Dental crowns are a common solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth, but not all crowns are created the same. Today, patients often have two main options: same-day crowns and traditional lab-made crowns. While both serve the same purpose, they differ in several important ways. Understanding these differences can help you feel more confident when discussing treatment with your dentist.
1. Treatment Timeline
One of the biggest differences between same-day and lab-made crowns is how long the process takes. Same-day crowns are designed, created, and placed in a single appointment using advanced CAD/CAM technology. This means you can walk into your dentist’s office with a damaged tooth and leave the same day with a permanent crown.
Lab-made crowns, on the other hand, typically require two visits. During the first appointment, your tooth is prepared and impressions are taken, then sent to a dental lab. You’ll wear a temporary crown for a couple of weeks while the lab fabricates the final restoration, which is placed during a second visit.
2. Technology and Fabrication
Same-day crowns are created right in the dental office using digital impressions and computer-guided milling machines. This eliminates the need for traditional putty impressions, which many patients find uncomfortable. The digital design process also allows for precise customization in real time.
Lab-made crowns are crafted by skilled dental technicians using impressions taken by your dentist. These crowns are often hand-layered and finished in a laboratory setting, which can allow for highly detailed esthetics, especially for front teeth.
3. Materials Used
Same-day crowns are commonly made from solid blocks of ceramic materials such as porcelain or zirconia. These materials are durable, metal-free, and designed to closely match the natural color of your teeth.
Lab-made crowns offer a wider range of material options, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold alloys, and layered ceramics. Depending on your needs, certain materials may be better suited for strength, appearance, or long-term durability.
4. Convenience and Comfort
For many patients, convenience is the deciding factor. Same-day crowns eliminate the need for temporary crowns, follow-up visits, and potential discomfort from a temporary restoration coming loose. This option is especially appealing for busy schedules or patients traveling from out of town.
Lab-made crowns may involve slightly more inconvenience due to multiple visits, but they can be an excellent choice for complex cases or situations where maximum customization is needed.
Both same-day and lab-made crowns are effective, long-lasting solutions. The best choice depends on your oral health, the location of the tooth, esthetic goals, and your lifestyle. Your dentist can help guide you toward the option that best fits your needs and ensures a healthy, confident smile.
About the Practice
Do you have damaged or decayed teeth that need restoring? How about custom-made dental crowns crafted in just one appointment? That’s right, at Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have CEREC same-day crowns manufactured right here on the spot in our office. With mess-free digital impressions for greater comfort and 3 available payment options, you’ll find us to be an experienced team who puts your dental goals first. Schedule an appointment online or call (254) 203-9662.