A temporary crown is a provisional cap placed over a prepared tooth while the final, permanent restoration is fabricated. This interim covering protects the underlying tooth structure, prevents shifting of adjacent teeth, and maintains the necessary space. Made from acrylic or composite material and secured with temporary cement, it is not designed for long-term use. If the crown is positioned too high, it causes what dentists call occlusal interference or a high bite.
Recognizing the Signs of an Uneven Bite
The most noticeable sign of a high temporary crown is premature contact when closing your mouth. It feels as if the crown hits the opposing tooth first, before any other teeth meet. This uneven pressure can cause localized sharp pain when biting down or chewing food, unlike a spontaneous toothache.
This persistent interference makes it difficult to close your mouth into your usual, comfortable bite position. To compensate, jaw muscles may subconsciously adjust the biting pattern to avoid the high spot. This unnatural movement and constant strain can lead to soreness in the jaw joint, muscle fatigue, or tension headaches. If chewing feels unnatural or you frequently shift your jaw, the crown’s height is likely the cause.
Why Immediate Adjustment is Crucial
Ignoring a temporary crown that is too high is risky because the biting force is directed solely onto the crowned tooth. This traumatic occlusion places undue stress on the prepared tooth and surrounding structures. One significant risk is pulpitis, which is inflammation of the dental pulp or nerve tissue. The heavy biting force can irritate the nerve, leading to persistent pain that may require a root canal if the inflammation is severe.
The high bite also compromises the temporary restoration, which is not as strong as a permanent crown. The pressure increases the likelihood of fracturing the acrylic material or dislodging the crown entirely. If the temporary crown comes off, the exposed tooth is vulnerable to sensitivity, bacterial contamination, and shifting, potentially delaying the final crown seating. Additionally, the strain can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to chronic jaw pain or dysfunction.
Resolving the Temporary Crown Interference
The first step is to contact your dental office immediately to schedule an emergency adjustment appointment. Dentists consider a high bite a priority issue and will typically fit you in quickly to prevent complications. The resolution is a routine and straightforward procedure known as occlusal adjustment, which rarely takes more than a few minutes.
During the adjustment, the dentist uses articulating paper—a thin, carbon-dyed paper—to precisely locate the interference. When you bite down, the paper leaves a colored mark on the exact high spot of the temporary crown. The dentist then uses a low-speed handpiece to gently remove a minute amount of acrylic material from the marked area. This process is repeated until the bite feels even and comfortable, and the surface is smoothed and polished.