Today’s natural looking temporaries, also called “temps”, have changed. Provisionals now let you preview the final result of your reconstructive treatment. They permit you to see function, feel, shape and size of your permanent teeth.

Purpose of dental temporaries

They serve important functions, such as:

• Protecting your newly placed implants.
• Protecting teeth that have been prepped for a final restoration.
• Covering exposed dentin to prevent tooth sensitivity, plaque buildup, cavities and pulp problems.
• Preventing unwanted tooth movement.
• Enabling patients to eat & speak normally until they have permanent teeth.
• Maintaining the health and contours of the gum tissue.
• Allowing patients to “test drive” the fit, look, comfort and function of the anticipated smile makeover or restoration(s).
• Serving as a discussion point for addressing cosmetic or functional concerns during the interim period they are worn.

The length of time temporary restorations need to be worn varies from a few days (short-term) for simple cases, such as a single crown. Provisionals are required for several months (long-term) for complex cases such as full mouth reconstruction.

How temporaries are made

Temporaries can be made using a direct or indirect technique. A direct technique is performed chairside (in your mouth) by your dentist. An indirect technique requires making impressions of your mouth and having your temporaries made at our laboratory.

When temporaries are to be worn long term, laboratory-made provisionals are best because their materials provide greater strength and higher resistance to wear and discoloration.

Materials used to make temporaries

Temporaries can be made using different materials. We will select the temporary material that is best for you based on your treatment plan and how long you will need to wear temporaries.

Several “self” or lightcured resins are available for either direct or indirect techniques. These include materials that are durable, strong, natural looking with good color that won’t stain easily, are adjustable and capable of producing temporaries with a good fit along the gum line.

Placement and removal of temporaries

It is very important that your temporaries stay in place. If temporaries come out, the teeth and implants could shift position. If the temporaries come out, try pushing them back into place. If they won’t stay in place see your local dentist to schedule a brief appointment to have them re-cemented.

You can also use some of the temporary dental glues sold in pharmacies.
Provisionals are typically attached using provisional cement. The temporary cements we use often have a soft, creamy consistency which is easy to loosen when it is time for the temporaries to be removed. Once the temporaries are sufficiently loose, it is easy with finger pressure from the dentist or a special instrument to carefully remove them.