When a tooth is damaged or weak, your dentist may be able to save it with a type of dental prosthetic known as a crown. Custom-designed to match your smile, these coverings are secured to the tops of damaged teeth to restore their shape and chewing strength. If you need this treatment, you might wonder if it’s better to invest in a same-day crown or a traditional lab-produced prosthetic. To help you gain more insight into these options, here’s a quick comparison of the two choices.

Traditional vs. Same-Day Dental Crowns

Manufacturing Process

If you’re going the traditional route, your dentist will take an impression of your affected tooth and send it to a lab, where it will be used as a mold to create the prosthetic.

Same-day crowns are produced in-house at the dental office. Rather than relying on messy impressions, this method utilizes computer-aided imaging technology to detail the exact dimensions of the tooth. An automated milling machine will use this data to shape a ceramic replacement.  

Speed of Treatment

It can take several weeks for a dental lab to produce a conventional crown. During this time, you may need to wear a temporary prosthetic to protect the affected tooth.

By contrast, same-day alternatives can be made in your provider’s office in under an hour, allowing you to get the process done in one appointment without the need for a temporary measure.

Strength

Lab-produced crowns are typically crafted from special dental porcelain or a combination of metal and porcelain. These materials can be stronger and less resistant to wear than ceramic—the material primarily used to produce same-day crowns. As such, same-day crowns may require replacement more frequently than traditional options.

Tooth Preservation

When placing traditional crowns, dentists must drill away a considerable portion of the original tooth to ensure a proper bond. As a result, you may end up losing some healthy enamel.

Same-day prosthetics offer a more secure fit that allows providers to preserve more of the original tooth. This advantage may help prevent tooth sensitivity.

Appearance

Both porcelain and ceramic dental prosthetics can deliver a natural, lifelike appearance that will be hard for others to pinpoint. However, traditional products may offer the highest level of realism, as they’re carefully color-matched by a trained lab professional.

 

If you want to take the difficulty out of dental restorations, turn to Larry G. Hubbard, DDS. Backed with CEREC® technology, this Statesboro, GA, dentist will provide precise, strong, and convenient same-day crowns to keep your smile intact. Focused on patient comfort, Dr. Hubbard will also guide you through every step of the process with a gentle and seamless approach. Visit this provider online to learn about all the ways he can restore damaged teeth—such as with bridges, dental implants, or veneers. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to review your oral health and discuss possible treatment options, call (912) 764-9891.