What Are Same-Day Dental Crowns?

October 28, 2020

Dental crowns are typically made with porcelain ceramic and are strong, lifelike replicas of your natural teeth. These dental restorations are excellent options to restore teeth that have been affected by cracks, chips, deep staining, decay, and other issues. With dental crowns, you can still retain your natural tooth but protect it from experiencing any more damage. The best part about dental crowns is that they look and function just like your natural teeth, giving you an appearance you can take pride in.

But how are same-day dental crowns different from traditional ones? These dental crowns are made with Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC), which uses digital imaging to take accurate measurements for your crown and create your permanent dental restoration right at your dentist’s office. These crowns certainly have their benefits over traditional dental crowns!

No More Waiting for a Permanent Restoration

With CEREC same-day dental crowns, you won’t need to wait for your permanent restoration. Generally, when getting a dental crown, your dentist will take your measurements in the office and send them to a lab, which will custom make your crown. This process can take two weeks or longer, and once the crown is ready, you’ll need to come in for a second appointment to have it placed.

During this waiting period, your dentist will usually fit you with a temporary dental restoration, especially if your missing or damaged tooth is visible. However, with same-day dental crowns, there’s no need for a temporary restoration, because you’ll get your permanent dental crown that same day. Since some people find temporary devices uncomfortable, this process minimizes discomfort and eliminates the need for you to come in for a second appointment [1].

Durable and Rival Traditional Dental Crowns

Same-day dental crowns are still custom-made, but instead of being made in a lab, they’re made in a machine at your dentist’s office. They’re still made of the same durable ceramic that traditional dental crowns are made of, which has been shown to be strong and rival other dental crown materials, including composite resin [2].

No matter which tooth you need your crown placed on, same-day crowns made with CEREC technology make it easy to get a durable and secure restoration without waiting. People love same-day dental crowns because of their convenience and the fact that they eliminate the need for a temporary restoration!

Not Every Dentist Offers This Technology

While CEREC same-day dental crowns are convenient, not every dentist offers this technology. When considering same-day crowns, it’s important to work with a dentist that’s experienced with CEREC. Same-day dental crowns may also cost a bit more than traditional dental crowns, but most patients find that, for the convenience, the cost is well worth it.

If you need a dental crown, ask your dentist about same-day dental crowns and if they would be an option for you. Most people who qualify for regular dental crowns will also qualify for CEREC same-day ones!