What Are the Differences Between Same-Day Crowns and Traditional Crowns?

When you need a dental crown, questions about timing and convenience naturally arise, especially when balancing work schedules with the need for quality dental care. Traditional crowns require multiple appointments over several weeks, but modern dental technology now offers faster alternatives without compromising quality.

At Sunrise Dental Cary, we provide both same-day crowns using advanced CEREC technology and traditional laboratory-crafted crowns. As one of the top 3% of technologically advanced dental practices in the United States, Dr. Jordan Tucker and our experienced team help you choose the crown option that best fits your schedule, dental needs, and treatment goals.

Key Differences Between Same-Day and Traditional Crowns

The primary differences between same-day and traditional crowns center on timing, technology, and the treatment process. Same-day crowns are created and placed in a single appointment using advanced CAD/CAM technology, while traditional crowns require multiple visits and laboratory fabrication over several weeks.

Same-day crowns utilize digital impressions and computer-controlled milling to create your restoration from ceramic blocks in our office. Traditional crowns involve physical or digital impressions sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians handcraft your crown using various materials, including porcelain, metal alloys, or combinations of both.

The treatment experience differs significantly between the two approaches. With same-day crowns, you avoid temporary crowns entirely and leave with your permanent restoration. Traditional crowns require wearing a temporary crown for two to three weeks while your permanent crown is being made, necessitating dietary restrictions and careful oral hygiene around the temporary restoration.

Same-Day Crowns: Modern Convenience

Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to create, customize, and place your crown in a single appointment.

The process begins with digital impressions using advanced scanning technology, eliminating uncomfortable traditional impression materials. Our CEREC system designs your crown based on precise measurements, ensuring optimal fit and natural appearance.

Your appointment typically takes two to three hours from start to finish. After preparing your tooth and taking digital impressions, our in-office milling machine creates your crown from high-quality ceramic material. While your crown is being crafted, you relax in our comfortable office rather than returning home with a temporary crown.

Advantages of Same-Day Crowns

The most obvious benefit is convenience. You leave our office with your permanent crown in place, avoiding a second appointment or temporary crown. This eliminates the risk of temporary crown displacement or discomfort some patients experience with temporary restorations.

Same-day crowns also maintain more of your natural tooth structure since we preserve more of your original tooth during preparation. The digital design process ensures precise fit and optimal bite alignment, often resulting in superior comfort.

Traditional Crowns: Time-Tested Approach

Traditional crown fabrication involves a multi-step process typically requiring two appointments separated by two to three weeks. During your first visit, we prepare your tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown while your permanent restoration is created in a dental laboratory.

Laboratory technicians handcraft traditional crowns using various materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or gold alloys. This process allows for extensive customization and different materials that may be beneficial for specific situations.

Your first appointment involves tooth preparation and impression-taking. We place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth while the laboratory creates your permanent restoration over two to three weeks. Your second appointment involves removing the temporary crown, checking the fit and appearance, and cementing your permanent crown in place.

Traditional crowns offer extensive material options, including gold alloys that provide exceptional durability for back teeth or porcelain-fused-to-metal combinations that balance strength with aesthetics. Some insurance plans may provide better coverage for traditional crowns.

Durability and Cost Considerations

Both same-day and traditional crowns provide excellent longevity when properly cared for. Same-day crowns made from high-quality ceramic materials typically last 10-15 years or longer, while traditional crowns may last 15-20 years or more, depending on the materials used and oral hygiene habits.

The cost difference between same-day and traditional crowns is often minimal, though this varies based on materials and insurance coverage. Same-day crowns may prove more cost-effective when considering time value, reduced work absence, and elimination of temporary crown complications.

The best crown option depends on your circumstances, including tooth location, schedule, aesthetic requirements, and personal preferences. Same-day crowns work excellently for most situations, particularly when convenience and immediate results are priorities. Traditional crowns might be preferred for complex cases requiring specific materials or extensive color matching.

Experience Advanced Crown Technology

Don’t let damaged teeth compromise your smile or oral health. At Sunrise Dental Cary, we offer both same-day and traditional crowns using the most advanced techniques and materials available. Dr. Jordan Tucker and our skilled team will help you determine which crown option best meets your needs and lifestyle.

Call us today at (919) 701-6699 to schedule your consultation and discover how our advanced crown technology can restore your smile in the timeframe that works best for you, or contact us online to learn more about our comprehensive restorative dental services.