Why Your Permanent Crown May Not Fit and What You Can Do About It

It's not uncommon for a permanent crown to not fit properly even if impressions were taken for it. There are several reasons why this might happen, ranging from issues with the impressions themselves to changes in tooth structure.

Common Factors Leading to Crown Misfit

There are several reasons why a permanent crown might not fit properly, even after impressions were taken:

Impression Issues

The main reason could be that the impressions were not taken accurately. Factors like movement during the impression process or insufficient material coverage can lead to incomplete or inaccurate impressions.

Modeling Errors

Any errors in the modeling process at the dental lab can also lead to a poorly fitting crown. If the impressions are used to create a model, and there's a mistake, the outcome could be a crown that doesn’t fit well.

Tooth Changes

Changes in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue—such as swelling or shifting between the time of the impression and the crown placement—can also affect the fit of the crown.

Material Shrinkage

Some dental crown materials can shrink slightly as they harden, which may result in a less-than-perfect fit.

Alignment Issues

The crown may not align properly with the adjacent teeth or your bite, leading to a misfit.

What Happens If the New Crown Doesn't Fit?

If the new crown does not fit, there are several steps you can take:

Communicate with Your Dentist

It's important to inform your dentist immediately if the new crown does not fit. This allows them to assess the situation and determine the next steps.

Re-evaluation

Your dentist might take new impressions or examine the crown to identify the specific problem that caused the misfit.

Adjustments

Minor adjustments can sometimes be made to the crown or the tooth to achieve a better fit. Dental professionals may also use orthodontic tools or dental files to make these adjustments.

Re-making the Crown

If necessary, the crown can be remade taking into account any issues that were identified during the previous attempts. This ensures that the new crown fits properly and lasts longer.

Alternative Solutions

In rare cases, if fitting issues persist, your dentist may discuss alternative solutions such as using different crown materials or techniques. This may be necessary if the misfit is due to structural or material issues that can't be resolved by simple adjustments.

Tips for Proper Crown Impressions and Fit

There are a few tips to ensure that the impressions are taken correctly, which can help guarantee a better fit for your crown:

Ensure Quality Impressions

The dental lab relies on accurate impressions to create the crown. If the impressions are taken poorly, the crown may not fit properly. Make sure the dental office takes thorough and detailed impressions to ensure the best outcome.

Maintain Strict Hygiene Before Crown Placement

Before crown placement, maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any changes in the tooth or gum structure that can affect fit. Be aware of any swelling or shifting that occurs in the affected area.

Communicate with Your Dentist

Discuss any concerns you have with your dentist. They can provide guidance and reassurance, and may be able to make adjustments in the crown-making process to prevent misfit.

Conclusion

While it's not uncommon for a permanent crown to misfit, it's essential to address the issue promptly. Taking the time to ensure quality impressions and proper follow-up steps can help prevent future problems and ensure your dental health remains in good condition.