Temporary Crown
Also known as: Provisional crown, temporary restoration, flipper, temp
A short-term restoration worn while the implant heals or the permanent crown is made.
A temporary crown (or provisional restoration) is a short-term tooth replacement worn during the healing and treatment phase — either while the implant undergoes osseointegration, or while the permanent crown is being fabricated by the laboratory.
Types of temporary restoration
- Implant-supported temporary crown: Fixed directly to the implant — used when immediate loading is appropriate. Allows the patient to have fixed teeth during healing. Made from PMMA acrylic or composite resin.
- Removable temporary denture (flipper): A simple removable acrylic denture replacing one or a few teeth. Does not load the implant. Common during the healing phase when immediate loading is not performed.
- Adhesive bridge (Maryland bridge): A temporary fixed bridge bonded to adjacent teeth, avoiding pressure on the healing implant.
Purpose beyond aesthetics
Temporary implant crowns serve an important clinical purpose beyond simply filling the gap — they shape the surrounding gum tissue (emergence profile) into the optimal form for the final restoration. A well-designed temporary can significantly improve the aesthetic outcome of the permanent crown.
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