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Steps to Dental Crown Preparation
June 12, 2024
Updated: 04/21/2026
Ever been told you need a dental crown and wondered what the difference is between temporary vs permanent crowns? Most people don’t realize there are actually two different types and they serve completely different purposes.
A crown (sometimes called a “cap”) is basically a cover that goes over your entire tooth. It acts as a helmet for your tooth. It protects damaged teeth, restores their shape and strength, and makes them look normal again.
At Desert Lake Family Dentistry in Avondale (rated 4.8 stars on Google), we use crowns all the time to fix teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, or just worn down.
What are the Differences between Temporary and Permanent Crowns?
Getting a permanent crown usually isn’t a one-visit deal. That’s where temporary crowns come in. They’re like the placeholder that protects your tooth while your custom permanent crown is being made. Let’s break down other differences between temporary vs permanent crowns:
Material
Temporary tooth caps are made from acrylic or composite resin. These materials are quick to work with, allowing your dentist to create them in-office during your first visit. They’re not built for long-term durability.
Permanent crowns use stronger materials: porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, gold, metal alloys, or porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain and ceramic look most natural. Zirconia offers exceptional strength for back teeth. Gold and metal alloys are extremely durable. Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the tooth’s location and your needs.
Purpose
A temporary crown protects your prepared tooth while the lab creates your permanent crown. After your dentist removes tooth structure, you need immediate protection. The temporary crown prevents sensitivity, maintains spacing, and lets you eat relatively normally during the 2-week waiting period.
A permanent tooth cap is your final restoration. It fully restores your tooth’s function and appearance, withstands daily chewing forces, and becomes a permanent part of your dental structure.
Procedure
This is another one of big differences between temporary vs permanent crowns. When you want a get a dental crown in Avondale your dentist numbs the area, reshapes your tooth by removing outer structure, and takes an impression or digital scan. This gets sent to a lab (typically 2 weeks). While you wait, your dentist makes a temporary crown in-office using acrylic, shapes it to fit, and cements it with temporary cement. The appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes.
About 2 weeks later, your dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans off cement, and tries on your permanent crown to check fit and bite. Once confirmed, they cement it permanently using strong dental cement and check your bite. This appointment takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Some offices offer same-day CEREC crowns. The dentist takes a digital scan, designs the crown on a computer, and a milling machine carves it from ceramic in-office. You leave with your permanent crown the same day, eliminating the temporary crown entirely. The process takes 2 to 3 hours.
Durability
This is one of the big differences between temporary vs permanent crowns. Temporary ones last 2 to 12 weeks. They’re designed for short-term use only and can’t handle extended wear.
Permanent types last 5 to 15 years with proper care, often 20+ years. Gold crowns last longest (20+ years), while porcelain typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Lifespan depends on material, location, oral hygiene, and whether you grind your teeth.
Fit and Comfort
Temporary crowns are pre-made in standard sizes and adjusted to fit. The fit isn’t precise, so you may notice it feels slightly bulky or your bite feels off. However, permanent crowns are custom-made from detailed impressions or digital scans of your exact tooth. The fit is precise, comfortable, and feels natural once you adjust to it.
Appearance and Function
Permanent ones excel at matching your natural tooth color and translucency. They restore full chewing function without food restrictions. However, temporary ones provide adequate short-term protection but don’t quite match natural teeth. You’ll need to avoid sticky candies, hard nuts, and chewy foods that could dislodge them.
How Much Do Temporary vs Permanent Crowns Cost?
Temporary crowns cost $300 to $800 if billed separately, but most offices include this in the total procedure price.
Permanent crown costs by material:
- Porcelain or ceramic costs $800 to $3,000
- Zirconia costs $1,000 to $2,500
- Porcelain fused to metal can cost $800 to $2,500
- Gold or metal alloy can cost you $800 to $2,500
Price depends on location, case complexity, and material choice. Most dental insurance covers about 50% after your deductible if medically necessary. Many offices offer payment plans.
Are Permanent Crowns Better Than Temporary Crowns?
Permanent crowns are superior in durability, fit, appearance, and function. They’re made from high-quality materials that withstand years of use, look natural, and allow normal eating and speaking.
Temporary crowns are necessary during the waiting period. You can’t leave your tooth exposed after preparation. The temporary crown protects it from damage, prevents sensitivity, and maintains spacing until your permanent restoration is ready.
Understanding temporary vs. permanent crowns means recognizing that each serves its specific purpose in the treatment process.
Which Type of Crown Is Right for You?
Now that you know the differences between temporary vs permanent crowns, you need to know when to get each one.
You need a temporary crown:
- During the 2-week waiting period while your permanent crown is being made
- After tooth preparation when you need immediate protection
- To maintain spacing and bite alignment before permanent restoration
- If there’s a delay in receiving your permanent crown
A Permanent Crown is the right choice when:
- Long-term restoration of cracked, broken, or severely decayed teeth
- After a root canal to protect the treated tooth
- To restore a tooth with a large failed filling
- For cosmetic improvement of discolored or misshapen teeth
- To anchor a dental bridge or cover a dental implant
- When you need a durable solution that restores full function
- For teeth worn down from grinding or age
Your Avondale dentist will recommend the best material based on the tooth’s location, your budget, grinding habits, and any metal allergies.
Final Thoughts
When comparing temporary vs permanent crowns, remember both play essential roles. The temporary protects your tooth during the 2-week waiting period. The permanent crown is your final solution, custom-made, durable, and designed to last 10 to 15 years or more.
At Desert Lake Family Dentistry in Avondale, AZ, Dr. Shayegan, DMD, FICOI, provides full-service crown care to craft a long-lasting, natural-looking restoration. With over 25 years of experience, he offers a calm, thorough approach that prioritizes your long-term oral health and comfort at every step.
Call 623-388-5888 or visit us at 10750 W McDowell Rd, Suite B200, Avondale to book your appointment and get started.
FAQS
Can I fly with a temporary crown?
Yes, flying is safe. Air pressure changes won’t affect it.
Do temporary crowns break easily?
They’re more fragile than permanent crowns. Avoid hard and sticky foods to prevent breakage.
Can a temporary crown last 6 months?
No, they’re designed for 2 weeks to 3 months maximum. Discuss options with your dentist if you need longer coverage.
What happens if I don’t get a permanent crown?
The temporary crown will break or fall off, leaving your tooth vulnerable to decay and damage. Your teeth may shift, making permanent crown placement impossible. You risk needing more extensive treatment or losing the tooth.
What are the disadvantages of temporary crowns?
Less precise fit, possible sensitivity to hot/cold/sweet foods, temporary cement can fail, doesn’t match natural teeth as well, food restrictions, and easier to crack or break.
Is a temporary crown the same size as a permanent crown?
Yes, approximately the same size to maintain spacing and bite. However, temporary crowns aren’t as precisely fitted since they’re adjusted on the spot rather than custom-made in a lab.
