In the past, getting a dental crown meant needing to wait to have it made at a separate dental lab. However, nowadays many dental practices are able to offer an alternative: same-day crowns created in-office with the state-of-the-art CEREC system. Are you not sure which of these options is right for your smile? Take the time to consider these 4 differences between same-day and lab-made crowns.
1. The Number of Appointments
Getting a lab-made crown usually requires at least two appointments. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions. The second visit typically takes place a few weeks later once the crown has been completed and sent to the dentist’s office.
In contrast, when you get a same-day crown, you can have a permanent restoration designed, created, and placed in just one visit. Needless to say, this can be the more convenient choice for those who are worried about having to fit multiple dental appointments into their busy schedules.
2. Precision
The impressions for lab-made dental crowns may not always come out completely right. As a result, the final restoration may not fit as comfortably as it should. Meanwhile, same-day dental crowns are designed based on digital impressions of your mouth created with advanced CAD/CAM technology. Digital impressions are highly accurate, making it much easier to create a crown that’s precisely the right shape and size.
3. The Use of a Temporary Crown
While you’re waiting for a lab-made crown, a temporary restoration will need to be placed on the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns aren’t as durable as permanent ones, so they tend to be more prone to breaking or falling off. On top of that, since they aren’t tightly sealed, there’s a greater chance of food particles and bacteria slipping underneath them.
With a same-day crown, there’s no need for you to wear a temporary crown because the final restoration will be placed before you leave your dentist’s office. As a result, you won’t have to worry about any of the drawbacks that come with temporary crowns.
4. Cost
The cost of a same-day crown is typically comparable to that of a lab-made crown, though the final price for either type of restoration can vary based on a variety of factors. That being said, getting a same-day crown could potentially save you money since it only requires one appointment.
If you’re still trying to decide whether you should pursue a lab-made crown or a traditional crown, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can review the pros and cons of both options with you and point you toward the option that best suits your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Malcolm J. Murray has more than 15 years of experience in the dental field. He studied dentistry at the Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia, and he belongs to the American Dental Association and other organizations. He is proud to be able to offer his patients convenient same-day crowns along with traditional lab-made crowns. If you think you might need a dental crown, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Murray at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fairfax by visiting his website or calling (703) 934-5540.
