Same-day Crowns vs Traditional Crowns: What's Right for Me?

If you need a dental crown to restore a badly damaged or infected tooth, your dentist may have mentioned same-day crowns. 

And that piqued your interest. 

What are they, how do they differ from regular crowns, and are they right for you? 

This short article from Suncoast Dental Center can help you find out the answers to all of your questions. 

What Are Same-Day Crowns and How Do They Work? 

As the name suggests, same-day crowns, also known as CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) are crowns that can be designed, manufactured, and placed within the same dental appointment. 

Here's what the process looks like: 

• Digital impressions: The dentist will use a digital scan to take detailed images of the affected tooth and surrounding teeth, creating a precise 3D digital model.
• Crown design: Using the digital model and sophisticated CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology, the dentist designs a custom crown that matches the shape, size, and color of your teeth.
• Fabrication: Then using the latest technology, the dentist will 3D print the crown from a block of ceramic. This part only takes a few minutes.
• Placement: Once the crown is ready, the dentist checks the fit, makes any necessary adjustments, and permanently bonds the crown to the tooth.

This entire process takes about two hours and you can go home with a new crown and a restored smile within the same day. 

How Are Traditional Crowns Different from Same-Day Crowns? 

While both traditional crowns and same-day crowns in Naples can be effective restorative solutions, the fabrication process and in some instances the materials too can differ. 

In the case of regular crowns, the dentist takes a physical impression of the tooth using a mold material. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where technicians create the custom crown based on the dentist's specifications. This process usually takes a few weeks, unlike same-day crowns which can be ready in a couple of hours. 

As far as materials go, traditional crowns can be made from porcelain, gold, or other metal alloys. Some of these materials, like gold, cannot be used for same-day crowns, which are usually made from ceramic or other materials that can be milled or 3D printed. 

How to Choose Between Same-Day Crowns and Traditional Crowns? 

Here's what to consider to make an educated decision: 

• Time: If you don't have time for multiple dental appointments, same-day crowns might be a better option, as they can be completed in a single visit.
• Aesthetics: Both traditional and same-day crowns can provide good esthetic results. However, in some cases, a dental lab might have more expertise in creating more natural-looking crowns. 
• Strength and durability: Both crown types can provide long-lasting, durable restorations. However, some materials used in traditional crowns, such as metal or porcelain fused to metal, may offer better strength. 
• The Dentist's Experience: Make sure the dentist has enough experience creating digital models and fabricating the crown. 
• Cost: Same-day crowns may have a higher upfront cost due to the specialized equipment used.

Dr. Landon Lowell Can Help You Choose the Right Option for You 

If you're still uncertain about what to choose, schedule an appointment with Suncoast Dental Center and discuss your options at length with Dr. Landon Lowell. 

Send us a message online to request your appointment.