When you need a way to protect your weakened natural teeth from breaking, cover a dental implant, or restore the shape and color to your smile, the family dentist at Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Wisconsin recommends dental crowns.

These tooth-shaped caps are placed over the teeth and help to restore their size, shape, and appearance. However, as it takes two to three weeks to create a permanent crown, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown in the meantime.

The Difference Between Permanent & Temporary Crowns

As the name implies, a temporary crown is only made to last a few weeks; whereas, a permanent crown can last up to 15 years when taken care of as instructed. Although the materials (metal or plastic for temporary; high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold for permanent) used to make the crowns does play a role in their longevity, it really comes down to the cement used to keep them in place.

When applying a temporary crown, your dentist should apply a cement that will break easily when it is time to remove them. A common cement mixture is made from zinc oxide powder, eugenol, and olive oil. Permanent cement mixtures use more durable glues, such as glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer, to ensure the crown stays in place for a long time.

Why Temporary Crowns Are Necessary

To properly fit a dental crown over a tooth, the sides of the tooth must be slightly shaved. In this instance and during the time when the tissue and bone around an implant are healing, the teeth surrounding the open space have an opportunity to move. If they were to move into the newly opened space, your crown would not be able to fit correctly. Temporary crowns protect this space, and they also ensure that no further damage can come to your natural teeth before the permanent crown arrives.

If you are trying to protect your natural teeth from further damage or decay, contact the Dental Clinic of Onalaska today to discuss dental crowns. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 783-3341. You can also learn more about this dentist by visiting their website and Facebook page.