Hello, for patients experiencing high dental crowns or difficulty chewing after getting dental crowns, this is a condition that dentists commonly encounter during follow-up examinations. Below, I will explain each aspect in detail so you can clearly understand the underlying causes and the proper way to address them.
What Does It Mean When a Dental Crown Feels High?
A dental crown that feels high refers to a condition in which, after the crown is cemented, you feel that the tooth is “higher than normal,” contacts the opposing teeth before the others, feels obstructive during chewing, unnatural, or even causes tooth sensitivity or jaw fatigue. From a clinical perspective, this is a sign of occlusal discrepancy after prosthetic restoration, meaning that the crown has not been fully harmonized with the physiological occlusion of the entire dentition.
I would like to reassure you that a feeling of a high bite is not a normal or mandatory reaction after receiving dental crowns. When the restoration is performed correctly and the occlusion is properly adjusted, ceramic crowns should provide a chewing sensation that is almost identical to natural teeth from the very beginning.
Causes of a High Dental Crown
In clinical practice, a dental crown that feels high is commonly caused by the following factors:
Incorrect Occlusion
This is the most common cause. During the design and placement of a ceramic crown, if the dynamic and static occlusal contact points are not accurately controlled, the crown may contact the opposing teeth prematurely and bear excessive chewing forces compared to the adjacent teeth. As a result, you may experience a noticeable high bite, especially when chewing or grinding your teeth.
The Crown Is Too High or Too Thick
If the ceramic crown is fabricated with incorrect anatomical proportions—for example, if the occlusal surface is higher than the original tooth or the ceramic walls are excessively thick—the restored tooth will no longer be properly balanced within the dental arch. Even if the overall occlusion is only minimally affected, you may still experience difficulty chewing and discomfort.
Improper Crown Cementation Technique
The crown placement procedure requires repeated occlusal evaluation before permanent cementation. If the dentist skips the final occlusal adjustment or uses an unsuitable luting material, the crown may become microscopically misaligned, resulting in a high bite sensation after several days of use.
Signs That a Dental Crown Feels High
The sensation of a high dental crown does not always appear immediately. Some signs you should watch for include: the crowned tooth contacts before the other teeth during chewing; repeatedly closing your bite still feels “off”; jaw fatigue; discomfort around the crowned tooth; pain in the temporomandibular joint after prolonged chewing; and in some cases, mild headaches or jaw muscle tension. If difficulty chewing persists for more than 2–3 days after receiving a dental crown, you should schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
Is a High Dental Crown Dangerous?
From a medical standpoint, a dental crown that feels high is more than just a minor discomfort. If left uncorrected, excessive biting forces on the crown may lead to ceramic fractures, damage to the supporting tooth, tooth sensitivity, pulp inflammation, and, over time, disorders of the temporomandibular joint, resulting in jaw pain and limited mouth opening.
Therefore, I always advise patients not to simply “get used to it,” but instead to have the problem corrected promptly to prevent future complications.
How to Correct a High Dental Crown
If your dental crown feels high, the appropriate solution is to return to the dental clinic so your dentist can evaluate and adjust your occlusion. In most cases, only minimal polishing of the ceramic surface is needed to rebalance the contact points, and the uncomfortable sensation will disappear immediately.
If the problem is caused by an improperly designed crown or significant occlusal errors, the crown may need to be removed and remade to ensure the long-term safety of the supporting tooth. This is typically covered under the warranty if the treatment was performed at a reputable dental clinic.
How to Prevent a High Bite After Dental Crown Placement
To avoid difficulty chewing or experiencing a high bite after receiving dental crowns, I recommend choosing a dental clinic with prosthodontic specialists who evaluate the bite using modern occlusal analysis systems. In addition, carefully trying in the crowns before permanent cementation and avoiding rushing the final placement while any uncomfortable sensation remains are extremely important.
After receiving dental crowns, you should also attend your scheduled follow-up appointments so the dentist can reassess your occlusion after several days of actual function. If you wish to improve your tooth color, you may combine your treatment with professional teeth whitening at Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital either before or after receiving dental crowns to achieve a harmonious shade and reduce the need for future crown adjustments.
If you are experiencing a dental crown that feels high or discomfort while chewing, you are welcome to visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, where our dentists will evaluate your occlusion, make precise adjustments, and recommend the safest treatment solution for your teeth.
