Have you ever chipped a tooth just because you were biting into your favourite popcorn… or probably just needed a little extra reinforcement after a root canal? If so, you probably have heard of the term dental crown.
These handy little caps are actually dental superheroes, as they can save your broken, cracked, or even weakened teeth. But not all crowns are technically made equal. You can then choose between the same-day dental crowns or the traditional crowns.
Same day dental crowns, as the name suggests, are actually designed, created, and placed in your mouth, all in one visit. Yes, that’s right, you can just walk into your dentist’s office with your cracked tooth and walk out a few hours later with a brand-new and permanent crown. Sounds nice, right?
These crowns are made using high-tech CAD/CAM technology, which means Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing. Your dentist uses this small camera to take a digital impressions of your tooth, and afterwards, a milling machine carves out your custom-made crown from a block of ceramic. After a quick polish and adjustment, your crown is done! It’s now ready to be cemented into place.
On the other hand, traditional crowns take much longer to make and have a touch of old-school craftsmanship. Your dentist first shapes our tooth and then takes either a mould or a digital impression. This impression will then be sent to an off-site dental lab where their technicians will create your custom crown. It usually takes about 1 to 3 weeks.
And in the meantime, you’ll just probably wear a temporary crown to be able to protect your tooth. But once your permanent crown is ready, you need to come back for a second visit to have it placed and secured. Well, these traditional crowns usually offer a wide variety of materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, zirconia, and many more.
Speed vs. Precision
Well, as mentioned before, if you’re tight on schedule or just can’t stand the thought of two dental appointments, then same-day dental crowns are a much better choice. No temporary crowns. No extra trips.
But traditional crowns are still considered the gold standard when it comes to precision, especially for complex cases. Since their lab technicians handcraft each crown with careful attention to detail, they provide a slightly better fit and more long-term durability. Especially if your molars handle heavy chewing.
Material Matters
Same day crowns are usually made from high-grade ceramic. It looks natural and would then blend well with your other teeth. But if you need extra strength, like if you want your back tooth to get a lot of bite pressure, then traditional options like porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia are much better.
Cost and Convenience
Like any other treatment and remedy, we usually tend to look at our budget to see whether we can afford such or not. The cost of these can actually vary depending on your dentist and, of course, the materials to be used and insurance coverage. Same-day dental crowns may seem to be more high-tech also, but they are often comparable in price to traditional crowns. Having said so, always check with our dental provider and insurance for any personalised estimate. And always remember, time is money. So if you’re a busy parent, professional, or someone who prefers fewer trips to the dentist, then saving a second appointment can definitely be priceless.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best choice for you would still depend on your needs. And not just needs, but also your schedule, and, of course, your smile goals. If you want quick results and minimal disruptions with great aesthetics, then same-day crowns are the best option for you. But if your case is more complex than others, or you probably want a specific material, then traditional crowns might be your best bet.
Either way, you’re still restoring your tooth’s health, strength, and appearance, so it’s still a good investment.
Dental Health Tips
Whichever crown you choose, it’s always important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A few dental health tips to extend the life of your crown should be to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss daily so you can remove those plaque in between your teeth and also around the crown. Of course, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or even your pens, you’re not a kid anymore. Make sure you also visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. And for instances that you grind your teeth at night, use a night guard.
If you’re exploring long-term solutions for missing teeth alongside crowns, you might also consider dental implants. For example, searching for terms like “single implants Winnipeg MB” or “tooth replacement options near me” can help you find trusted professionals in your area. These searches can lead you to clinics that offer consultations and personalised treatment plans to support your dental health goals.
So for your healthier smile, make sure to choose well based on your needs and priorities. Talk to your dentist about which one works well for you. Good luck!
