Why Does My Crown Feel Too High?
Getting a dental crown is often the solution to restore a damaged tooth, improve chewing function, and enhance your smile. But sometimes, after the procedure, patients notice something unusual—their crown feels too high. This sensation can be uncomfortable, affect your bite, and even lead to other dental problems if not addressed promptly.
At Downtown Dental Smile, we see this concern regularly, and understanding why it happens is the first step to ensuring comfort and long-term oral health.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are protective caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth. They help restore tooth structure, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made of several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination.
While crowns are designed to fit precisely, slight adjustments may be necessary, especially when a new crown feels high.
Common Reasons a Crown Feels Too High
There are several reasons why your crown feels too high after placement. Identifying the cause can help you and your dentist determine the best course of action.
1. Inaccurate Bite Alignment
One of the most common reasons is that the crown does not perfectly match the height of your natural bite. This mismatch can occur if:
The dental impression was slightly off
The lab fabrication was not precise
Minor changes in tooth position occurred after impression
When the bite is misaligned, you might notice:
Feeling like the crown is “taller” than your other teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Jaw discomfort or mild headaches
2. Temporary Crowns Often Feel High
If your temporary crown feels high, this is usually normal. Temporary crowns are designed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made, but they may not match the exact height or shape of your natural teeth.
Temporary crowns are slightly oversized to stay in place
They may cause sensitivity or discomfort for a few days
Adjustments are often necessary before placing the permanent crown
3. Permanent Crowns Still Need Adjustment
Even after a permanent crown is cemented, some patients notice their new crown feels high. Minor discrepancies in bite alignment are common and can be corrected through:
Selective grinding to match the height of adjacent teeth
Adjusting the crown’s contact points
Replacing the crown if significant misalignment exists
4. Swelling or Sensitivity After Procedure
Sometimes, your tooth and gums may swell slightly after crown placement. This can make the crown feel high temporarily:
Gum inflammation can alter your bite perception
Mild discomfort usually resolves in a few days
Persistent swelling should be evaluated
Signs Your Crown Is Too High
Recognizing the signs of a high crown helps prevent complications. Watch for these symptoms:
Pain or discomfort while biting
Jaw soreness or tension
Tooth sensitivity when chewing
Uneven wear on surrounding teeth
Frequent tongue biting
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to issues like:
Excessive pressure on the crown or underlying tooth
Tooth fractures or cracks
Gum irritation or inflammation
What to Do If Your Crown Feels Too High
If you notice that your crown feels too high, prompt action is important. Here’s what you can do:
1. Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Your dentist will assess your bite and check if the crown is causing excessive pressure. At Downtown Dental Smile, we carefully evaluate crown height and make precise adjustments.
2. Bite Adjustment
If minor, your dentist may perform a bite adjustment:
Slightly grinding high points on the crown
Ensuring even contact with surrounding teeth
Rechecking bite alignment for comfort
3. Crown Replacement
In cases where adjustments cannot fix the height issue, the crown may need to be remade:
The lab ensures perfect fit and alignment
Reduces the risk of long-term damage
Ensures proper function and comfort
4. Monitor Your Bite
After adjustment or replacement, monitor your bite over the next few days:
Chew slowly to detect uneven pressure
Report any lingering discomfort
Follow your dentist’s post-procedure care instructions
Why Accurate Bite Matters
Bite alignment is more than just comfort—it affects overall oral health. A crown that feels too high can:
Cause uneven wear on surrounding teeth
Lead to jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
Increase the risk of tooth fractures
Contribute to gum irritation
Ensuring your crown fits correctly helps you maintain proper oral function and prevents future complications.
How Downtown Dental Smile Handles High Crowns
At Downtown Dental Smile, we prioritize precise crown placement to prevent the crown from feeling high:
Advanced dental imaging to capture exact tooth dimensions
Accurate digital impressions to minimize errors
Customized crown design for proper bite alignment
Careful post-placement evaluation and adjustments
Our patients consistently report high satisfaction with comfort, function, and aesthetics.
Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Crowns
Understanding the differences between temporary and permanent crowns helps explain why a crown may feel high:
If your temporary crown feels high, rest assured that this is usually a temporary sensation. Permanent crowns are carefully designed to prevent discomfort.
