When it comes to dental crowns, you have a few different options to choose from, such as traditional dental crowns or CEREC same-day crowns. So, which is the best choice for you? We’ll provide you with information to help you make the choice that best suits your needs at PS Dental Studio.
Dental crowns are a common solution used to restore strength and appearance to a damaged tooth. They can also be used in cosmetic dentistry treatments alongside veneers and bridges. Both same-day crowns and traditional crowns offer effective solutions, but they vary in terms of cost, convenience, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
If you’re looking for a dental restoration option that offers the best of both worlds—both convenience AND quality—it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making your decision. Let’s compare same-day crowns vs. traditional crowns to help inform your choice.
What are dental crowns, and who needs them?
Dental crowns are caps that fit over a tooth that has been damaged as a result of tooth decay or trauma. A crown restores the natural tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance and improves your oral health. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, metal, or ceramic. Crowns can help to protect a weak tooth from further damage or fix cosmetic issues like chips, gaps, or discoloration.
Anyone who has suffered extensive decay in their teeth or significant damage due to trauma may need a dental crown. In some cases, they may also be recommended for aesthetic purposes such as reshaping misaligned teeth, correcting discoloration caused by outdated fillings, or simply improving the overall look of your smile makeover.
At PS Dental Studio, Dr. Priya Sridhar takes a biomimetic dentistry approach, focusing on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible while providing effective restoration.
What are CEREC Same Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns available at PS Dental Studio are created using advanced CEREC technology that can design and mill a crown in just one visit. These crowns are digitally designed and use a precision milling machine to craft the crown out of a solid block of high-quality ceramic material, meaning they’re ready to use right away instead of having to be lab-fabricated over several days or weeks. These ceramic crowns offer convenience and an aesthetically pleasing result that typically looks just like natural teeth.
Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
- Immediate results: Same-day crowns provide long-term durability and strength with immediate placement
- Perfect color matching: They can be made to match your natural tooth shade without having to go through a multi-day process
- Cost-effective: They can be more cost-effective than traditional crowns, as they require fewer visits to our dental office
- Time-saving: Same-day crowns allow for quicker treatment of dental problems, reducing the amount of time needed for multiple dental appointments
- No temporary crowns needed: You leave with your permanent restoration the same day
- Digital precision: Advanced CEREC technology ensuresan accurate fit and optimal aesthetics
What are Traditional Crowns?
Traditional crowns are dental restorations that are fabricated in a dental laboratory over the course of 1-2 weeks. These crowns can be made from various materials, including all-porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic materials. Traditional crowns are often chosen when specific material requirements or complex cases require the precision and customization that laboratory fabrication provides.
Benefits of Traditional Crowns
- Material options: Traditional crowns can be made from a wider variety of materials to meet specific clinical needs
- Laboratory precision: Lab-fabricated crowns allow for highly detailed customization
- Complex case suitability: Better suited for complex restorative cases requiring specialized techniques
- Proven longevity: Long track record of success in dental restorations
What are the main differences between these two types of crowns?
While these dental restorations serve the same purpose, they do have some distinct differences that set them apart. Here are some factors you should take into consideration when deciding what type of crown to have placed:
Time
The main difference between same-day crowns and traditional crowns is the time it takes to create and place them. CEREC same-day crowns are created by taking a digital impression and creating a custom crown in our office so that they are ready to use right away, unlike traditional crowns, which have to be created in a lab, which typically takes 1-2 weeks and requires at least two visits to the dentist.
Materials and Durability
Same-day dental crowns at PS Dental Studio are made from high-quality ceramic materials using precision CEREC technology, while traditional crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or ceramic composites. Both options provide excellent durability when properly cared for through regular general dentistry maintenance.
Investment
While the costs of these two restorations are similar, CEREC same-day crowns can be more convenient and potentially cost-effective for patients. Since they require fewer appointments, you’ll save time and potentially reduce overall treatment costs. PS Dental Studio offers financial options to make both treatment options accessible.
Temporary Crowns
With traditional crowns, you won’t leave the office with your permanent restoration. While you are waiting for your crown to be fabricated at the dental lab, you will receive a temporary restoration to protect your tooth until you return to have your permanent one placed.
With CEREC same-day crowns, you’ll leave the office with your permanent crown, and no temporary crown will be needed.
How to Decide Which Crown Type is Right for You
When deciding between a CEREC same-day crown and a traditional crown, it is important to consider your dental needs, budget, and timeline. Same-day crowns offer the convenience of having the entire process done in a single appointment, while traditional crowns require two or more visits over the course of weeks.
If you have a busy schedule, prefer to complete treatment quickly, or need emergency dentistry care, then a CEREC same-day crown may be the better option since it can be ready in just one visit.
For patients who experience dental anxiety, both options can be performed with sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Ultimately, Dr. Priya Sridhar will evaluate your specific case and recommend the best option based on:
- The location and condition of the tooth
- Your aesthetic goals
- Your timeline preferences
- Your budget considerations
Expert Crown Care at PS Dental Studio
Whether you choose CEREC same-day crowns or traditional crowns, you can trust Dr. Priya Sridhar and our experienced team to provide exceptional care. Dr. Sridhar’s extensive training and commitment to advanced dental technology ensure that your crown restoration will be both functional and beautiful.
Make an Appointment with PS Dental Studio Today
If you’re considering a same-day crown or a traditional crown, make an appointment with PS Dental Studio today. Our experienced team will help you decide which dental procedure is best for your needs and provide you with the highest quality of care.
Serving patients throughout the Greater Seattle, Kenmore, and Bothell areas, PS Dental Studio combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional crown restorations. Contact us today to learn more about your crown options and schedule your consultation!
