When you have a damaged or weakened tooth, your dentist might recommend a dental crown to restore strength, appearance, and function. But before the final crown is placed, you’ll often receive a temporary dental crown to protect your tooth.
If you’re wondering how long a temporary crown lasts and how to care for it properly, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Temporary Crown?

A temporary crown is a short-term solution made of acrylic, resin, or stainless steel.
It protects your tooth while your permanent crown is custom-made at a dental lab — a process that usually takes two to three weeks.

Temporary crowns are critical because they:

• Protect the exposed tooth from sensitivity.
• Keep your tooth in place and prevent shifting.
• Allow you to eat and speak normally.
• Maintain the shape of your gum tissue for a better permanent fit.

Temporary crowns are designed for limited use, but they still need proper care to avoid complications.

How Long Does a Temporary Crown Last?

Typically, a temporary dental crown can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks — just enough time for your permanent crown to be fabricated and placed.
However, with good care, some temporary crowns can remain intact for up to 6 weeks if needed.

Factors That Affect How Long It Lasts:

• Material Used: Acrylic and resin are less durable than porcelain or metal.
• Placement Area: Crowns on molars may wear down faster due to chewing pressure.
• Biting Habits: Clenching, grinding, or biting hard foods can crack a temporary crown.
• Oral Hygiene: Poor hygiene can loosen the temporary cement and lead to decay around the prepared tooth.

If your dentist tells you to wear a temporary crown longer than usual — for example, if you’re undergoing additional treatment — they may recommend extra care to keep it stable.

Signs Your Temporary Crown Might Be Failing

While a temporary crown is designed to hold up for several weeks, problems can still occur.
Here are signs that your temporary crown may need attention:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that worsens.
• Crown feels loose or wobbly.
• Sharp edges or cracks appear.
• Pain when biting or chewing.
• The crown falls off completely.

If you notice any of these issues, contact your dentist promptly. Acting quickly can prevent damage to your tooth or surrounding tissue.

How to Care for a Temporary Crown

Temporary crowns are more fragile than permanent ones, so it’s important to treat them gently.
Here are practical tips to make sure your temporary crown lasts:

1. Watch What You Eat

• Avoid sticky foods: Caramel, gum, and taffy can pull the crown off.
• Skip hard foods: Ice, nuts, and hard candies can crack or dislodge the crown.
• Chew on the opposite side: If possible, avoid putting pressure directly on the crown.

2. Brush and Floss Carefully

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• When flossing, slide the floss out from the side instead of pulling up — this helps prevent lifting the crown.

3. Be Mindful of Habits

• Don’t bite your nails, open packages with your teeth, or chew on pens.
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a temporary mouthguard.

4. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments

Your dentist will check that your tooth and temporary crown are doing well.
If your crown becomes loose or falls off, bring it with you to your appointment — it might be possible to re-cement it temporarily until the permanent crown is ready.

What Happens If a Temporary Crown Falls Off?

If your temporary crown falls off:

1. Retrieve the crown if possible and rinse it gently with water.
2. Protect your tooth by keeping it clean and avoiding chewing on it.
3. Contact your dentist right away to have it reattached or replaced.

Leaving the tooth exposed can lead to sensitivity, shifting, or damage, so it’s important not to delay.

Temporary crowns are essential for protecting your smile while your permanent solution is being prepared.
By following simple care steps and knowing what signs to watch for, you can keep your temporary crown secure and functional until your next appointment.

If you’re experiencing problems with a crown — or think you might need one soon — the team at Cherry Hill Dentistry is here to help.

Schedule a visit today to get the expert care you need for a strong, healthy smile.