Traditional vs. Same-Day Crowns: Which Is Better?
It’s estimated dental crowns have been around for 4,000 years!
They’re the tried-and-true way to restore teeth that are damaged, decayed, or unsightly.
Typically, getting a new crown or replacing an old one takes 2+ weeks.
But not anymore!
With advanced dental technology, you can get a new crown in just ONE APPOINTMENT!
Now, we know what you’re thinking:
What’s the catch?
There must be something wrong or less favorable with a same-day crown.
Get the truth in this short video:
Want to dive in deeper?
Keep scrolling to learn about costs, longevity, timeline, etc.
What are the disadvantages of dental crowns?
Don’t get us wrong:
Traditional crowns are AWESOME! They save your teeth from being extracted and allow you to smile confidently, eat comfortably, and preserve your oral health.
But now that there’s a quicker alternative, this way tends to, well, suck.
- Impressions: Uses gooey, putty material that isn’t comfortable (especially if you have a gag reflex).
- Time: Traditional crowns take 2+ weeks.
- Temporary crown: You’ll have to wear a temporary crown while you wait, which is usually not very durable or secure.
- Inconvenience: You’ll need 2+ appointments, which means more time off work, missing school, finding childcare, etc.
On the flip side…
What are the advantages of same-day crowns?
The pros of same-day dental crowns include:
- Digital impressions: A small hand-held wand takes thousands of images of your teeth to produce a 3D mockup of your smile. It’s quick and painless!
- Precision: CEREC technology… This text opens the Colgate CEREC article in a new tab … is extremely accurate and detailed. This means less drilling and a new crown that looks and fits flawlessly.
- In-house: The crown is made in the office (no external labs!) with our milling machine.
- Speed: Roughly one hour. That’s all it takes to plan, create, and place your permanent crown.
- No temporary crown is needed.
- No metal: Single-visit crowns can be made without metal, preventing problems like metal changing in size due to temperatures or a gray line along your gumline.
- Save time and money: No need to waste gas driving to multiple appointments, take unnecessary time off work or school, etc.
Right now, it’s a no-brainer. Same-day crowns are better!
But how long do same-day crowns last? Are same-day crowns more expensive?
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Are same-day crowns any good?
Answer:
Same-day crowns are just as good as traditional crowns!
In fact, when you consider the convenience of single-visit crowns, we’d say they’re better!
How long do same-day crowns last?
On average, CEREC crowns last for 10 to 15 years – the same as traditional crowns.
But with excellent care, your crown may last for decades.
One-visit crowns are made from materials, like porcelain or zirconium, which are durable and long lasting.
How much are same-day crowns?
There isn’t really a cost difference between traditional and CEREC dental crowns!
According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry… This text opens a new tab to the source…, the average cost of a crown ranges between $1,000 to $3,500.
Bonus:
Many dental insurance policies include coverage for crowns, and they don’t treat CEREC crowns any different than traditional crowns.
Want to know how much a CEREC crown in Columbia, SC will cost you?
What does a CEREC crown look like?
CEREC crowns are designed to look exactly like a natural tooth.
Your dentist will pick the crown’s color based on your surrounding teeth, so it blends in. And they’ll ensure the tooth is the right size and shape, so it looks real and functions harmoniously with your bite.
Bonus:
Metal-free crowns tend to look more natural and reflect light better.
How long does a same-day crown take?
It takes approximately one hour to get a same-day crown from start to finish.
Here’s how it works:
- Instead of messy impressions, a digital scanner is used to create a 3D mockup of your smile.
- Your dentist will use the scan and CEREC technology to design the new crown.
- The specifications of your new crown are sent electronically to a milling machine.
- The milling machine creates your crown from a small block of material, like porcelain, in about 10 minutes.
- Your new crown will be polished and fine-tuned as needed.
- Lastly, your new crown will be cemented into place, and you’ll leave with a fully functional, permanent tooth.
It’s that simple. No temporaries or second appointments.
Do you need a new dental crown?
Signs you may need a crown include:
- Your cosmetic dentist in Columbia told you 😉
- Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
- Severe tooth decay
- Cosmetic concerns
- Root canal
- Worn down tooth
When in doubt, schedule a consultation!
Our CEREC Craftsman, Dr. Justin Griffin, offers virtual and in-office consultations!
REQUEST AN IN-OFFICE CONSULTATION
REQUEST AN ONLINE CONSULTATION
Or you can:
- Call us: 803-788-0099
- Email us: info@wildewooddental.com
WildeWood Aesthetic Dentistry is conveniently located in Columbia, SC, and proudly serves surrounding communities, including Irmo, Lexington, Camden, Blythewood, and Elgin, SC. We also serve patients from out-of-state!
