How long does porcelain crowning take? On average, from 3-7 days, depending on the number of teeth to be crowned and the oral condition. For 2-3 teeth, it only takes about 3-4 days, while more teeth require 5-7 days. This time includes the examination, tooth preparation (shaping), and impression-taking process before completion.
How long does porcelain crowning take?
The average time for porcelain crowning extends from 3 to 4 days if you only need 2–3 teeth crowned. In cases where a larger number of teeth need to be crowned, the process may take 5–7 days. In reality, how long porcelain crowning takes will depend on each individual’s oral health condition and the number of teeth requiring restoration.
This procedure includes steps such as general examination, tooth preparation, impression-taking, followed by the crowning stage. After completion, the dentist will check the bite and the color of the porcelain crowns to ensure harmony before concluding the crowning process. To save waiting time, you should book an appointment with the dental clinic in advance.
For cases with oral diseases such as cavities, pulpitis, gingivitis, or periodontitis, you will need to visit the dental clinic 2–4 times for complete treatment of the condition before proceeding with crowning. Additionally, crowning molar teeth often takes longer than crowning front teeth due to their difficult-to-access position and high requirements for bite alignment.
Factors affecting the time for porcelain crowning
Each person will have a different treatment time, as this procedure is influenced by several specific factors. Understanding these factors helps you plan appropriately, save time, and achieve optimal dental aesthetic results.
Customer’s initial oral health condition: If your teeth are healthy, with no gingivitis, cavities, or pulpitis, the porcelain crowning process usually only requires 2 to 3 appointments. Conversely, if you have chipped teeth, damaged teeth, severe yellow stains, or require root canal treatment, you will need dental treatment before proceeding with porcelain crowning. This will extend the treatment time by a few days or weeks.
Number of teeth to be restored: Restoring a single tooth will be much faster than full arch crowning or a dental bridge. The time for multiple teeth typically ranges from 5 to 7 days, depending on the complexity. For porcelain veneers, the time may be shorter if the natural teeth are intact and do not require extensive preparation.
Porcelain crowning technique and dentist’s skill: Highly skilled and experienced dentists in aesthetic dental restoration will significantly reduce the number of appointments and ensure the process is precise. Performing the correct crowning technique from the outset helps avoid the need for adjustments or re-cementing of crowns.
Technology and dental equipment used: Modern CAD/CAM technology allows for precise design of porcelain crowns, minimizing errors, thereby shortening the crowning time to just 1-2 days. Additionally, digital imaging systems, 3D impression taking, and advanced dental equipment help make the process faster and require fewer adjustments.
Choice of porcelain material: All-ceramic crowns (such as E.max, Lava, Cercon) have superior biocompatibility and translucency similar to natural teeth, often taking longer to fabricate than metal-ceramic crowns. However, they provide excellent aesthetic results and do not stain over time.
Fabrication time at the dental Lab: The time depends on the Lab’s workload and quality. Some places can complete porcelain crowns in 1-2 days if they have an in-house Lab. Clinics without their own lab must send impressions out for fabrication, which can extend the time to 3-5 days.
Appointment schedule and patient cooperation: The more diligently you adhere to your porcelain crowning appointment schedule, the faster the restoration process will be. If patients frequently reschedule or miss appointments, the recovery and completion time may be longer than anticipated.
How long does the porcelain crowning process take?
The porcelain crowning process typically lasts 3–4 days (for 2–3 teeth) or 5–7 days (for multiple teeth), including stages such as examination, oral health check, anesthesia, tooth preparation, impression-taking, and permanent crown placement. The duration varies depending on each individual’s dental condition.
Examination and oral health check
Before the procedure, the dentist will conduct a general examination to assess your natural teeth, gums, and jaw structure. If any conditions such as cavities, periodontitis, or fractured teeth are found, you will be advised to have them completely treated first. This is an important step to ensure durability, biocompatibility, and prevent complications after porcelain restoration.
- Time: Approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour
Anesthesia and tooth preparation
After the examination, the dentist administers anesthesia to reduce pain. The natural tooth structure will be reduced to create an abutment for the porcelain crown. Depending on the extent of tooth damage or chipping, the dentist will decide on an appropriate amount of reduction to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
Impression taking and porcelain crown design
The dentist will take impressions using traditional methods or CAD/CAM digital technology. This data is sent to the dental lab to design a crown that matches in color, shape, and chewing function. During this step, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to ensure aesthetics and function while waiting.
- Time: 15 – 30 minutes
- Porcelain crown waiting time: 1 – 3 days depending on the type of crown and dental equipment
Permanent porcelain crown placement
Once the crown is complete, the dentist checks its fit and biocompatibility with the gum. Then, the porcelain crown is cemented using specialized dental adhesive. The crown will be adjusted if necessary to ensure comfortable chewing and a natural aesthetic smile.
- Time: Approximately 1 hour
How long after porcelain crowning can I eat normally?
