When it comes to dental crowns, two main options exist: traditional crowns and same-day crowns. Both serve the same purpose—restoring a damaged or decayed tooth—but they differ significantly in terms of procedure, time and cost. Today we will break down the differences to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its function, shape and appearance. Crowns are often recommended for patients with large cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, root canal-treated teeth or severely worn-down enamel.
Traditional Crowns: The Tried-and-True Option
Traditional crowns have been the go-to for dental restorations for decades. Here is how the process works:
- Multiple Visits: Typically, traditional crowns require two appointments. During the first visit, one of our skilled doctors will prepare the tooth by removing the damaged or decayed portion. An impression of your tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown is made.
- Temporary Crown: While your permanent crown is being crafted, you will wear a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.
- Permanent Placement: After about two weeks, your permanent crown will be ready, and you will return to our office to have it cemented in place.
- Material Variety: Traditional crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys or a combination of these.
Advantages of Traditional Crowns:
- Customization: Because the crown is crafted in a lab, the color, shape and fit can be highly customized.
- Durability: Lab-made crowns are often stronger and more durable, especially metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
- Material Choices: You have more options for the crown’s material, which can impact both cost and appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Time: The biggest drawback is the waiting period. It takes about two weeks to get the permanent crown.
- Multiple Visits: You will need at least two visits to complete the process.
Same-Day Crowns: Modern Convenience
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a relatively new option that leverages advanced CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology. Here is how the process works:
- One Appointment: With same-day crowns, our doctor will prepare the tooth and create a digital scan using a specialized camera. This 3D scan is used to design your crown.
- In-Office Milling: The digital design is sent to an in-office milling machine, which carves your crown from a block of ceramic in about an hour.
- Immediate Placement: Once the crown is ready, it is immediately placed and bonded to your tooth.
Advantages of Same-Day Crowns:
- Time-Saving: You can walk in and out with a permanent crown in a single appointment.
- No Temporary Crown: Since the entire process is done in one day, you will not need to wear a temporary crown.
Disadvantages:
- Material Limitation: Same-day crowns are typically made from ceramic, which may not be as strong as other materials like metal.
- Less Customization: Although the crown can be color-matched to your tooth, the same level of detailed customization offered by traditional lab-made crowns may not be possible.
Which Is Right for You?
At Denver Restorative Dentistry, one of our skilled dentists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre or Chertok will examine your tooth and prepare it for the dental crown in Broomfield, Colorado. We welcome you to contact us today at 303-586-1019 to schedule a visit and learn how this restoration can complete your smile.