Tips for Patients Experiencing High Crown Discomfort
While professional evaluation is essential, patients can take steps to manage discomfort:
Avoid hard or sticky foods that increase pressure on the crown
Use over-the-counter pain relievers if recommended by your dentist
Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent irritation
Report persistent discomfort immediately
Our Approach
At Downtown Dental Smile, we follow the principles of an advanced dental treatment center:
Precision-based crown fabrication
Digital bite analysis
Minimal discomfort during adjustments
Focused patient care and monitoring
By combining accurate technology with skilled dentists, we reduce the risk of a crown feeling too high and ensure long-term comfort.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience:
Severe pain while biting
Swelling around the crown
Loosening or breaking of the crown
Signs of infection, such as pus or persistent bleeding
Prompt attention prevents more serious dental issues and preserves the health of your natural teeth.
Long-Term Considerations
A well-fitted crown contributes to:
Balanced bite and proper chewing
Prevention of jaw or TMJ issues
Longevity of the crown and surrounding teeth
Overall oral health and comfort
Ignoring a high crown can result in repeated adjustments or crown replacement, making early intervention critical.
FAQs
Is it normal for a crown to feel too high?
Yes, it is fairly common for patients to feel that their crown feels too high, especially right after placement. Temporary crowns are often slightly taller to stay secure, so if your temporary crown feels high, this is usually expected. Even permanent crowns can occasionally feel high due to minor bite discrepancies or swelling in the gums after treatment. While some discomfort can be normal for a few days, persistent pressure or difficulty chewing should be addressed promptly. At Downtown Dental Smile, we carefully evaluate and adjust crowns to ensure proper bite alignment and comfort.
How long does it take for a new crown to feel normal?
When a new crown feels high, many patients notice improvement within a few days as the gums settle and the bite adjusts. For temporary crowns, it’s common to feel slight height differences, which usually resolve once the permanent crown is placed. Permanent crowns should fit precisely, but minor adjustments may be necessary if your bite feels uneven. At Downtown Dental Smile, we monitor each patient’s comfort and can make quick adjustments to prevent jaw strain, tooth sensitivity, or uneven wear. If discomfort persists beyond a week, it’s essential to consult your dentist for evaluation.
Can a crown that feels high cause long-term damage?
A crown that feels high can create long-term problems if left unaddressed. Excessive pressure on the underlying tooth may lead to cracks, fractures, or damage to surrounding teeth. Uneven bite alignment can also cause jaw pain, headaches, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Gum irritation or inflammation may occur, especially if a temporary crown feels high. Prompt evaluation by a dentist ensures any adjustments prevent complications. At Downtown Dental Smile, our dentists perform precise bite checks and corrections, ensuring crowns fit comfortably and maintain oral health, protecting both the restored tooth and your overall dental function.
How is a high crown corrected?
When a crown feels too high, dentists have several solutions. Minor discrepancies can be resolved with selective grinding to adjust the crown’s height and ensure proper contact with surrounding teeth. If the crown’s fit is significantly off, it may need to be remade for accurate bite alignment. Temporary crowns are easier to adjust, while permanent crowns may require careful evaluation. At Downtown Dental Smile, we use digital bite analysis and precise tools to ensure the crown fits perfectly. Timely adjustments prevent discomfort, tooth damage, and jaw strain, helping patients enjoy normal chewing function without prolonged irritation or pain.
Should I be concerned if my temporary crown feels high?
If your temporary crown feels high, it’s usually normal. Temporary crowns are designed to protect the prepared tooth and may be slightly taller to remain secure. Mild discomfort, sensitivity, or a sensation of uneven bite is expected. This sensation typically resolves once the permanent crown is placed and properly adjusted. However, if the crown causes persistent pain, difficulty chewing, or excessive pressure on surrounding teeth, it’s important to visit your dentist. At Downtown Dental Smile, we evaluate temporary crowns carefully and make adjustments as needed, ensuring a smooth transition to the permanent crown without compromising comfort or oral health.
Conclusion
A crown that feels too high is a common concern, but it doesn’t have to cause long-term problems. Whether it’s a temporary crown that feels high or a permanent crown needing adjustment, proper evaluation and timely intervention are key.
At Downtown Dental Smile, we provide meticulous care to ensure your crown fits perfectly, feels comfortable, and supports your long-term oral health. Don’t wait—addressing high crowns promptly ensures you can enjoy your smile without discomfort.
Remember, your comfort matters just as much as the aesthetics of your crown. If your crown feels high, schedule a consultation with Downtown Dental Smile, an advanced dental treatment center dedicated to precise, patient-focused care.
