When it comes to porcelain dental crowns, you have a few different options to choose from, such as traditional dental crowns or same-day crowns. So, which is the best choice for you? We’ll provide you with information to help you make the choice that best suits your needs.
Dental crowns are a common solution used to restore strength and appearance to a damaged tooth. They can also be used in cosmetic dentistry treatments alongside veneers and bridges. Both same-day crowns and traditional crowns offer effective solutions, but they vary in terms of cost, convenience, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
If you’re looking for a dental restoration option that offers the best of both worlds—both convenience AND quality—it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making your decision. Let’s compare same-day crowns vs. traditional crowns to help inform your choice.
What are dental crowns and who needs them?
Dental crowns are caps that fit over a tooth that has been damaged as a result of tooth decay or trauma. A crown restores the natural tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance and improves your oral health. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, metal, or ceramic. Crowns can help to protect a weak tooth from further damage or fix cosmetic issues like chips, gaps, or discoloration.
Anyone who has suffered extensive decay in their teeth or significant damage due to trauma may need a dental crown. In some cases, they may also be recommended for aesthetic purposes such as reshaping misaligned teeth, correcting discoloration caused by outdated fillings, or simply improving the overall look of your smile.
What are Same Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns are a type of dental crown that can be made and placed in just one visit. These crowns are digitally designed and use a milling machine to craft the crown out of a solid block of ceramic material, meaning they’re ready to use right away instead of having to be lab-fabricated over several days or weeks. These ceramic crowns offer convenience and an aesthetically pleasing result that typically looks just like natural teeth.
Benefits
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- Same-day crowns provide long-term durability and strength.
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- They can be made to match your natural teeth shade without having to go through a multi-day process.
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- They can be more cost-effective than traditional crowns as they require fewer visits to a dental office.
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- Same-day crowns allow for quicker treatment of dental problems, reducing the amount of time needed for multiple dental appointments.
What are Traditional Crowns?
Traditional crowns, also known as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, are a type of dental restoration used to cover damaged or decayed teeth and improve their appearance. Traditional crowns are made of a metal base that is covered with a ceramic material, giving the crown an aesthetic appeal while providing strength and durability. These porcelain crowns are often chosen as a cosmetic solution for chipped or discolored teeth or teeth that have been weakened by decay.
Benefits
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- Traditional crowns are typically made of more durable materials than same-day crowns.
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- Traditional crowns usually last longer and require less maintenance overall.
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- Patient comfort is greater with traditional crowns, as they are custom fitted for the patient.
What are the main differences between these two types of crowns?
While these dental restorations serve the same purpose, they do have some distinct differences that set them apart. Here are some factors you should take into consideration when deciding what type of crown to have placed.
Time
The main difference between same-day crowns and traditional crowns is the time it takes to create and place them. Same-day crowns are created by taking a digital impression and creating a custom crown in the office so that they are ready to use right away, unlike traditional crowns, which have to be created in a lab which typically takes several days or weeks and at least two visits to the dentist.
Materials and Durability
Same-day dental crowns are made from a solid block of ceramic material, while traditional crowns are made from a composite of materials like ceramic and metal. While same-day crowns will generally be more aesthetically appealing, they are not as durable as lab-created crowns.
Investment
While the costs of these two restorations are fairly similar, in some situations, a same-day crown can be more affordable for patients. Since they require fewer appointments, you’ll pay less money out of pocket for copays and spend less time going back and forth to your dentist’s office.
Temporary Crowns
With traditional crowns, you won’t leave the office with your permanent restoration. While you are waiting on your crown to be fabricated at the dental lab, you will receive a temporary restoration to protect your tooth until you come back to have your permanent one placed.
With same-day crowns, you’ll leave the office with your permanent crown and no temporary crown will be needed.
How to Decide Which Crown Type is Right for You
When deciding between a same-day crown and a traditional crown, it is important to take into consideration your dental needs, budget, and timeline. Same-day crowns offer the convenience of having the entire process done in a single appointment, while traditional crowns require two or more visits over the course of weeks or months. Same-day crowns are typically less expensive than traditional ones, and they can also be less invasive and require fewer visits overall.
If you have an emergency or need to get a crown as quickly as possible, then a same-day crown may be the better option since it can be ready in just one single visit. Ultimately, it’s best to consult with your dentist to determine which dental treatment is best for your situation.
Make an Appointment with Our Dentist Today
If you’re considering a same-day crown or a traditional metal crown, make an appointment with our dentist today. Our experienced team will help you decide which dental procedure is best for your needs and provide you with the highest quality of care.