Eating at the wrong time can affect the adhesion, stability, and even the lifespan of porcelain crowns. Porcelain crowning is a dental aesthetic technique that requires high precision. In the first 24-48 hours, the newly placed porcelain crown is not yet fully bonded to the natural tooth abutment. If the patient eats hard, chewy, or suddenly hot/cold foods, there is a high risk of the crown shifting, coming off, or causing gum inflammation. Some cases may even require removing the crown and redoing the entire process, leading to additional time and cost for porcelain crowning.
Typically, you can eat and drink normally 24 to 48 hours after the permanent placement of the porcelain crown. However, to ensure safety and enhance the durability of the porcelain crown, the dentist recommends following all stages carefully.
How long until full recovery after porcelain crowning?
Under normal conditions, patients can fully recover 7 to 14 days after the porcelain crown placement. However, this time also depends on the porcelain crowning technique, the dentist’s skill, the type of material used, and the extent of damage to the natural teeth.
Phase 1: First 1 – 3 days
Teeth may be slightly sensitive or tender to temperature changes.
Gums around the newly crowned area may be slightly swollen.
Avoid direct chewing on the newly crowned teeth; prioritize soft and cool foods.
Use saline solution and gentle cleaning.
Phase 2: Next 4 – 7 days
Sensitivity significantly reduces, and light chewing can begin.
Gums recover well if there is no infection.
Follow up with the dentist as scheduled to check the fit of the crown.
Phase 3: After 1 – 2 weeks
Teeth are stable, and chewing sensation returns to normal.
If crowned correctly and well-cared for, porcelain teeth can function like natural teeth.
This is when the porcelain crowns achieve optimal biocompatibility and are fully adapted to the oral cavity.
Notes on aftercare for porcelain crowns
Below are guidelines for caring for your porcelain crowns to help you maintain aesthetic results and tooth function long-term:
Maintain brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Combine with dental floss and a water flosser to remove plaque between porcelain teeth. Choose a toothpaste with gentle ingredients, avoiding those with strong abrasives that can wear down the outer porcelain layer.
In the first 1-2 weeks, limit chewing hard foods like ice, hard nuts, bones, etc., to avoid cracking or breaking the crowns. Foods that are too hot or cold should also be adjusted to a moderate temperature to prevent tooth sensitivity.
Although aesthetic porcelain crowns are highly durable, they cannot match natural teeth. Do not use them to open bottle caps, bite pens, or sharp objects as this can easily cause chipping or breaking of the teeth.
Adhere to your porcelain crowning dentist’s appointment schedule to check the fit, color, and gum condition around the crowns. If there are any unusual signs such as pain, bleeding, or gum recession, report them immediately for timely treatment by the dentist.
Red wine, coffee, strong tea, tobacco… can stain the porcelain surface over time. Although porcelain is stain-resistant, continuous exposure will reduce the natural color of the crowns.
Increase intake of green vegetables and foods rich in vitamins C, D, and calcium to support healthy gums and strong teeth. Limit sugar and starch to prevent cavities in remaining natural teeth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does tooth restoration with porcelain take?
If you are wondering how long tooth restoration with porcelain takes, the answer will vary depending on the restoration method, the number of teeth to be restored, and the dental clinic performing it. For dental bridge methods, completion is quick – only about 3 days for 3-4 teeth. If you need more teeth restored, the process can take 5-7 days, depending on the complexity.
Meanwhile, porcelain crowns on implants usually take longer for bone integration, with the implant placement process lasting 3-6 months. Therefore, to know the exact time for a dental bridge or implant placement, you should consult directly with reputable dental clinics for examination and specific advice.
How long until porcelain crowns feel normal?
Typically, about 1 to 2 weeks after crowning, you will gradually get used to the new teeth. However, to ensure normal chewing ability and a completely natural feeling, it can take up to 1 month, especially for those who have many teeth crowned or full-arch porcelain restorations.
Is porcelain crowning a long process?
The duration of porcelain crowning depends on the number of teeth to be treated and the complexity of each case. For single tooth cases, the procedure can be completed in 2 appointments. If you choose porcelain produced using CAD/CAM technology, one day is sufficient for completion.
For those needing restoration of multiple teeth, the time can extend from 5 – 7 days. However, the number of porcelain crowning appointments usually does not exceed 3 if no complications arise.
How long does dental restoration take?
How long does porcelain crowning take? For dental bridges, the process usually takes about 3-7 days. If choosing removable dentures, the time can be shortened to about 2-3 days. Meanwhile, dental implants are a modern method but require a longer time, typically 3-6 months, for completion. Choosing the right method and a reputable dental clinic will help optimize both the time and quality of the restoration.
How long does full-arch porcelain crowning take?
Full-arch dental restoration requires advanced techniques and takes longer than single-tooth cases. The total time ranges from 7 – 14 days, including examination, root canal treatment (if needed), tooth preparation, impression-taking, and crown placement.
How long does porcelain veneer application take to complete?
Porcelain veneer bonding is one of the fastest smile aesthetic solutions available today. Compared to traditional porcelain crowning, the completion time for porcelain veneer application is often significantly shorter because this technique is less invasive to the natural tooth structure. On average, the entire process only takes from 2 to 5 days with 2 main appointments.
