Are Same-Day Crowns Right for Me?
Most of us, at some point, will require restorative dental care. In fact, the CDC estimates that up to 92% of adults aged 45-64 have had some dental restoration. Whether you want to improve your smile or protect a tooth from new damage, your dentist may recommend a dental crown – a special cap that can be placed over your tooth or dental implant. Traditionally, placing a crown would take multiple visits to the dentist over a few weeks. However, for some patients, same-day crowns are a better option for convenient, customized treatment.
What Are Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns are created using Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) technology, a program that uses digital images and 3D models to build crowns. This method means your dentist can make customized crowns in their office rather than sending impressions away for production.
These crowns are similar quality to traditional crowns and are produced to match the appearance of existing teeth. Because the entire process is done in-house, getting a same-day crown is much more convenient for patients since they can avoid multiple appointments.
What Is the Procedure for CEREC Crowns?
Your appointment will begin with a consultation with your dentist, who will evaluate your tooth and advise you on the appropriate treatment. If a CEREC crown is recommended, your dentist will inject local anesthesia and prepare the tooth, including removing some enamel to ensure a better fit.
Your dentist will then create a digital impression using a small, specialized camera. These images go to a computer, which will create a 3D model of your crown. This model is then milled by a machine in the dentist’s office. Finally, your dentist will place the freshly produced crown over your tooth or implant with dental cement. This entire process takes just a couple of hours.
How are Same-Day Crowns Different from Traditional Crowns?
The biggest difference between CEREC crowns and traditional crowns is the treatment time. For traditional crowns, patients must go to multiple appointments to prep their teeth, complete impressions, and get the crown placed. Traditional crowns can also take weeks to produce, which means patients will leave their first visit with a temporary crown instead of a custom, permanent one.
CEREC crowns, however, are measured, produced, and placed at one appointment. This convenience can be helpful for many patients, especially those needing an emergency crown or those with severe dental anxiety.
CEREC crowns also differ from traditional crowns in other ways, including:
- Durability: Depending on what they are made of, traditional crowns can last decades with proper care. CEREC crowns last 10-15 years on average but can function much longer with regular professional cleanings and good oral hygiene.
- Material: Traditional crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, resin, and pressed ceramic. CEREC crowns are often made of porcelain fused to metal, though they can be made of other materials as well.
- Process: For traditional crowns, your dentist will have you bite down on putty to create the impression for your custom crown. For CEREC crowns, they will simply use a small camera to take photos inside your mouth.
- Speed: Because dental impressions must be sent out for production, traditional crowns might take weeks to produce. CEREC crowns, however, can be made in just a couple of hours.
Despite these differences, the cost is generally the same between traditional and CEREC crowns. Your dentist can help you decide on the right solution for your goals.
A Brighter Smile Is Within Reach
From same-day crowns and veneers to tooth whitening and orthodontics, Roots Dental Studio is here to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Book an appointment to learn how we can help.