How are Same-Day Crowns Different from Lab-Made Crowns?

Traditionally, when you get a dental crown to repair a damaged tooth, the restoration is made at a separate laboratory. However, thanks to the state-of-the-art CEREC system, many dentists nowadays are able to offer same-day crowns that are created in-office. Which is the better choice for your smile? Below is a closer look at some of the key differences between same-day crowns and lab-made crowns.

The Amount of Time Needed

Getting a lab-made dental crown requires at least two appointments. During the initial visit, the tooth is prepared, and impressions are taken. Once the impressions have been sent to a dental lab, you will normally have to wait a few weeks for your crown to be made. The completed restoration is attached to your tooth during the second appointment.

In contrast, same-day crowns only require one visit. After the necessary impressions have been captured, the crown is created by an in-office milling machine before being placed on the tooth. The entire process can often be completed in less than two hours; as such, you won’t have to wait as long to receive your restoration, and you won’t have to find room in your schedule for multiple appointments.

The Materials Used

A lab-made dental crown can be made out of a wide variety of materials, some of which are more aesthetically pleasing than others. Meanwhile, due to the method by which they’re made, same-day crowns are always made out of ceramic materials. One of the most notable advantages of a ceramic crown is that it can be shaded to match the color of your teeth, thus making it look like a natural part of your smile.

Precision

Dentists who offer lab-created crowns often take impressions by having patients bite down on special dental putty. However, physical impressions can be prone to error, and they can result in a restoration that doesn’t fit as well as it should. Same-day crowns involve a different approach; they are designed based on digital images of your teeth captured with a special camera. Digital impressions tend to be more accurate, increasing the chances that you’ll receive a restoration that fits correctly the first time.

Cost

Lab-made crowns and same-day crowns tend to come with comparable price tags, although the exact cost of either type of restoration can vary depending on a number of factors. That being said, it’s worth noting that since same-day crowns only require one appointment, they can reduce insurance copays as well as the amount of time you need to take off work.

Fully understanding the differences between same-day crowns and lab-made crowns can go a long way toward helping you make the decision that’s right for your oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Koenitzer is an award-winning dentist in Petaluma. He studied dentistry at the University of California at San Francisco, which is the top-rated dental school in the country. At his current dental practice, he offers CEREC same-day crowns as a quick, convenient solution for patients with damaged teeth. If you’ve suffered from dental damage and think you may need to get a crown, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Koenitzer by visiting his website or calling (707) 766-6666.