Has your dentist told you that you need a crown on your tooth? Know that you’re not alone. In fact, 15 million Americans have already received crowns or bridges!

The great news is that you also now have multiple options for this common procedure. This means there will be a solution that fits your budget and preferences.

You might be concerned about how same-day and traditional crowns differ in cost, quality, or treatment process. Understanding some simple pros and cons can help you decide which is the right choice for you!

Read on to learn all you need to know about same day crowns vs traditional crowns.

How Do the Treatment Processes Differ?

When you get a same-day crown on your teeth, you make a single appointment with your dentist. He or she uses an intraoral camera and computer-aided design to create a 3D image of your damaged tooth.

After creating the model for the crown, your dentist uses a CEREC machine to create your same day crown at the office. When it’s done, your dentist will prepare your tooth and then will bond the new crown. The whole process takes only about an hour!

The process for getting traditional crowns on teeth usually takes two visits. You can expect your dentist to take x-rays and perform any additional work necessary, like a root canal. He or she will then make an impression of your tooth that a laboratory will use to craft it.

By the end of your first visit, your dentist will have installed a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the laboratory finishes your permanent one within 2 to 3 weeks. Your second visit will include removing the temporary crown, numbing your mouth, and placing the permanent crown.

How Do They Differ in Cost?

If you’re considering same day crowns vs traditional crowns, you’re probably wondering which is more expensive. In some cases, ceramic crowns have similar costs whether you get them made at your dentist office or at a lab.

Traditional crowns made of metal or porcelain, however, can be more expensive. Cost estimates show that crowns made of porcelain can cost between $800 and $3,000 while those made of metal range from $830 to $2,465.

Ultimately, your dentist office’s fees and your insurance benefits will determine what you pay out of pocket. You can often find a cost estimator tool through a dental insurance company or ask your dental office directly.

Do know, though, that you might save some money with a same-day crown since one dental visit is cheaper than two. This can mean the difference between one or two copays depending on your insurance.

What Are the Benefits of Same Day Crowns?

Same day crowns for teeth are the way to go if you want convenience. After all, you won’t need a temporary crown or have to wait for the permanent one to come back weeks later from a lab. Also, you just have one dentist visit.

You’ll also benefit from better comfort. If you’re worried about crowning teeth and pain, know that you’ll need fewer injections with same day crowns vs traditional crowns. Also, your dentist can use a digital scanner rather than uncomfortable traditional impressions to make a model for the crown. 

Your teeth also have a better chance of not seeing future decay. This is because you avoid temporary crowns that fit poorly and can let bacteria get into the tooth more easily.

What Are the Downsides of Same Day Crowns?

A top disadvantage of same day crowns vs traditional crowns is that same day crowns tend to be less strong and are more subject to wear and tear. This is because a CEREC crown is made of ceramic, which is less durable as metal or porcelain.

Another downside comes down to appearance: while same day crowns look natural and fit the teeth well, you may have to spend more time getting a custom shade that pleases you. If you’re curious, your dentist may be able to show you images from a patient with a similar dental crowns case as yours so you know what to do expect.

Lastly, same day crowns are not appropriate for all patients. If your tooth is fractured under the gumline, your dentist may have issues using the imaging camera to get a good map of your tooth.

What Are the Benefits of Traditional Crowns?

Unlike CEREC crowns that dentists quickly make on-site, traditional crowns tend to be stronger since they get made in a lab. This increased strength is also due to the additional material options for traditional crowns. While you can only get ceramic same day crowns, you can get metal or porcelain traditional crowns.

Another benefit is that traditional crowns can look more natural than CEREC crowns. Not only can choices of porcelain or ceramic give you a more accurate tooth color, but having an expert craft your crown to perfectly match your other teeth.

What Are the Downsides of Traditional Crowns?

One of the biggest disadvantages of traditional crowns is the waiting time. You not only have to make multiple appointments but also have to possibly wait weeks to receive your permanent crown.

In addition, you can expect to get a temporary crown while the lab makes your permanent traditional crown. This temporary option at least gives you a tooth, but it tends to not be as comfortable due to a poorer fit.

Same Day Crowns vs Traditional Crowns: Making the Final Choice

In the end, you’ll choose the right crown for you based on your preferences for convenience, comfort, quality, and cost.

Same day crowns will appeal to you if you want a quick, convenient option and don’t mind the limitations in materials or durability. Traditional crowns are good if you don’t mind two appointments but want more options for a customized tooth that will handle more wear and tear.

When you’re considering same day crowns vs traditional crowns, we’re happy to offer a consultation to learn more about your needs. Just reach out to us to make an appointment today.