If you need a dental crown, you may be surprised to learn that you have more than one option for how it is made. Same-day crowns and traditional lab-made crowns can both restore a damaged tooth, but the process, timeline, and materials involved can differ.
So, how do you know which approach is right for you? Here are four important differences to consider when comparing same-day and lab-made dental crowns.
1. How They’re Made
The biggest difference between the two options is where and how the crown is created.
A traditional crown is typically designed from impressions of your tooth and fabricated at an outside dental laboratory. This process allows dental technicians to create a restoration according to the dentist’s specifications before sending it back to the dental office.
Same-day crowns are designed and created in the dental office using computer-aided design and manufacturing technology. Digital impressions can be used to create a detailed model of your tooth, which is then used to design and mill the crown.
Both approaches are designed to create a restoration that fits your tooth, but the technology and workflow are different.
2. How Long Treatment Takes
As the name suggests, one of the biggest advantages of a same-day crown is the timeline. In many cases, the crown can be designed, created, and placed during a single appointment.
Traditional lab-made crowns generally require at least two appointments. During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared and impressions are taken. You may receive a temporary crown while the permanent restoration is made. Once the lab sends the finished crown back to the office, you’ll return for placement.
If your schedule makes multiple dental visits difficult, the convenience of completing treatment in one visit may be worth considering.
3. Materials and Appearance
Both same-day and lab-made crowns can be made from tooth-colored materials, but the available materials can vary depending on the restoration system and laboratory.
Same-day crowns are commonly milled from dental ceramic or other materials designed to provide a natural-looking appearance and appropriate strength. Lab-made restorations may offer a wider range of material choices because dental laboratories can use different fabrication techniques.
Your dentist can recommend a material based on factors such as the location of the tooth, your bite, cosmetic goals, and how much of the natural tooth needs to be restored.
4. Convenience and Follow-Up Care
With a traditional crown, you’ll typically need to wear a temporary restoration while waiting for your permanent crown. That can mean being a little more careful about certain foods and following instructions to protect the temporary crown.
A same-day crown can eliminate that waiting period because the permanent restoration may be placed during the same visit.
Of course, same-day treatment isn’t automatically the best choice for every patient or every tooth. Your dentist will consider your individual needs and determine whether an in-office restoration is appropriate.
Choosing the Right Crown for Your Smile
Same-day and lab-made crowns can both be effective ways to restore a damaged or weakened tooth. The right option depends on factors such as your dental needs, treatment goals, available materials, and how quickly you’d like to complete treatment.
If you’re considering a crown, talk with your dentist about the advantages and limitations of each approach. A personalized recommendation can help you feel confident about your treatment choice.
A little information can make your next dental decision feel much easier.
About the Practice
Crossroads Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care for patients and families in the community. The practice offers restorative services designed to repair and protect damaged teeth, including CEREC same-day restorations for patients who may benefit from a more convenient crown treatment process. The dental team focuses on providing comfortable, personalized care while helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles.
Call us at (434) 841-1704 or schedule your appointment online.