About how long should a temporary crown stay on?

The shorter better: A temporary crown when being used between preparation and cementing a crown usually stays on 1-2 weeks. There are other reasons for placing a temporary crown that need to be on longer. These temporary crowns usually don't fit the tooth as well as a permanent and can cause irritations and food collection areas. The shorter the time wearing the better.

Short time: Only as long as it takes between the appointment to prepare the tooth for a crown, and the appointment to place the permanent crown.

A temporary...: Crown on a natural tooth is usually on for 2-3 weeks. It is not meant as a permanent solution and will eventually break or come loose leaving your tooth vulnerable to further decay and sensitivity.

Temporary crown: depends on the luting agent( dentalspeak for glue)....Sometimes we want them to stay on longer than the standard 2 week turnover time and for that reason will use a more durable glue.

Lab-made plastic: These crowns are not meant to last for a long time. In some cases, however, a temporary crown can stay in place for a year or longer. If it needs to last longer, a lab-made plastic crown is best. Ask your dentist for lab made temps.

Key Word: The key word in your question is "temporary." A temporary crown is made to last a very short time, just long enough to custom fabricate your final restoration. So we're really only talking an effective lifetime of weeks to a few months until it starts leaking, breaking down, and coming loose. Don't delay, complete your treatment ASAP.