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Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew Wilson, DMD, Cornerstone Dentistry, Anderson. Last updated September 2026.
Quick answer: If your crown feels weird when you bite down, it’s usually sitting slightly high, so it hits before your other teeth. Your jaw and tongue may also need a few days to adjust to its shape. A small feel difference that fades within a few days is normal. If the crown still hits first, feels sore when you chew, or your bite feels uneven, your dentist can fix it with a quick, painless adjustment.
A new crown should feel like part of your natural bite. When it doesn’t, the cause is usually simple, and so is the fix.
Why Does My Crown Feel Weird When I Bite Down?
| Cause | What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| High spot | The crown touches first when you close; teeth don’t meet evenly | Call your dentist for an adjustment |
| New shape | Your tongue keeps finding the crown; it feels bulky | Give it a few days; call if it doesn’t fade |
| Jaw adjusting | Mild jaw tiredness or a “different” bite for a few days | Usually settles on its own |
| Sensitivity | Twinges with hot or cold | Normal for a couple of weeks (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Rough or sharp edge | Edge catches your tongue, cheek or floss | Call your dentist to smooth it (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Loose crown or cement issue | Crown moves, bad taste, or bad breath | Call your dentist soon (Cleveland Clinic) |
What Is a “High Spot” on a Crown?
A high spot is a small area of the crown that stands a little taller than the rest of your bite. Even a tiny difference matters: your teeth can sense very small changes. When one tooth hits first, it takes more force than it should, which can make it sore and can strain your jaw muscles.
Numbing during the crown appointment can also make it hard to judge your bite, which is why a crown can feel fine in the chair and high once the numbness wears off.
Uneven Bite After a Crown: Is It Normal?
A slight “new” feeling for a few days is normal. An uneven bite that doesn’t improve isn’t. Signs it’s time to call:
- the crown hits first every time you close
- the tooth is sore when you chew
- your jaw feels tired or achy
- you catch yourself chewing on the other side
Why Does My Temporary Crown Feel Weird?
Temporary crowns are usually made of resin or acrylic and protect your tooth while the lab makes your permanent crown, which typically takes 2–3 weeks (Cleveland Clinic). They’re not shaped as precisely, so they can feel bulky or slightly high. Be gentle with sticky and hard foods, and call if the temporary feels very high, cracks or comes off.
Should a Crown Hurt When You Bite Down?
Some sensitivity to heat and cold for a couple of weeks after a crown is normal (Cleveland Clinic). Sharp pain when biting is not. It can mean the crown is high, or there’s an issue with the tooth underneath, like inflammation of the nerve. If sensitivity doesn’t settle, see our guide to the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth and call us to have it checked.
How Dentists Fix a Crown That Feels Off
- We check your bite with thin articulating paper, which marks where your teeth touch.
- We gently smooth any high spots on the crown.
- We re-check your bite, including side-to-side movements.
- We polish the crown so it’s smooth.
The adjustment usually takes a few minutes and doesn’t need numbing. With good care, crowns typically last 5–15 years or longer (Cleveland Clinic).
Curious where crown technology is heading? Read about the future of dental crowns. If your new crown doesn’t feel right, call Cornerstone Dentistry in Anderson and we’ll check your bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my crown feel weird when I bite down?
Most often, the crown is sitting slightly high, so it touches before your other teeth. Your tongue and jaw may also need a few days to get used to its new shape. If it still feels off after a few days, your dentist can adjust it in a quick visit.
Is it normal for a new crown to feel high?
A slightly different feel is normal at first, but a crown that hits first every time you close isn’t something to wait out. A high spot can make the tooth sore and put extra force on your jaw. Call your dentist for an adjustment.
Why does my temporary crown feel weird?
Temporary crowns are usually made of resin or acrylic and aren’t shaped as precisely as the final crown. They’re meant to protect the tooth for the 2–3 weeks it takes the lab to make your permanent crown. If it feels very high or loose, call your dentist.
Should a crown hurt when I bite down?
Some sensitivity to hot and cold for a couple of weeks is normal. Sharp pain when biting is not. It can mean the crown is high, or there’s a problem with the tooth underneath, so have it checked.
How does a dentist fix a high crown?
Your dentist marks where your teeth touch with thin articulating paper, then gently smooths the high spot on the crown. It usually takes a few minutes and no numbing.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Dental Crowns: Types, Procedure & Care.
- American Dental Association. Sensitive Teeth. MouthHealthy.
The content of this blog is for general information and isn’t a substitute for professional dental advice. Talk with your dentist about your situation.
