wear down your crown or cause it to crack. Many people grind their teeth while they sleep, making it a hard habit to break. We can fit you with a custom night guard to protect your teeth and your restoration.

Don’t chew on hard substances

Crowns are strong but can still be damaged, just like your natural teeth. Avoid biting or chewing on hard foods or objects, like hard candy or ice, to reduce the risk of cracks and fractures.

Stick to twice-yearly checkups

You know that twice-a-year checkups are essential for preventing cavities and gum disease, but they’re also crucial for ensuring your crowns, fillings, and other restorations stay in good shape. During your exam, we examine your crown to look for signs of damage and ensure it’s nice and secure.

Dedicated to your healthy smile

Crowns play an important role in restoring your smile and protecting your teeth and bite pattern. To learn more about crowns and other state-of-the-art restorations, call 626-431-2930 or request an appointment online with the team at Dental Studio of Pasadena today.