Same-Day Crowns Vs Traditional Crowns

Published on March 27, 2023

model crown Dentist use dental crowns to rescue ‘dying’ teeth and give them a new lease of life. Also, it’s quite a common solution. However, the process used to drag on in the past. Nowadays, modern tech manages to create shortcuts. As a result, people often ponder the same-day crowns Vs. traditional crowns debate.

About Same-Day Crowns

Though still a relative novelty, same-day crowns are slowly becoming the first choice for many patients. Plus, they’re available at affordable prices. On that note, it’s a single-visit process usually. The dentist does an optical scan of the tooth to collect data. Then, the CAD allows for a 3D digital image of the tooth. As a result, the dentist can precisely diagnose the issue and create a crown.

About Traditional Crowns

In general, a traditional crown involves a complex chain of steps. Because of this, you need at least two trips to the dentist’s office before a three-week waiting period.

On your first visit, the dentist impressions the damaged tooth using a special jelly material. For example, the dentist will use light or heavy body silicone. After taking your teeth’s impressions, it goes to a technician. There, the expert will build a crown based on that model. So, that is the part involving waiting. However, you’ll get a temporary crown in-between.

comarison of dental crown types

Similarities Between Same-Day Crowns And Traditional Crowns

Aside from the waiting period, the two procedures also have much in common. Here are their most notable similarities.

Processes/Procedure

In general, the two types of crowns offer similar results, though they utilize various starting points. However, they both rely on taking the image of the target tooth. Next, the dentist will proceed to make a model of it. Lastly, that model aids in creating the permanent crown. So, both traditional and same-day crowns share this list of steps. Simply put, the same-day crown is the evolved form of that same idea.

Materials (Ceramic)

Nowadays, dentists use the safest materials to make all sorts of crowns. Currently, ceramic is the most common type of material for these solutions. As such, it is hygienic and durable.

Aesthetics

In line with the previous point, both of these routes provide you with a photogenic smile. To that end, dentists take extra care to create a perfect fit before inserting the new crown.

Differences Between Same-Day Crowns And Traditional Crowns

Due to how these procedures changed with time, there are several differences between them as well. For example:

Durability

Though the durability of same-day crowns is at a much higher level today due to newer tech, it is still not yet at par with traditional crowns. In short, porcelain infused with metal is still more durable than the best ceramic crowns.

Waiting Period

When it comes to saving time, the same-day crowns have a clear advantage. As the name implies, it often takes just one visit to fully set them up. On the contrary, the alternative relies on several visits plus a weeks-long waiting period.

For the same-day crowns, such steps are not part of the picture. Plus, with the traditional crowns, the patient may also expose their other teeth during the waiting period.

Material

While dentists make same-day crowns from ceramic, they use ceramic, porcelain, and metal in making traditional crowns. As a result, they are the more durable solution.

Lab-Created

Unlike same-day crowns, the dentist works alongside a lab technician to create traditional crowns. That is why people also call traditional crowns lab-created crowns. In that manner, there’s less room for error.

Temporary Crown

The traditional crown procedure requires that the dentist fixes a temporary crown on your tooth until your permanent crown is ready. However, you do not need a temporary crown if you get a same-day crown.

crown illustration

Conclusion

Modern tech has done a lot to streamline the process of getting a dental crown. However, the debate of same-day crowns vs. traditional crowns is still ongoing. As for our choice, we recommend the same-day crowns as the better overall choice.
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The Top 7 Frequently Asked Questions When Comparing Both Traditional And CEREC

What are same day crowns called?

Same day crowns, also known as CEREC® crowns, can be used just like conventional dental crowns. These crowns are essentially identical to traditional crowns, but they can be made in under two hours. In contrast, conventional dental crowns take about two weeks to be created offsite in a dental laboratory.

How long does a same day crown last?

On average, CEREC same-day crowns typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. But they may last much longer with proper maintenance. Book an appointment today. Same-day crowns are sculpted out of a block of high-quality ceramic.

Are CEREC crowns better than traditional crowns?

They are more efficient and technologically advanced crowns and have become the preferred option. While it can take weeks to receive a traditional dental crown, a CEREC crown uses Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to create crowns in a single appointment.

Can you get a permanent crown the same day?

While traditional porcelain crowns take two or three visits over the course of several weeks to place, your same day crown can be designed, milled, and placed in about two hours. That really is it—at the end of your appointment, you’ll have your complete restoration

What Are the Downsides of Traditional Crowns?

One of the biggest disadvantages of traditional crowns is the waiting time. You not only have to make multiple appointments but also have to possibly wait weeks to receive your permanent crown.

What Are the Downsides of Same Day Crowns?

Same day crowns are not appropriate for all patients. For Example, if your tooth is fractured under the gumline, your dentist may have issues using the imaging camera to get a good map of your tooth.

Will I need a temporary crown with CEREC?

No, which also increases the chance of not seeing future decay. This is because you avoid temporary crowns that fit poorly and can let bacteria get into the tooth more easily.

dental crown illustration

Our Pick: Same-Day Crowns

After comparing the two options, we arrived at the conclusion that same-day crowns are the better overall choice. Currently, this is the faster route and also an equally effective one. Hence, you can get it within a few visits to the dentist. In other words, there’s no need to wait for weeks on end. Also, the steps involved won’t expose your tooth to further damage. Similarly, the process includes very few injections. In that manner, you will avoid much of the hassle related to these types of procedures.
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