Temporary Teeth

Comfortable, natural-looking transitional teeth that restore your smile while permanent restorations are crafted.

Temporary teeth are short-term restorations used during the process of completing permanent dental work. At Austin Longevity , temporary teeth play an important role in many treatments including crowns, bridges, dental implants, and full mouth rehabilitation. They protect the underlying tooth structure, maintain function and appearance during treatment, and let patients continue to live their lives while their permanent restorations are being made. Temporary crowns are made during the same appointment as the tooth preparation and worn for the 1 to 2 weeks while the permanent crown is fabricated by a dental lab. They look reasonably natural but are made of less durable materials. Temporary bridges and temporary dentures (sometimes called immediate dentures) serve similar functions for those treatments. For dental implant patients, temporary teeth are often essential during the months between implant placement and final crown delivery, especially when the implant is in a visible area. Higher-end temporary options include lab-fabricated provisional crowns and bridges that look essentially identical to permanent restorations. These are sometimes used for complex cases where multiple teeth are being restored and the patient wants to evaluate the appearance and function before final restorations are made. Provisional restorations can be worn for weeks or months during complex treatment phases. With proper care, temporary teeth maintain function and appearance reliably until permanent restorations are placed.

Temporary teeth are too important to be afterthoughts. At Austin Longevity , we focus on making sure temporaries look and function well during the treatment phase, because patients still need to eat, speak, and smile while their permanent restorations are being made. We use quality temporary materials and careful technique to make temporaries that fit well, look natural, and protect the underlying tooth. For patients with complex cases or those concerned about appearance during treatment, we may use lab-fabricated provisional restorations that look essentially identical to the final result. Throughout the temporary phase, we encourage patients to be in touch if anything feels off, comes loose, or causes discomfort, because addressing issues quickly prevents complications.

How it works

A clear path from consultation to confident result.

Every patient’s journey looks a little different, but the road map is the same: thoughtful planning, careful preparation, precise treatment, and lasting protection.

Prepare

Temporary teeth are typically made on the same day as the tooth preparation, fitting over the prepared tooth or filling the space.

Place

We carefully fit and adjust the temporary so it functions well in your bite and looks natural for the duration of treatment.

Wear

Wear the temporary while your permanent restoration is being fabricated, typically 1 to 2 weeks for crowns, longer for some treatments.

Replace

Once your permanent restoration is ready, the temporary is removed and the final restoration is placed.

Frequently asked

Questions we hear most often.

Still wondering whether this is the right path for you? Schedule a consultation and we’ll talk through your specific goals.

How long do I wear a temporary tooth?
Temporary crowns are typically worn for 1 to 2 weeks while the permanent crown is being made. Temporary bridges have similar timeframes. For dental implant patients, temporaries may be worn for several months between implant placement and the final crown. Provisional restorations for complex cases can be worn for weeks to months depending on the treatment plan.
Will a temporary look like my real tooth?
Temporary crowns and bridges are designed to look reasonably natural but typically don't match the appearance and translucency of permanent restorations. They're made of acrylic or composite materials that look acceptable for short-term wear. For patients concerned about appearance during treatment, lab-fabricated provisional restorations can provide more natural-looking temporary results.
Can I eat normally with a temporary?
You can eat with temporaries, but extra care is needed. Avoid sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum, which can pull off temporaries. Avoid very hard foods like nuts or hard candy that could break or dislodge them. Cut hard or chewy foods into small pieces and chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible. Most foods are fine with reasonable care.
What if my temporary falls off?
Contact us right away. Save the temporary and we'll either re-cement it or make a new one. The exposed underlying tooth can become sensitive, shift slightly, or be more susceptible to damage without the temporary in place. Avoid eating on that side until the temporary is replaced. We typically can see you the same or next day to address it.
Are temporaries fragile?
Temporaries are designed to function for short periods and are not as durable as permanent restorations. They can crack, break, or come loose more easily than permanent crowns. Most temporaries hold up fine for the 1 to 2 weeks they're typically worn, but extra care is needed. Avoid the foods listed above and don't use the side with a temporary for heavy chewing.
Do temporaries cost extra?
Temporary crowns made in-office during a regular crown appointment are typically included in the cost of the crown itself, not billed separately. More elaborate provisional restorations, particularly lab-fabricated provisionals for complex cases, may be billed separately. We discuss costs upfront so there are no surprises.
Will my temporary be sensitive?
Some sensitivity is normal under a temporary, particularly to hot and cold. The temporary is less insulating than a permanent crown and the tooth has been recently prepared, which can make it sensitive. Sensitivity typically resolves once the permanent crown is placed. If sensitivity is severe or includes pain when biting, contact us to evaluate.
How do I clean around a temporary?
Brush gently around the temporary with a soft toothbrush. For flossing, slide floss between teeth carefully and pull it out to the side rather than snapping it up, which could pull the temporary off. Continue regular oral hygiene to keep the area healthy until the permanent restoration is placed.
Can I get a temporary tooth if I lose a tooth permanently?
Yes, several options exist for replacing missing teeth temporarily while planning permanent treatment. Options include removable flippers (a temporary partial denture with one or a few teeth), Essix-style retainers with a tooth attached, or temporary bonded teeth in some cases. We discuss the best option based on your specific situation, the length of time before permanent treatment, and your aesthetic preferences.

Let’s Get You Smiling!

Schedule your visit and see why so many neighbors trust our team. We can’t wait to meet you.

Schedule an Appointment