Here at Alpine Dental & Dentures with locations expertly serving Gaithersburg and Kensington, MD, we understand patients often wonder – how long should a temporary crown be expected to last? While each case varies, our trained dentists provide general guidelines on temporary crown durability.
Why Temporary Crowns?
After decay removal or a dental emergency requires a crown, temporary restorations protect the exposed tooth and allow proper evaluation and fit of the final restoration. Made of a tooth-colored plastic material, temporaries fill in until the permanent crown is ready.
Average Lifespan
Under normal chewing and handling, quality temporaries from our dentists typically last 4-6 weeks until the custom-fitted permanent crown is ready to cement. This window allows follow-up appointments to fine-tune the final work.
Factors Affecting Wear
However, premature wear can arise from excessive grinding, impact injuries, soft diet choices, or poor oral hygiene failing to thoroughly clean around the temporary each day. Patients with these risk factors may see temporary crowns wear sooner requiring replacement or adjustment.
When to Schedule Replacement
If temporary crowns show any cracks, chips, or excessive wear within 2-4 weeks, contact our offices to evaluate. Premature failures could indicate issues requiring attention before final cementation. After 6-8 weeks, the temporary has likely served its purpose of protecting the tooth until the permanent crown takes over.
Prioritize Oral Care
Proper brushing and flossing around temporary crowns remove plaque and food packing that exacerbates wear. Avoid chewing extremely hard foods which could dislodge temporaries prematurely. With diligent at-home care and reasonable habits, patients enjoy the full intended lifespan protecting smiles.
As your trusted Gaithersburg and Kensington dentists, we craft durable temporary crowns to specific needs, educating patients thoroughly on optimal care maximizing function and protection until beautiful permanent restorations take their place. Your healthy happy smile endures through our expertise.
