If you’ve been thinking of going in for restorative dentistry and have done any research, you’ve probably come across dental crowns. They can improve your smile, restore your tooth’s function, and even protect it. When it comes to the actual procedure, crowns are either made on the spot in your dentist’s office the same day or shipped off to be fabricated in a lab. Each method has its own unique qualities – read on to learn more about the benefits of each before you make a decision!
Difference #1: Time
The most obvious difference with the two procedures is same-day crowns allow you total restoration in one office visit, while lab-made crowns necessitate an additional appointment with your dentist. For people with busy schedules, this can be a very compelling reason to choose a dentist who offers installation in one day.
If your impressions are taken and sent away to be made into a crown, the typical wait time before the restoration arrives at your dentist’s office is 2 weeks and you’ll be outfitted with a temporary model. When your permanent crown is ready, you will revisit the office for it to be placed.
With same-day crowns, placement is done on the same day as having access to resources in-office allows them to create it, then cap it on the tooth.
Difference #2: Appearance
Same-day crowns are typically made of porcelain, a material that lets the dentist shade and match its color to closely resemble that of the surrounding teeth. Lab-made restorations are generally created using a mix of gold, metal, or porcelain as well as these materials individually. The result is that aesthetically, same-day crowns offer a more natural, subtle look compared to lab-made crowns that can stand out because of the materials used.
Difference #3: Fit
Crowns that are placed on the same day use advanced dental technology called CEREC, which involves digital imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). This technology allows dentists to create a custom-fit crown in a single visit by capturing a digital impression of the tooth, designing the crown on a computer, and milling it using a specialized machine.
With this kind of specialized technology, dentists are able to reduce human error and ensure a precise fit. Patients can also enjoy that they don’t have to take sticky, messy impressions!
Difference #4: Cost
While same-day crowns are more expensive than their counterpart, people often find that it balances out in the end. There is no need to take off work multiple times and make numerous trips to the dentist if all the work is being done in a day. That’s money saved in gas and being absent from your job! Not to mention time saved, an even more important currency.
If you’re looking for a solution that can be completed in a day and is durable and natural-looking, same-day crowns may be the ticket for you!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina. He’s continued his education even past the doctorate level, completing courses at prestigious institutions like the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute. Dr. Dean and our team at Dean Dental Care offer same-day crowns that are made in-house using the latest technology and placed all in one convenient visit to our office! Call us today to make an appointment at (770) 786-3915 or visit our website.