When the warm summer weather hits London, reaching for an icy drink or a frozen treat is the ultimate way to cool down. But if you are currently wearing a temporary crown, taking a big bite of something freezing cold can send a sudden, sharp zing straight through your tooth.
Understanding how cold temperatures interact with temporary materials is the key to keeping your mouth happy. Keep reading to learn more below.
The Expansion and Contraction Property of Acrylic
Permanent crowns are crafted from dense, custom porcelain that insulates your tooth nerve. Temporary crowns, however, are made from a lightweight acrylic or composite plastic. These temporary materials react quickly to temperature swings. When exposed to extreme cold, like a summery ice pop, the plastic contracts slightly. The tiny shift can open a slight gap around the gumline, creating a direct path for cold temperatures to reach the tooth underneath.
The Dual Threat of Cold and Crushing Force
Hard ice pops, frozen fruit bars, and ice cream bars on a stick present a double hazard for temporary crowns. First, the freezing temperature numbs your local tissues and triggers nerve sensitivity. Second, biting directly into a hard, frozen block forces your teeth to act like a nutcracker. The heavy crushing force on a cold, contracted temporary crown can easily cause the thin plastic to crack or snap right down the middle.
The Ice-Cube Crunching Habit
Finishing a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade often leaves a pile of ice cubes at the bottom of your cup. Crunching on solid ice cubes is dangerous for natural teeth, but it is doubly risky for a temporary crown. The intense shock of the freezing ice combined with the hardness of the ice cube can break the acrylic or loosen the temporary cement.
Your Permanent Tooth Crown in London Awaits!
You can still enjoy refreshing summer treats while protecting your temporary crown! Swap hard ice pops for soft, room-temperature smoothies, enjoy scooped ice cream using a spoon instead of biting into a bar, and avoid chewing ice.
Are you ready for your final crown fitting? Schedule a dental crown consultation in London with our general dental team at Saba Dental Centre!
