Crown Comparisons: Is a Same-Day Restoration Right for Me?

Your dentist likely recommended a dental crown if you have a severely damaged tooth or have undergone a root canal procedure. These tooth-shaped caps can protect damaged teeth, restore their functionality, and enhance the appearance of your smile.

Historically, these prosthetics have been custom-built by special dental laboratories. However, thanks to more recent advancements in technology and materials, many dentists today offer same-day dental crowns using CEREC technology. If you’re struggling to choose an appropriate restoration, you might wonder which option is best for you. Continue reading to learn about 3 key differences between them to make an informed decision!

Comparison #1: Timing

One of the main reasons CEREC dental crowns continue to gain popularity is that they save time for both the patient and the practitioner. The traditional method of creating one of these covers typically involves multiple appointments over a period of weeks because of how they’re built.

At your first visit, your dental team examines your mouth and prepares the affected tooth. Next, they make impressions and take images of your teeth, gums, and bite alignment that are sent to a lab to begin building your restoration. After several weeks, the completed dental crown is delivered, and you’ll return to the office for placement.

CEREC technology eliminates the middleman and allows your dentist to load your images and information into a computer program that designs your prosthetic. Then, your restoration is carved out of durable porcelain using an on-site milling machine in as few as twenty minutes.

Comparison #2: Resilience

Many patients falsely believe that if they opt for a dental crown that can be made in a single appointment they must surely be sacrificing quality for convenience. The truth is that you can enjoy your restoration for anywhere from 10 to 15 years, though they’ve been known to last 20+ if cared for correctly. The average lifespan of a crown made the traditional way is within the same range, meaning you’re not losing longevity by choosing a more swiftly produced prosthetic.

Comparison #3: Comfort

A poorly fitted dental crown can leave the underlying tooth unprotected, which increases its vulnerability to additional damage, decay, or disease. The traditional method of making impressions involves pressing your teeth into a tray of goop that dries around them to make a mold. Unfortunately, there’s plenty of room for error if you move your mouth incrementally or change the pressure of your bite.

Meanwhile, CEREC technology utilizes more comfortable digital impressions loaded into software that uses the precise contours of your unique measurements to build a prosthetic that fits like a glove.  

If you’re still unsure of the best method for you, the best way to proceed is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Kendrick takes pride in helping people of all ages build healthy, happy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry and has continued his education with courses at the Mische International Implant Institute and other prestigious organizations. Now, he provides a full array of top-quality services to meet all your needs under one roof, including CEREC same-day dental crowns. If you have a damaged tooth that requires attention, you can request an appointment on the website or call (405) 732-0431.